When a critical incident happens, things can move quickly. For aid workers, their colleagues and teams on the ground, the situation can be stressful, uncertain and difficult to navigate. In those first important moments, knowing what support is available – and how to access it – can make a real difference.
At Protect Aid Workers (PAW), we help aid workers affected by threats, violence, arrest, detention, kidnapping and other critical incidents to access appropriate support as quickly as possible. Depending on the circumstances, this could include financial assistance, legal support, medical or psychosocial support and other forms of practical help.
But knowing that support exists is only part of the picture. Knowing when and how to access it matters too.
About the module
That’s why we’ve developed a new Protect Aid Workers e-learning module – a short, practical introduction to what PAW offers and how it can complement an organisation’s existing procedures.
The module looks at situations where PAW support may be relevant, including threats, violence, arrest, detention, kidnapping and other critical incidents. An interactive scenario also puts you in the shoes of a colleague responding when someone is detained during a mission.
Why take the module?
Because knowing where to turn can make a difference. Even with good planning, unexpected situations can arise. And when an incident does happen, PAW may be able to help. The more people who understand what support is available – and how to signpost a colleague quickly and appropriately – the stronger our collective response.
It takes just a few minutes. Those few minutes could help ensure that, when a serious incident happens, an aid worker doesn’t have to face it alone.