Ukrainian Journalists Prepare for Work in Warzones: Training on Safety, Psychology, and Tactical Medicine by AUP

At the Academy of Ukrainian Press (AUP), we believe that the knowledge gained in training or courses should be more than just theoretical; it should be practised to the point of automation. This is especially crucial for journalists, military personnel, and others who might find themselves in dangerous situations.

From August 29-31, 2024, we launched our project "Your Mission—Your Voice. Ukrainian Journalists on the Frontline." Journalists' work in high-risk environments is complex. Besides ensuring their physical safety, it involves caring for their psycho-emotional state, knowing how to assist those nearby, and understanding how to avoid re-traumatising a respondent with sensitive experiences through their questions.

The first day was dedicated to safety and professional challenges for journalists working in dangerous zones. Trainers Ivan Antypenko and Andriy Yurychko shared their experiences working in southern Ukraine, explained the rights and responsibilities of press officers in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), and conducted practical group exercises on interacting with civilians and military personnel.

• "Being a military journalist means taking on greater responsibilities than just being a journalist. It's not only about the speed and accuracy of reporting but also about the safety of military and civilian personnel. We have combined the experience of military journalists, the requirements and duties of press officers, and the best practices of Ukrainian fixers," noted media expert Andriy Yurychko.
• "It is important to have situational awareness and be ready to help. It is about saving honour, life, and health, at least at the level a civilian can manage," said media trainer Ivan Antypenko.

On the second day, they focused on psychological preparation, conducted by Natalia Umerenko, a candidate for psychological sciences and a practising psychologist. Participants learned methods of psychological self-help in high-risk conditions, how to provide first psychological aid in critical situations, and how to work with harrowing stories to avoid trauma.

• "A journalist in a war environment is responsible for the content they release to the world and the state of the person after such material. This requires additional knowledge, and this training is designed to equip journalists with that knowledge," emphasised Natalia Umerenko.

The third day was dedicated to tactical medicine training. Instructors from the Realist Security Hub conducted sessions on managing massive bleeding, airways, breathing, circulation, and hypothermia. Participants had the opportunity to practice life-saving skills in high-risk conditions.

The experts believe that just listening to training is not enough—muscle memory is needed, achieved only through constant practical exercises. In extreme conditions, a person must act automatically, such as applying a tourniquet quickly. Journalists, who often arrive first at the scene, must also be prepared to provide first aid since the situation can be unstable and medical help may not be available promptly.

• "We need to develop motor skills and embed this knowledge not in our heads but in our hands, so it comes out automatically... a person in extreme conditions... if they listened but didn't practice, they didn't learn; they don't have muscle memory, and consequently, in extreme situations, they won't be able to do anything," said the instructors of Realist Security Hub.

The Academy of Ukrainian Press and the Media and Digital Literacy Center of the Free University of Berlin organised the training. Participants received certificates for completing the training and the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired in practice, enhancing their safety and professionalism while working in conflict zones.