Training catalogue

A delegate of Redcross building something.
Photo: Sakari Piippo / Finnish Red Cross

Description of trainings Finnish Red Cross organises regularly for members of the aid worker reserve. 

 

Training Catalogue List

Duration: 4 days 

Prerequisite: IMPACT, ERU Induction Training, Pre-Course Learning 

Target audience: all health professionals who wish to be deployed in a Health ERU (hospital or clinics). 

Background 

The Specialized ERU Medical Training improves the participants' competencies in working within Red Cross Red Crescent Movement emergency operations as part of Health Emergency Response Units or Rapid Deployments (ERU/RD).  

The Specialized ERU Medical Training improves the participants' competencies in working within Red Cross Red Crescent Movement emergency operations as part of IFRC Health Emergency Response Units or ICRC Rapid Deployment Units (ERU/RD). 

Delegates who wish to be deployed to international missions as part of Health ERU/RDUs are required to complete both ERU Induction and Specialized ERU Medical trainings. 

Learning Objectives 

The training aims to

  • improve the participants’ understanding on global and Red Cross Red Crescent humanitarian assistance related to Health ERU/RD work 
  • raise the participants’ awareness on Standard Operating Procedures, guidelines and standards guiding the health ERU deployments 
  • upgrade the participants’ technical knowledge relevant for working in health ERUs 
  • provide adequate practical know-how for working in health ERUs 

After attending the training, the participants will be able to understand and implement a community-centered approach, support the delivery of services that address the unique health needs of specific groups and promote the well-being and dignity of the individuals we serve. 

Training Methods 

Training methods include presentations, group work, discussions and practical hands-on exercises. 

Pre-Course Online Learning

Public Health – Module 1: Introduction (30 min) 

Public Health - Module 5: Rapid Health Assessment (30 min)  

Public Health: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (1 h)  

Introduction to Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) (30 min) 

Clinical Management of Rape and Intimate Partner Violence Survivors – iLearn Program (7 hours) To access this resource you need to create an account to WHO iLearn platform (self-registered users and administrators). After you have logged in search for the “Clinical Management of Rape and Intimate Partner Violence Survivors” training in the system. 

Duration: 4 days:  

Prerequisite: IMPACT, ERU Induction Training, Pre-Course Learning  

Target audience: All technical delegates, other highly motivated and technically oriented applicants  

Background 

Specialized ERU Technical training prepares delegates for the future mission as a camp or hospital technician and provides a wide picture of relevant duties. In a medical ERU, the technical duties are very versatile. Specialized ERU technical training consists of a wide array of topics and is divided into separate modules: 

  • Waste management, heating, cooling and selected medical equipment 
  • Water treatment and storage, Avant-multipurpose tractor, generators and electrical network 

These modular trainings are hosted in alternate years. Together with ERU Induction training, either one of the modular trainings qualifies delegates to be deployed as a hospital or camp technicians. 

All technical delegates are expected to complete both of these modular trainings to be able to handle the full range of tasks of technical delegates. 

In the past, Specialized ERU Technical Training was not divided in modules as described above. If a delegate has participated in previous trainings, these new modules can be redone and considered as a refresher. 

Learning Objectives 

After attending the training, the participants will  

  • have upgraded technical knowledge and relevant practical know-how in emergency operations aimed at the core competencies and skills  
  • be familiar with technical equipment and procedures of the Finnish Red Cross ERU units  
  • be able to set up and run technical tasks of medical ERU units including drinking water treatment and related tasks  

Contents  

The training will focus on the following topics: 

  • Standard water treatment units  
  • Water pumping equipment  
  • Different water storage options  
  • Water analysis equipment  
  • Diesel generators  
  • 3-phase electrical networks  
  • Using and servicing of Avant multipurpose tractor  
  • Procurement in field operations  
  • Setting up and maintenance of a tent sauna and a shower cabin  
  • Most common tent models 
  • Air Conditioner for tents 
  • Heater for tents 
  • Waste management 
  • Incinerators 
  • Portable toilet and vacuum pump  
  • Setting up and maintenance of Digital Xray equipment, Autoclaves, OT table, OT lamp, other selected medical equipment .

Training Methods 

Training methods will include practical hands-on exercises, presentations, group works and dialogue.  

Pre-Course Online Learning

Pre-course assignments will be sent to the participants prior to the training.

Duration: 3 days 

Prerequisite: IMPACT, ERU Induction Training, Pre-Course Learning  

Target audience: finance and accounting professionals, other motivated applicants, especially team leaders, logistics professionals and admin delegates 

Background 

Finnish Red Cross organizes Specialized Finance and Administration Training focusing on Emergency Response Unit (IFRC) / Rapid Deployment Mechanism (ICRC) operations. The course will familiarize participants with the processes related to financial management, human resources and procurement in an ERU/RDM context including various delegate roles and how each delegate contributes to the accountability of the operation. 

Learning Objectives 

After attending the training, the participants will 

  • understand the processes and responsibilities related to financial management and administration in an ERU/RDM context 
  • understand the meaning of accountability, transparency and audit requirements 
  • understand the management of local staff, daily labor and volunteers 
  • have a basic understanding of procurement processes 

Contents  

The training will include the following topics:   

  • Finance roles and responsibilities 
  • Budgets, budgeting and approval processes 
  • Accounting, expenses and supporting documents 
  • Preparing financial reports and cash flow forecast 
  • The role of local staff, daily labor and volunteers 
  • Procurement of goods and services 
  • Simple contracts & agreements 
  • Managing funds, assets and inventories 

An important part of the training is to share relevant professional experience of financial management procedures and tools in the operations.   

Training Methods   

Training methods will include presentations, case studies, group exercises and building on the experiences of participants. Participants will receive pre-learning package to be completed prior to the training. 

Pre-Course Online Learning

Mandatory pre-learning varies depending on the training and will be communicated to selected participants separately. Participants are recommended to refresh their memory with their notes from ERU/ER Induction Training and familiarize with the following: 

Duration: 8 days 

Prerequisite:  IMPACT, ERU Induction, LOG tag in REST, fluent in English 

Target audience: Warehouse/Transport Delegate, Air/Port Operations Delegate, Supply Chain Administration (SCAD) Delegate 

Background 

The overall aim of the Logistics ERU Foundation Course is to prepare participants for their future roles as members of Finnish Red Cross Logistics Emergency Response Unit (ERU). This is a joint training with British, Danish, Italian, Spanish, and Swiss Red Crosses. 

The training increases participants' understanding of the Logistics ERU function and tasks as part of IFRC emergency operations. During the course, participants learn about the IFRC’s policies, procedures, documentation, and systems relating to Logistics ERU in the field. 

Learning Objectives 

By the end of the training participants will: 

  • Understand the role of the Logistics ERU in IFRC Disaster Response Operations 
  • Be aware of the Logistics ERU procedures in IFRC operations 
  • Be familiar with the IFRC operational logistics procedures 

Contents 

Training includes all the IFRC standard and compulsory Logistics ERU training sessions, including IFRC logistics, procurement, transport, fleet, customs clearance, logistics assessment and warehousing. 

The training also includes Logistics ERU equipment exercise and a simulation. 

Learning Methods 

Training methods will include presentations, practical exercises, hands-on training and group work. 

Pre-Course Online Learning 

Selected participants will receive pre-reading material and tasks to be completed prior to training. 

Duration: 3 days  

Prerequisite: IMPACT Training, Pre-Course Learning 

Target audience:  

  • medical staff for ERU Red Cross Red Crescent Emergency Clinic and Hospital; doctors, midwives, nurses, surgical and anesthetic staff, physiotherapists, psychosocial support professionals, medical laboratory technologists, radiographers, instrument technicians, medical logisticians and pharmacists 
  • non-medical staff for ERU Red Cross Red Crescent Emergency Clinic and Hospital; site technicians (electrical, water and sanitation, shelter, general trades), logisticians, kitchen supervisors, finance and administration professionals etc. 
  • logisticians for Logistics ERU 
  • IT and Telecom professionals for IT/Telecom ERU 

Background 

Emergency Response Units (ERUs) are a disaster response tool and part of the IFRC disaster management system. An ERU is a standardized package of trained personnel and modules of equipment that is ready to be deployed on a short notice to Red Cross Red Crescent emergency operations. 

ERUs provide direct services (e.g. emergency health care) when local facilities are either destroyed, overwhelmed or do not exist. ERUs can also provide essential specific support for RCRC emergency operations (e.g. logistics, IT and telecommunications services). Deployed ERU teams work together with local RCRC personnel. 

ERUs are maintained, financed and operated by a range of National Societies. The Finnish Red Cross maintains the capacity to deploy the following ERUs: 

Finnish Red Cross also deploys a Field Communication Unit, which is a rapidly deployable team responding to communication needs. 

Read more about Emergency Response Units on Finnish Red Cross website in Finnish or in Swedish. 

Learning Objectives 

After attending the training, the participants will 

  • have increased commitment to deliver high standard humanitarian assistance 
  • have viewed the work of deployed ERU personnel through the lens of operational needs 
  • understand what an Emergency Response Unit is and how, when and why ERUs are used as a tool in disaster response 
  • be aware of how Red Cross Red Crescent Movement emergency response operations are led and coordinated 
  • understand what is expected from delegates who wish to be deployed as ERU personnel 
  • be better equipped to reflect on their personal preparedness to work in an emergency context as RCRC delegates 

Contents 

The training will focus on the following topics:  

  • rules, principles, policies and procedures that guide disaster relief, RCRC emergency response operations and Emergency Response Units 
  • IFRC and ICRC approaches to disaster response 
  • services and components of different Emergency Response Units 
  • maintaining, financing and operating Finnish Red Cross ERUs 
  • health, safety and security in the ERU context 
  • general requirements for ERU delegates 
  • duties applicable to all deployed ERU staff 
  • HR procedures relating to ERU and other emergency response missions 

Training Methods 

Training methods will include presentations, group work, discussions and practical hands-on exercises. 

Pre-Course Online Learning 

Selected participants will receive pre-reading material and tasks to be completed prior to training. 

E-Courses to be completed prior the training: 

Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the following resources: 

Duration: 3 days  

Prerequisite: IMPACT Training, Pre-Course Learning 

Target audience: all delegates profiles. prioritizing those who are not medical or technical professionals 

Background 

IFRC’s Surge mechanism which covers Rapid Response personnel and Emergency Response Units (ERUs) is a key part of IFRC’s disaster management system. An ERU is a self-sufficient, standardised offer of trained personnel and equipment, ready to be deployed on a short notice to Red Cross Red Crescent emergency operations while Rapid Response personnel are trained specialists, deploying on a short-term basis to support Red Cross Red Crescent emergency operations. 

ERUs are maintained, financed and operated by a range of National Societies. The Finnish Red Cross maintains the capacity to deploy the following ERUs: 

Rapid Response personnel may come from any of Finnish Red Cross’ existing technical pools. You can read more about the IFRC’s complete catalogue of Surge services here. 

Learning Objectives 

After attending the training, the participants will 

  • Have increased understanding how to deliver high standard humanitarian assistance 
  • Be aware of how Red Cross Red Crescent Movement emergency response operations are led and coordinated 
  • Have viewed the work of ERUs and Rapid Response personnel through the lens of operational needs 
  • Understand what Emergency Response Units and Rapid Response personnel are and how they are used as a tool in disaster response 
  • Understand what is expected from delegates who wish to be deployed as ERU / Rapid Response personnel 
  • Be better equipped to reflect on their personal preparedness to work in an emergency context as RCRC delegates 

Contents 

The training will focus on the following topics:  

  • Rules, principles, policies, and procedures that guide disaster relief, RCRC emergency response operations, Emergency Response Units, and Rapid response personnel 
  • RCRC Movement approaches to disaster response 
  • Services and components of IFRC’s Surge services (ERUs and Rapid Response personnel) 
  • Work of ERUs and Rapid Response personnel during a disaster response 
  • Health, safety, and security in the context of a disaster response 
  • General requirements for ERU and Rapid Response delegates 
  • Duties applicable to all deployed ERU and Rapid Response delegates 
  • HR procedures relating to disaster response missions 

Training Methods 

Training methods will include presentations, group work, discussions and practical hands-on exercises. 

Pre-Course Online Learning 

Selected participants will receive pre-reading material and tasks to be completed prior to training. 

E-Courses to be completed prior the training: 

Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the following resources: 

Duration: 4 days 

Prerequisite: IMPACT, ERU trainings, Pre-course Online Trainings; webinar on working in a high-stress environment; physically and psychologically fit to cope in a high-stress environment 

Target audience: for all Finnish Red Cross aid worker reserve members who are available for deployments within the next 12 months. Particularly recommended for those in a management position, e.g. current or prospective team leaders, Red Cross Red Crescent staff working and/or travelling in medium and high-risk areas and staff members linked with security of deployed staff.. 

Background  

Finnish Red Cross Safety and Security training provides the participants an opportunity to learn and understand the security approach of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, to discuss and share views and knowledge on personal preparedness, situational analysis, safety and security management and means for prevention and protection in the field as well as to learn and to brush-up skills necessary for functional safety and security in the field. 

This is an exercise and simulation-based training. It allows participants to explore how to operate in a high-risk environment and respond to threatening situations and develop relevant skills. 

The training is organized in cooperation with Finnish Defense Forces. 

Learning Objectives 

After attending the training, the participants will 

  • be aware of the trends of security incidents in Red Cross Red Crescent operations 
  • be familiar with the security measures taken by the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Finnish Red Cross 
  • understand and know how to assess risks and threats related to the security of Red Cross Red Crescent operations, personnel and beneficiaries 
  • know how to behave in a threatening situation in the field 
  • know the basic preventive and protective measures an individual RCRC aid worker can take to improve the security situation 
  • be familiar with basic operational security planning and be able to draw a team evacuation plan 

Contents 

The training will include: 

  • Pre-onsite training afterwork webinar on working in a high-stress environment 
  • Introductory briefings on concepts and tools of security management (with risk assessment) at all levels 
  • Briefings with discussion on principles and means of prevention and protection of violence and criminal acts, against health risks and on psychological support 
  • Two terrain days on safety and security with simulated exercises and with on-the-spot debriefings 

Training methods  

Training methods include presentations, discussions, exercises and a simulation. 

Pre-Course Online Learning 

Selected participants will receive a pre-course learning package, including online training, pre-reading material and tasks to be completed prior to training. 

Ecourses to be completed prior to the training: 

Duration: 4 days 

Prerequisite: Specialized ERU Medical Training or Specialized ERU IT & Telecom Training, previous experience in using and managing electronic health records systems in a clinical setting (for medical personnel), experience in managing, training, and supporting staff and volunteers, strong analytical skills and ability to handle complex issues and data, willingness and availability to join a mission with the Finnish Red Cross in the next 12 months, strong knowledge of electronic medical records and working knowledge of database or data manipulation software (e.g. Excel) is an asset 

Target audience: medical and ITT delegates 

Background 

IFRC is implementing a new health information system (RCHIS) to be used in ERU Health Emergency Clinic and Hospital. 

There will be three categories of users in the RCHIS system: 

  • User, which is all clinical staff in the ERU clinic and hospital handling patients (OPD, ward, surgery, pharmacy, x-ray, etc.). All medical personnel deploying with medical ERUs are required to have in minimum a user level training for RCHIS. User training will be done in the field, by the superusers deployed with the RCEH/RCEC unit. In the future, the user training will be implemented through an online eLearning module, once available. 
  • Superuser, who is specially trained to handle day to day support of RCHIS but will also follow their clinical duty. This four-day training will give you tools be deployed as a superuser. 
  • Expert, who is responsible for training, implementation and supervision of RCHIS as well as quality insurance. Expert users will be mainly Finnish Red Cross staff. 

Learning Objectives 

After attending the training, the participants will 

  • understand what RCHIS is and how it works 
  • be equipped with sufficient information to guide colleagues in using RCHIS 
  • be able to provide day to day support in using RCHIS on the field 

Contents 

  • Understanding RCHIS 
  • Reporting in an ERU 
  • Administration and user management 
  • Basic troubleshooting 
  • Outpatient Department simulation 
  • X-ray and Laboratory functions 
  • PSS and Physiotherapy functions 
  • Maternal Health functions and simulation 
  • Inpatient functions and simulation 
  • Business Continuity Planning and simulation 

Learning Methods 

Training methods will include presentations, practical exercises, hands-on training and group work. 

Pre-Course Online Learning 

Selected participants will receive pre-reading material and tasks to be completed prior to training. The self-study module is part of the RCHIS Training, and the course cannot be successfully completed without completing the pre-course learning package. 

Some materials to familiarize with before the training: 

Duration: 3 days 

Prerequisite: Pre-course Online Training 

Target audience: for all Finnish Red Cross delegates regardless of their profession. 

Background  

Basic telecommunication skills are essential for all delegates who are deployed to short- or long-term field missions in operations and/or programs in order for them to perform effectively in their diverse professions. Up to date telecommunication skills also improve personal security. 

Learning Objectives  

After attending the training, the participants will  

  • have basic working knowledge of computers, cellphones, two-way radio procedures and satellite phones currently used in Finnish Red Cross international operations 
  • have basic telecommunication skills that enable them to perform effectively in their professional aid worker duties 

Contents  

The training will focus on the following topics:     

  • IT & Telecom systems used on the field 
  • Theory and exercise on mobile networks 
  • Android smartphones 
  • Introduction and exercise on VHF radios 
  • Theory and exercise on Satellite phones 
  • Electricity basics 
  • Data security 
  • Microsoft Windows laptop in Finnish Red Cross environment 
  • Finnish Red Cross IT support 

Training methods 

Training methods will include presentations, discussions and many practical hands-on exercises.  

Pre-Course Online Learning 

Selected participants will receive pre-reading material and tasks to be completed prior to training. 

Duration: 4 days 

Prerequisite: Safety and Security Training 

Target audience: IT&T oriented delegates who have already completed the Security Training 

Background

The purpose of this training is to allow participants to refresh their existing skills and practice using IT & Telecom equipment and procedures with the standard IFRC equipment. 

Contents 

Participants will have a change to install, configure, use and train others in IT&T equipment and procedures. 

Learning Objectives

After attending the training, the participants will gain knowledge and experience on: 

  • Facilitating user level training in VHF and Satellite communications and GPS devices
  • Building VHF base stations in field environment
  • Building a VHF repeater station in field environment
  • Operating VHF radio in busy radio networks
  • Installing office equipment for field office
  • Using LTE network for sharing Internet access
  • Configuring MikroTik Wi-Fi Access points

Training methods 

Training methods will include practical hands-on exercises, presentations, dialogue and group work. 

Duration: 3 days 

Prerequisite: Pre-Course Online Training 

Target audience: Finnish Red Cross delegates with ERU deployment experience who wish to deploy as ERU Team Leaders or other ERU management in the future, as well as those who already have ERU Team Leader experience and wish to strengthen their ERU management skills. 

Background 

The goal of this training is to strengthen and standardize the quality and accountability of the management of Finnish Red Cross’ ERU deployments. The participants will learn about and experience the complete ERU management cycle from the start of the deployment to the exit of the ERU. This training consists of both technical and soft skills exercises and relies heavily on the participants’ own experiences and their ability to apply their knowhow and skills in various problem-solving situations. 

The focus of this training is on Finnish Red Cross’ ERU deployments, but many of the skills used are easily transferable to other situations and deployment modalities. 

Learning Objectives 

The goal of this training is to strengthen and standardize the quality and accountability of the management of Finnish Red Cross’ ERU deployments. The participants will learn about and experience the complete ERU management cycle from the start of the deployment to the exit of the ERU. This training consists of both technical and soft skills exercises and relies heavily on the participants’ own experiences and their ability to apply their knowhow and skills in various problem-solving situations.  

The focus of this training is on Finnish Red Cross’ ERU deployments, but many of the skills used are easily transferable to other situations and deployment modalities. 

Contents 

  • ERU management cycle from the start of the deployment to the exit 
  • Working as a team 
  • Security 
  • Coordination and cooperation with movement and external partners 
  • Ethical/moral decision-making 
  • Operational problem-solving 
  • Giving appraisals and handovers 
  • Exit process, reporting and documentation 

Training methods 

  • One mind approach - Participants work in small teams but present only as one person (Team Leader). In practice, this means that even when there are different opinions in the team for a given task, only one answer must be given (you will need to find consensus among the group). 
  • Tabletop Simulation - This training follows an operation timeline and relies heavily on group work and discussions both in groups and in plenary. There are minimal lectures/presentations. The scenarios presented may have multiple solutions while others will have only one correct answer (in these cases the correct answer is presented after the task). 

Pre-Course Online Learning 

In addition to these eCourses, some pre-reading related to the Code of Conduct will be sent out the participants prior the training. 

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