Overview
On 24 November 2025, Black Onyx Academy deployed an expatriate training team from the United Kingdom to Basra, Southern Iraq, to deliver two internationally accredited security training programmes:
- The 5-Day Highfield Level 3 Emergency Care First Responder (ECFR) Course
- The 18-Day Highfield Level 3 Close Protection (International) Course
This training was delivered by Black Onyx Academy instructors to a cohort of Nepali and Iraqi nationals, supporting an Iraqi Ministry of Interior (MoI) registered Private Security Company (PSC).
Through our trusted Joint Venture (JV) partnership with Al Baron Security Services, Black Onyx Academy continues to raise security standards across Iraq and the wider Middle East.
5-Day Highfield Level 3 Emergency Care First Responder (ECFR) Course
Black Onyx Academy instructors Ben Willmott and Brian Jakeman arrived in Basra on 24 November 2025 and commenced Day 1 of the Highfield Level 3 ECFR Course on 25 November 2025.
The ECFR programme equips learners with the competence to manage life-threatening emergencies where rapid intervention is critical.
Topics Delivered
- Incident Assessment & Casualty Management
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Therapeutic Oxygen Therapy
- Control of Catastrophic Bleeding & Major External Bleeding
- Chest Injuries, Spinal Injuries, Suspected Head or Spinal Trauma
- Suspected Broken Bones & Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Major Illness & Medical Emergencies
- Shock Management
- Minor Injuries
Why Choose the Highfield Level 3 ECFR/Level 3 FREC Delivered by Black Onyx Academy?
- Rapid, effective emergency care when every second counts: Learners gain the skills to stabilise casualties, manage airways, control severe bleeding, deliver CPR, and administer oxygen, abilities proven to save lives.
- Broader capability than basic first aid: The ECFR programme trains personnel to respond to trauma, critical medical conditions, and complex emergencies beyond the scope of standard first aid courses.
- Preparedness for high-risk or high-visibility roles: Ideal for security teams, event staff, and close protection personnel operating in environments where emergencies are more likely.
- Confidence and professionalism under pressure: Students learn not only what to do, but how to apply lifesaving interventions calmly, safely, and effectively.
Training Outcome
The Highfield ECFR Course delivered by Black Onyx Academy achieved a 100% student pass rate, ensuring every participant became certified to Highfield International Standards.
This result reflects the quality of instruction and the commitment of the Iraqi and Nepali students to achieving excellence.
18-Day Highfield Level 3 Close Protection (International) Course
Following the successful delivery of the Highfield Level 3 Emergency Care First Responder (ECFR) Course, instructors Ben Willmott and James McCraken commenced delivery of the 18-Day Highfield Level 3 Close Protection (International) Course on 30 November 2025, concluding on 17 December 2025.
Eight of the Highfield Level 3 Emergency Care First Responder (ECFR) graduates progressed directly into the Highfield Level 3 Close Protection (International) Course, demonstrating the seamless training pathway offered by the Black Onyx Academy and Al Baron Security Services Joint Venture (JV) service delivery.
The course was delivered intensively over 18 days, combining classroom instruction with rigorous practical assessments. All students, both Nepali and Iraqi nationals, performed exceptionally well throughout the course, achieving significantly high standards, achieving a 100% pass rate.
Topics Delivered
- Principles of Working as a Close Protection Operative
- Threat Assessment & Risk Management
- Surveillance, Reconnaissance & Counter-Surveillance Techniques
- Operational & Protective Planning: Movement, Route Planning, Venue & Event Security
- Conflict Management & Physical Intervention Skills
- Threat Awareness & Optional Door-Supervision Skills
Why Choose the Highfield Level 3 Close Protection (International) Course Delivered by Black Onyx Academy?
- Internationally Recognised Training Excellence: Delivered to Highfield’s International Level 3 standards, ensuring graduates are fully competent for modern protective operations worldwide.
- Elite Instruction from Industry Specialists: The combined experience of Black Onyx Academy’s instructors and Highfield Centre certification, and Al Baron’s legal, compliance and regulatory coverage provide unmatched hybrid real-world insight and professional training delivery.
- Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC): Aligning with the ethos of the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC), British and Iraqi organisations merging to deliver a high-quality, low-cost, legal, and compliant service to elevate the security and training standards in Iraq.
- Comprehensive, Scenario-Driven Skills Development: Realistic simulations, operational planning exercises, surveillance drills, conflict management, and protective movement training ensure graduates are prepared for real deployments.
- Enhanced Employability & Professional Credibility: Completion of the course provides a globally recognised qualification, strengthening graduates’ competitiveness for roles in international close protection and high-risk environments.
Conclusion
Black Onyx Academy delivered exceptional, internationally accredited training to all participants, ensuring smooth transfer of knowledge and enabling learners to meet, and in many cases surpass the standards required to achieve Highfield International Certification.
Our track record of successful, high-quality, cost-effective training delivery in the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, demonstrates our commitment to raising global security capability.
Together with our trusted Iraqi Joint Venture partner, Al Baron Security Services, we continue to enhance professional security standards across Iraq and the Middle East.
Black Onyx Academy remains proud to deliver world-class training, empowering organisations, and individuals to operate safely, competently, and confidently in demanding high-pressured environments.
