Sebastian Junger

RISC is dedicated to promoting the safety of freelance journalists in conflict zones.

Sebastian Junger founded RISC in 2011 after his close friend and colleague, acclaimed photographer Tim Hetherington, died from wounds he suffered in a mortar attack while covering the civil war in Libya. Although Hetherington's injuries were serious, Junger later learned from a combat medic that first aid might have saved his life during the short ride to the hospital. However, none of the journalists traveling with Hetherington that day had any medical training. Nor, do most reporting from remote and dangerous regions today.

RISC (Reporters Instructed in Saving Colleagues) is dedicated to promoting the safety of freelance journalists working in conflict zones. It provides comprehensive emergency first aid training to help mitigate many of the physical threats they face while on the job. RISC's goal is to make first aid training and preparedness an industry norm, like having a flak jacket and helmet, and to prevent unnecessary deaths in a profession that is so vital to human dignity and human rights.