FREC 3 vs RTACC: Which Pre-Hospital Care Course is Right for You?
When choosing a pre-hospital care qualification, two courses frequently come up: First Response Emergency Care Level 3 (FREC 3) and Rescue Trauma and Casualty Care (RTACC). While both offer essential skills for handling emergency medical situations, FREC 3 provides greater progression opportunities and is more widely recognised across various industries.
Course Overviews
FREC 3 (First Response Emergency Care Level 3)
FREC 3 is a 5-day course that aligns with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) Skills Framework at Descriptor Level D. It provides students with core skills in:
Patient assessment and monitoring
Airway management (including adjuncts and oxygen therapy)
Trauma care, including bleeding control and immobilisation
Management of medical emergencies (e.g., cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, seizures)
Assisting with medication administration
FREC 3 is suitable for event medics, emergency responders, security personnel, and those working in high-risk environments. The course is nationally recognised and regulated, making it a versatile qualification with broad industry acceptance.
RTACC (Rescue Trauma and Casualty Care)
RTACC is a 3 to 4-day course designed specifically for personnel working in emergency services, high-risk industries, and military environments. It aligns with PHEM Skills Framework Descriptor Level E and focuses heavily on:
Trauma management in high-stress environments
Realistic casualty simulations, often using actors and high-fidelity training scenarios
Rapid assessment and intervention for life-threatening conditions
The course is accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) and is overseen by experienced pre-hospital critical care doctors.
Progression Pathways: Why FREC 3 is the Better Long-Term Choice
One of the most significant advantages of FREC 3 is its clear progression route. After completing FREC 3, learners can advance through:
FREC 4 (ideal for more advanced emergency response roles)
FREUC 5 (entry point into paramedic-level practice)
RTACC, while highly practical and scenario-based, does not provide a structured progression pathway. Those completing RTACC who wish to continue into higher levels of emergency medicine would typically need to pursue additional qualifications outside the RTACC framework.
Recognition and Accreditation: FREC 3’s Wider Industry Acceptance
FREC 3 is recognised across multiple sectors, including private ambulance services, security firms, and corporate first aid teams. It is also accepted by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for close protection and security roles.
RTACC is highly respected within certain sectors, particularly emergency services and specialist trauma response teams, but it is not as widely recognised outside of those industries.
Transitioning from RTACC to FREC 3
For those who have already completed RTACC but wish to pursue the FREC qualification pathway, there is an option to transition using the FREC 3 RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) route. This allows RTACC-trained individuals to complete a two-day top-up course instead of the full five-day FREC 3 training. This streamlined pathway enables RTACC holders to gain the widely recognised FREC 3 qualification, opening up further progression opportunities toward FREC 4, FREUC 5, and beyond.
Practical Application: NR Medical Training’s Approach
At NR Medical Training, we recognise the value of RTACC’s hands-on training approach. Our experienced trainers have seen firsthand the real-world benefits of immersive scenario-based learning.
As a result, we integrate similar high-intensity, practical exercises into our FREC 3 courses. This makes NR Medical Training’s FREC 3 just as practical and engaging as RTACC, while still offering broader career progression and wider industry recognition.
This is why so many learners highly recommend NR Medical Training for FREC 3—our approach ensures students gain practical, real-world experience, not just theoretical knowledge.
Choosing the Right Course for Your Needs
While both FREC 3 and RTACC provide valuable training, FREC 3 offers more flexibility for career development. Its combination of hands-on learning, structured progression routes, and industry-wide recognition makes it a strong choice for those looking to build a career in pre-hospital emergency care.
For a practical, engaging, and career-enhancing FREC 3 course, choose NR Medical Training—where we combine real-world expertise with hands-on experience to prepare you for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Interested in taking your pre-hospital care skills to the next level? Contact us today to book your place on our next FREC 3 course!
