FREC 3 Course
Level 3 First Response Emergency Care
NORFOLK | SUFFOLK | ESSEX | CAMBRIDGESHIRE | KENT | LONDON
5 Days
Explore This Course.
Pre Hospital Training > FREC 3
First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3)
When someone is seriously unwell or injured, the first few minutes matter. FREC 3 gives you the assessment and treatment skills to take control and make a real difference.
Optional clinical modules (such as supraglottic airways (Igels), Entonox, naloxone, blood glucose monitoring, and Penthrox) may be available, but only where there is both a clear operational need and appropriate clinical governance in place. We’ll advise on this at the time of booking.
Duration
5 Days
Location
Open Courses - Suffolk/London
Closed Courses - UK & Abroad
Entry Requirements
Over 17
Who might need a FREC 3 course?
People who are likely to face real emergencies at work, including:
Close Protection and security teams
Event safety and crowd management
Fire and rescue
Police staff
High-risk workplaces
Anyone starting a pre-hospital care journey
If your role means you might need to do more than call for help, this is the right level.
How we teach FREC 3
We always put two experienced clinicians on every FREC 3 course.
That means:
Proper hands-on coaching
Space to ask questions and practise
Realistic scenarios where you manage a real live patient, not just a manikin
The scenarios are full-on at times because emergencies are full-on. We’d rather you experience that pressure with us than for the first time on the job.
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Foundations of Prehospital Emergency Care
This first section sets the groundwork for effective response. Learners explore the role and responsibilities of a first responder, with a strong focus on professional standards, consent, and scene safety. They'll learn how to assess and manage incidents from the moment they arrive, including calling for support, performing dynamic risk assessments, and applying structured approaches to triage and decision-making. Emphasis is placed on working effectively in both conventional and challenging environments, using clear communication and accurate documentation.
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Foundations of Prehospital Trauma Care
This component focuses on the assessment and treatment of traumatic injuries. Learners will develop a systematic approach to understanding mechanism of injury and identifying time-critical conditions. They'll practise managing a wide range of injuries including severe bleeding, chest trauma, wounds, burns, and environmental challenges. The aim is to equip learners with the confidence to manage complex trauma scenarios using realistic interventions and prioritisation, even in austere or high-risk settings.
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Foundations of Prehospital Emergency Medical Care
The final component covers the recognition and management of medical emergencies across a wide range of conditions. This includes cardiac arrest, respiratory issues, stroke, diabetes, and anaphylaxis. Learners will develop skills in airway management, ventilation, and the safe administration of oxygen. Basic life support is taught across adult, child, and infant age groups. Optional modules such as Entonox, Penthrox, naloxone, and blood glucose monitoring may be included for those with appropriate clinical governance in place. The component ends with a focus on structured handover and preparing the patient for continued care.
What’s covered on the course?
The course follows three updated component areas-prehospital emergency care, trauma care, and emergency medical care—aligned to the PHEM skills framework at Descriptor Level D. You’ll gain hands-on experience in structured patient assessment, trauma management, and medical emergencies.
What qualification do I get?
Once you pass, you’ll receive the Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF). This is:
Endorsed by the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care
Accepted by the SIA for Close Protection licensing
A recognised route into FREC 4 and other clinical qualifications
Valid for three years
FREC 3 requalification
If you already hold a valid FREC 3 certificate, you may not need to repeat the full 5-day course. We offer a 3-day requalification route that allows you to renew your certificate.
To book, we’ll need a copy of your existing certificate. This is required for approval by Qualsafe Awards before your place can be confirmed.
If your certificate has expired, you’ll need to complete the full 5-day course again.
This is also a good opportunity to think about progression. If you’ve completed FREC 3 and meet the entry requirements, you may be ready to move on to FREC 4.
FREC 3 FAQ’s
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FREC 3 stands for First Response Emergency Care – Level 3. It’s a nationally recognised qualification for people working in emergency, security, or high-risk roles. Ideal for Close Protection Officers, security staff, event medics, police, fire, or anyone likely to be first on scene.
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No medical experience is required. If you’ve done Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or First Aid at Work (FAW), that’ll help – but it’s not essential. We’ll coach you through everything.
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Your certificate is valid for three years. After that, you’ll need to requalify to stay current and compliant.
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You’ll be awarded the Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF). It’s endorsed by the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care and accepted by the SIA for Close Protection licensing.
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Yes – this is one of the qualifications recognised by the SIA for Close Protection Officers (CPOs) and maritime security roles.
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Yes - if your certificate is still in date, you can complete a 3-day requalification course. If it has expired, you’ll need to attend the full 5-day course again. We’ll need a copy of your current certificate so we can confirm approval with Qualsafe. Please note that Qualsafe no longer permit a 2-day requalification route - all requals are now 3 days.
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Yes – we offer on-site FREC 3 training for fire services, police units, security teams, and similar organisations. This is for full group bookings only and your site must be suitable for practical training. We’re happy to advise.
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We always use two instructors – both experienced clinicians. Our courses are scenario-driven, realistic, and very hands-on. No dry PowerPoint. You’ll be actively involved from the start.
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Yes – absolutely. Many event medics and match-day responders take this course. It’s ideal if you’re covering public events or operating under a medical provider.
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Just wear something comfortable that you can move in – and that you don’t mind getting a bit messy. We use fake blood and realistic kits. Bring lunch and drinks; we provide everything else.
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Many people go on to FREC 4, apply for roles in private ambulance services, or use it for licensing in security work. It’s also a good base if you’re thinking about moving into paramedic practice longer term.
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FREC 3 (First Response Emergency Care Level 3) is a regulated, nationally recognised qualification aligned to PHEM Level D and endorsed by the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care. It’s the current benchmark for those working in pre-hospital care, event medical teams, and the security sector. FREC 3 also forms part of a structured pathway — allowing direct progression to FREC 4 and beyond.
FPOS (First Person on Scene Intermediate) is still valid and accepted by many employers, particularly in the security and events world. But it’s no longer part of a regulated progression route. That means you can’t move directly from FPOS to FREC 4 without first completing FREC 3. If you hold a valid FPOS certificate, our 2-day Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route allows you to cross over to FREC 3 without repeating everything from scratch.
RTACC (Rescue Trauma and Casualty Care) is an accredited, trauma-focused course used in tactical, military, and high-threat environments. It’s well respected, but usually delivered over just 3 or 4 days — which limits depth in some areas. Like FPOS, it doesn’t lead formally into the FREC pathway. We offer a 2-day FREC 3 RPL route for RTACC holders looking to move onto FREC 4 or gain a regulated qualification.
In summary:
FREC 3 – Regulated, progression-ready, and the current standard.
FPOS – Still valid but doesn’t lead to FREC 4. RPL route available.
RTACC – High-quality trauma training but standalone. RPL route available.Not sure which route is right for you? Get in touch — we’ll help you figure it out.
