FREC 3 Course
Level 3 First Response Emergency Care
NORFOLK | SUFFOLK | ESSEX | CAMBRIDGESHIRE | KENT | LONDON
5 Days
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Pre Hospital Training > FREC 3
FREC 3 Course Description
Our FREC 3 course is a 5-day, hands-on qualification designed for people working in emergency services, security, or other high-risk environments. It’s nationally recognised, regulated by Ofqual, and accredited by Qualsafe Awards. This course meets PHEM level D and is often the first step for those looking to work in pre-hospital care or progress to FREC 4.
You’ll be trained by experienced paramedics and EMTs, and we always run courses with two instructors minimum. We keep it real, practical, and scenario-based — you’ll be on your feet, making decisions, and working through realistic situations from day one.
Who is the FREC 3 course for?
This course is aimed at anyone working in roles where you may be first on scene. That includes:
Event medics and first responders
Staff in remote or high-risk environments like power stations, rail, or agriculture
You don’t need a medical background to attend. Some learners have done basic first aid before, others haven’t. If you’re unsure if it’s right for you, we’re happy to talk it through.
If your business operates in a lower-risk environment, you might also consider our 1 or 3-day first aid courses, such as the Emergency First Aid at Work Course or our comprehensive First Aid at Work Course.
How we train – and why it’s different
Realism - We don’t do lectures. This is a scenario-driven course taught by clinicians who’ve been there. You’ll be coached through real situations using a mix of moulage, kit handling, and live decision-making.
2 Instructors - Every FREC 3 course we run has at least two experienced trainers. That means smaller groups, more hands-on time, and better support if you’re new to pre-hospital care.
Easy Access - Courses are held regularly in Suffolk, and we also offer on-site delivery across the UK for full group bookings.
How long is the course?
The Qualsafe First Response Emergency Care (Level 3 RQF) is a 5-day course designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle a variety of emergency situations.
We can deliver the course on site at your workplace or an offsite training venue.
Do I need previous experience?
No prior knowledge or experience is required. However, we do recommend that you have completed a first aid at work or emergency first aid at work course prior to undertaking the FREC 3.
What’s covered on the course?
The course is split into three main areas and you’ll learn the competencies outlined in the PHEM skills framework at descriptor level D, and gain hands-on experience in administering emergency oxygen, managing trauma patients, and recognising major illnesses, among other critical competencies.
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Unit 1
Patient Assessment and Management
Learn how to assess a casualty, manage the scene, and make safe, structured decisions. This includes airway, breathing, circulation, and communication with emergency services.
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Unit 2
Trauma and Injury Management
You’ll cover bleeding control, airway management, shock, spinal injuries, burns, crush injuries, and more. You’ll use real kit — not just look at it.
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Unit 3
Medical Conditions and Major Illnesses
Understand and respond to asthma, stroke, diabetes, seizures, sepsis, and other common medical emergencies. You’ll also learn how to administer emergency oxygen.
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 have a FREC 3 certificate and it’s still in date, you might not need to do the full 5 days again. We offer a 3-day requalification route, which covers everything needed to renew your certificate — subject to approval by Qualsafe.
You could also look to move on to FREC 4 too.
If your certificate has expired, you’ll need to book the full course again.
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 usually do a 3-day requalification route. If it’s expired, you’ll need to complete the full 5 days again. You’ll need to send us your current certificate so we can check with Qualsafe.
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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 mapped to PHEM Level D and clinically endorsed by the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care. It’s the current standard for anyone working in pre-hospital care, event medical teams, or the security sector. FREC 3 also forms part of a structured progression route — you can go straight from FREC 3 to FREC 4 and beyond.
FPOS (First Person on Scene Intermediate) is still valid, still delivered, and accepted by many employers. It’s a solid qualification, particularly in security and events. That said, it’s no longer part of a regulated pathway, which means it doesn’t lead directly to FREC 4 or higher. If you hold a valid FPOS certificate, we offer a 2-day conversion course using our FREC 3 RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) course to help you step across to FREC 3 without repeating content.
RTACC (Rescue Trauma and Casualty Care) is a regulated and nationally accredited course used in military, tactical, and high-risk environments. It’s highly regarded for trauma care but is typically delivered over just 3–4 days, which means a lot of content is packed into a short timeframe. Like FPOS, it doesn’t offer a formal progression route. We offer a 2-day FREC 3 RPL course for RTACC holders who want to convert to FREC 3 and access the wider FREC training pathway.
In summary:
FREC 3 – Regulated, recognised, and progression-friendly. The current standard.
FPOS – Still valid but limited onward options. 2-day RPL route to FREC 3 available.
RTACC – Accredited and trauma-focused, but short and standalone. 2-day RPL route to FREC 3 available.
Not sure what route you need? Just drop us a line — we’ll talk it through and point you in the right direction.
