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.
The updated qualification now includes a single multiple-choice exam and one anatomy and physiology paper. All other assessments are practical and ongoing.
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.
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 is delivered by two experienced trainers. That gives you more direct support, more time to practise, and more space to ask questions — especially useful if you're new to pre-hospital care.
Easy Access - Open courses are held regularly in Suffolk & London, 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 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.
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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 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 requalification route that allows you to renew your certificate in just 2 or 3 days — depending on your recent training history.
Learners who can show they’ve maintained regular Basic Life Support (BLS) training may be eligible for a 2-day requal. If you haven’t kept up with BLS, you’ll need to complete the 3-day requal instead. In both cases, we’ll need a copy of your existing certificate and any supporting evidence before booking, as approval is required by Qualsafe Awards.
If your certificate has expired, you’ll need to attend the full 5-day course again.
This is also a good time 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 usually do a 2 or 3-day requalification course. 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 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.
