FREC 3 course

• 5 day course
• Valid for 3 years
• Minimum age 18
• Qualsafe accredited
• SIA recognised

Overview

Your first step on the FREC pathway. The Qualsafe First Response Emergency Care (Level 3 RQF) is accredited, regulated, quality assured and recognised throughout the UK. It’s accepted as an entry level qualification across the private ambulance and event medical sector, where you can often work as an Ambulance Urgent Care Assistant (ACA) while progressing towards FREC 4 and FREC 5.

It opens other doors too. It’s one of few qualifications recognised by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for licensing Close Protection Officers (CPOs) and others in executive protection, maritime and private security. And it’s endorsed by the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care (FPHC) at PHEM level D – useful for high risk, remote and first responder roles.

Who is it for?

• Those wishing to start and/or maintain work in the private ambulance or event medical sector as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) or equivalent.
• Close Protection Officers (CPOs) and others working within executive protection, maritime or security roles who need to gain and/or maintain their license.
• Individuals working within high risk, remote or first responder type roles who need a medical care qualification that is more advanced than standard First Aid at Work. Some examples include: Community First Responders (CFRs), overseas journalists, offshore workers, TV, film and cabin crews, Police and Fire Service, Au Pairs, aid workers and expedition leaders.

What will I be taught?

• Roles and responsibilities
• Medical emergencies
• Airway management
• AED usage
• Emergency oxygen
• Catastrophic bleeding
• Poisoning and intoxication
• Helmet removal
• Environmental exposure
• Minor injuries
• Anatomy and physiology
• Patient assessment
• Adult, child and infant CPR
• ROSC procedures
• Traumatic injuries
• Shock
• Internal and external bleeding
• Immobilisation
• Burns and scalds
• Incident reporting

How will I be assessed?

• Practical assessments
• Multiple choice theory exams
• Skills tests and continuous assessment

Pass, and you’ll receive a QA Level 3 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF). It’s valid for 3 years from certification and is part of a progressive suite of pre-hospital care qualifications that lead to the QA Level 5 First Responder in Emergency and Urgent Care (RQF).

Questions? Answered.

I already have a FREC 3 that is due to expire soon. Do you do a shorter ‘requalification’ course?

No. If your FREC 3 is close to expiry, we strongly recommend upskilling to FREC 4 instead. Unlike FREC 3, FREC 4 doesn’t need refreshing once achieved – a substantial saving over your career. And it raises the level of care you can give, opening the door to higher paid, more advanced roles.

Can I do this course online (distance learning)?

No. Because of how this course is accredited, we can’t offer it online or by distance learning.

Is this FREC 3 course recognised by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for licensing purposes?

Yes. This course is recognised by the SIA for licensing purposes.

What do I need to wear/bring to the course?

We provide all training materials when you arrive – stationery, notebooks, textbooks, hand-outs and aids. Wear comfortable clothing and practical footwear, and keep jewellery to a minimum.

Do you provide lunch?

Water, tea, coffee and biscuits are on us. Lunch isn’t, so please bring your own or plan ahead. There’s a kitchenette on site with a fridge, kettle, microwave and sink, and local amenities within a five minute walk.

What happens if I fail an assessment?

If you don’t pass an assessment, your assessor will give you detailed feedback on which criteria weren’t met. You’ll then get a support plan with clear steps to prepare for reassessment. Reassessment dates depend on the qualification, so we agree them case by case.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Cancelling within 3 weeks of the start date? We can’t offer a refund, as we’re unlikely to fill your place in time. But you can swap with someone else – we’ll simply change the name on the booking.