Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF)
The Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3) is one of the most widely recognised pre-hospital care qualifications in the UK. Designed to meet the needs of those working or volunteering in high-risk environments, this course provides learners with essential life-saving skills and knowledge to respond to emergency situations with confidence and competence.
Description
The Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) – FREC 3 is a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification designed for those who provide initial emergency care in a pre-hospital setting. This intensive five-day course is widely regarded as the minimum requirement for individuals working in high-risk environments or aiming to begin a career in the emergency services.
FREC 3 equips learners with the essential skills and knowledge to assess, manage, and treat a wide range of medical and trauma-related incidents. It bridges the gap between basic first aid and more advanced medical training, making it ideal for security operatives (including those applying for an SIA Close Protection Licence), event medical staff, emergency response volunteers, and those progressing toward careers as ambulance support workers or paramedics.
Delivered through a blend of classroom learning, hands-on practical sessions, and realistic emergency scenarios, the course ensures participants are ready to handle real-life situations with confidence. Learners will cover key areas such as patient assessment, airway management, catastrophic bleeding control, CPR and AED use, trauma care, and treatment of common medical emergencies. The course also includes elements of safeguarding, infection control, and legal responsibilities, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of emergency care in practice.
Assessment is conducted through multiple-choice exams, practical demonstrations, and scenario-based evaluations. Upon successful completion, learners receive a qualification certificate valid for three years. FREC 3 also forms part of a clear progression route to higher levels of pre-hospital care training, including FREC 4 and further qualifications aligned with paramedic practice.
Recognised across the UK and accepted by many ambulance services, employers, and licensing authorities, the FREC 3 is an essential qualification for anyone serious about working in emergency care. It meets the latest industry standards and is delivered by Qualsafe-approved training centres to ensure the highest quality instruction.
Whether you’re responding to incidents at work, volunteering in your community, or aiming to join the ambulance service, the FREC 3 course will give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to act decisively when it matters most.
Who is it For?
This qualification is ideal for:
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Security personnel (including SIA licence holders)
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Fire and rescue services
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Event medical teams
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Emergency service volunteers
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Close protection operatives
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High-risk industry workers
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Individuals progressing towards careers in paramedicine
What Next?
- FREC4
Content
The FREC 3 course is regulated by Ofqual and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It covers a comprehensive range of emergency care competencies, including:
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Patient assessment and triage
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Airway management and breathing support
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Trauma care and catastrophic bleeding control
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Medical emergencies (e.g., cardiac arrest, stroke, diabetes)
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CPR and use of an AED
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Infection prevention and safeguarding
This hands-on qualification ensures that learners can provide effective emergency medical response in a variety of challenging environments.
Certification Details
Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF)
Delivery
5 days intensive in classroom
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