FREC 3 Course – First Response Emergency Care
Nationally Recognised FREC 3 Training Course
Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3)
The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3) is a nationally recognised, Ofqual‑regulated pre‑hospital care qualification designed for learners across the UK. This comprehensive FREC 3 course equips individuals with the essential skills required to assess, manage and treat a wide range of medical and trauma emergencies in both workplace and high‑risk environments. It is ideal for those who may be the first person on scene and need the competence to deliver effective pre‑hospital emergency care before ambulance crews or advanced medical teams arrive.
Delivered by experienced paramedics and frontline emergency care professionals, the FREC 3 training programme uses immersive, scenario‑based learning to build confidence and capability in real‑world situations. Learners develop critical skills in patient assessment, airway management, catastrophic bleeding control, trauma care, medical emergencies, oxygen administration and safe casualty handling. This Level 3 qualification provides a significantly higher standard of training than traditional first aid courses.
The Qualsafe Level 3 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3) qualification is suited to individuals working in sectors where rapid, effective emergency response is essential including security, construction, remote environments, event medical cover, and public‑facing roles. It is also highly relevant for police officers, firefighters, military personnel and those employed in high‑risk industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, transport and power generation.
What the FREC 3 Course Covers:
Patient Assessment & Primary Survey
Learners develop a structured approach to assessing casualties, identifying life‑threatening conditions and prioritising treatment. This includes vital signs monitoring, neurological assessment and early recognition of deterioration.
Airway Management & Oxygen Therapy
Training includes airway opening techniques, use of adjuncts, suction, oxygen administration and managing airway obstruction in both adult and paediatric casualties.
Catastrophic Bleeding & Trauma Management
Learners gain hands‑on experience in controlling catastrophic bleeding using tourniquets, haemostatic dressings and pressure techniques. Trauma modules include fractures, burns, spinal injuries and shock management.
Medical Emergencies
The course covers recognition and treatment of cardiac emergencies, respiratory issues, anaphylaxis, diabetic emergencies, seizures, stroke and other life‑threatening medical conditions.
Casualty Handling & Evacuation
Learners practise safe casualty movement, extrication techniques and working effectively as part of a coordinated emergency response.
Who Is the FREC 3 Course For?
Security & Door Supervisors
FREC 3 is widely recognised across the security industry and is increasingly required for higher‑risk venues and event environments.
Event Medics & Medical Cover Teams
A core qualification for those providing medical support at public events, festivals, sports fixtures and large gatherings.
Construction & Industrial Workers
Ideal for workers in high‑risk settings where advanced first aid capability is essential.
Emergency Services & Military Personnel
Suitable for police, fire and military staff seeking enhanced pre‑hospital care skills or progressing toward clinical roles.
Remote, Outdoor & Lone Workers
Perfect for individuals working in rural, offshore or isolated environments where immediate medical support may be limited.
How the FREC 3 Course Is Delivered:
Scenario‑Based Practical Training
Realistic emergency simulations help learners apply skills under pressure, improving confidence and decision‑making.
Classroom Learning & Guided Instruction
Core theory is delivered through structured teaching, group discussion and guided practice.
Assessment & Qualification
Learners complete practical assessments, skills demonstrations and knowledge checks to achieve the Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care.
Hands on, wound packing on major bleeding on our FREC 3 course in Devon
Why Choose Optimal First Aid for FREC 3
Experienced Paramedic Instructors
Training is delivered by professionals with real frontline emergency experience.
High‑Quality, Hands‑On Learning
Small groups, practical scenarios and personalised instruction ensure a high standard of training.
Nationally Recognised Qualification
Fully Ofqual‑regulated and accepted across multiple industries and emergency care pathways.
Clear Progression Routes
Support and guidance for learners progressing to FREC 4 and beyond.
Testimonials
“I recently completed the FREC 3 course with Toby Osborne as the instructor, and it was a fantastic experience. Toby was knowledgeable, engaging, and made complex topics much easier to understand. He created a supportive learning environment and was always willing to answer questions and provide real-world examples. I highly recommend taking this course!”
— Noor Al, Emergency Response Team, BAE, Google Review
“I’ve known Toby since our time serving together in the Parachute Regiment. After leaving the military, he went on to establish Optimal First Aid, a veteran led training company where he’s clearly found his calling.
What sets Toby apart is his ability to bring real world experience into every session. His background as a CMT, combined with his time operating in high risk, remote, and often hostile environments, gives him a calm confidence and credibility that learners instantly respect. He is pragmatic, conscientious, and genuinely passionate about helping others understand how to act in high pressure situations.
Toby also takes great care to ensure his course content is regularly updated and aligned with current best practice. This commitment to accuracy and relevance sets Optimal First Aid apart and reflects the pride he takes in delivering truly high-quality, specialist first aid training.
His courses aren’t just box ticking exercise they are memorable, practical, and grounded in real world medical preparedness. If you’re looking for no nonsense training delivered with depth, integrity, and genuine operational insight, Toby is your man”.
— Tom Boyd – LinkedIn
Frequently Asked Questions
The Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3) is an Ofqual‑regulated pre‑hospital care qualification designed for individuals who may be first on scene at a medical or trauma emergency. It provides a higher level of training than standard first aid and forms part of the recognised FREC pathway.
FREC 3 is ideal for those working in security, event medical cover, construction, remote environments, public‑facing roles, and high‑risk industries. It is also widely used by police, fire, military and emergency response personnel.
If booking online, you can pay securely using a debit or credit card. If you prefer to pay by invoice, please contact a member of our team who can process your booking for you. We require either payment or a purchase order at the time of reservation. A formal invoice will be issued, and once payment has been successfully processed, your joining instructions will be sent.
FREC 3 is significantly more advanced and is suitable for those working in high-risk or emergency roles. If you’re working in remote, hostile, or high-risk environments, FREC 3 is usually the better (and sometimes legally necessary) option. But for standard HSE compliance in lower-risk environments, First Aid at Work does the job.
Yes. We regularly deliver FREC 3 on-site across Devon, Cornwall, and beyond for organisations and teams.
FREC 3 is valid for three years, after which learners must complete a requalification or progress to a higher level such as FREC 4.
Yes, FREC 3 is widely used by event medics and is often the minimum requirement for providing medical cover at public events, festivals and sports fixtures.
Yes – it’s recognised by the SIA for Close Protection and similar sectors. The SIA (Security Industry Authority) requires first aid training for security professionals to ensure they can effectively handle emergency situations and provide immediate assistance to those in need.
EXCELLENT Based on 246 reviews Posted on Simon BrentTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Toby made the day both interesting and enjoyable. Many thanks. Simon Brent, Area Manager F&W Forestry UK Ltd.Posted on Susie AdamsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Well organised, concise sessions. Lots of hands on training. Leader very approachable. Highly recommend.Posted on Gabriele WarwickTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. very good course and teaches in a way that makes you remember the content. hands on and practical as well as good theory. the course has helped me respond to first aid scenarios in real life as well as design evacuation plans and first aid kits for different outdoor settings.Posted on Maria HindTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic course! Toby makes the learning achievable and fun ! I wouldn't work with anyone else! Highly recommend ?Posted on Gavin RiceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Superb course. Excellent delivery from Toby and not at all dull like other courses I have been on beforePosted on Hedley CaseyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently completed my FREC Level 3 course and couldn’t be happier with the experience. The training was incredibly knowledgeable, well-structured, and delivered in a way that was easy to understand and apply. The instructors were professional, engaging, and clearly experienced in their field, which made the learning both enjoyable and effective. Overall, it was a great course that has genuinely boosted my skills. Highly recommended to anyone looking to develop their first responder capabilities.Posted on Josh JacksonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Informative, professional and great range of kitPosted on Mr Morgan Music Ed.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Superb training and interesting content delivered in an engaging, informative and interactive way. An absolutely fabulous course.Posted on Jordan CrossTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great outdoor first aid course hosted at the our school we teach at- really engaging and informative!Posted on Sarah HunterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was an excellent course, with lots of practical scenarios and role play, which really helps with learning. The instructor was very knowledgeable and despite the huge course volume there was always time for questions. Overall, a first rate course - thank you!
Contact Us about our FREC 3 Courses
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