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.

Packing wounds, big bleeds on the Frec 3 course in Devon.

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. 

Contact Us about our FREC 3 Courses

Have questions or want to book training? Send us a message, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.

Important: We do not require SEO, advertising, Google marketing, or printing services, etc. Any spam or irrelevant messages will be deleted immediately

Mobile: 07762 082310

The instructor to candidate ratio is typically 1:12, with some courses being restricted to 1:8 or even 1:6.