FREC 3 (Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care) is the standard entry qualification for many event medics, security roles and high-risk responders.
It sits well above workplace FAW for trauma and pre-hospital assessment. FREC 3 is widely referenced for outdoor event medical staffing (including Purple Guide / PHEM level discussions) and is a common gateway into event and security medical work.
What is FREC 3 (First Response Emergency Care Level 3)?
A regulated RQF pre-hospital care qualification covering structured patient assessment, trauma, major illness, catastrophic haemorrhage control, airway care and emergency oxygen - typically over multi-day delivery with scenario assessment.
Typical duration: Usually around 5 days (confirm with the centre)
Certificate life: Regulated qualification; maintain as required for employment and progression to FREC 4
Who usually needs this training?
- Event medical and festival cover providers
- Security, close protection and door supervisor pathways that specify FREC
- High-risk industry responders building pre-hospital capability
- Training centres needing freelance FREC 3 instructor cover
Your options when arranging FREC 3 training
How organisations engage FREC 3 training:
- Closed courses for a security or events workforce
- Open centre courses for individuals entering the pathway
- Instructor cover for an approved Qualsafe centre’s timetable
What to look for in a FREC 3 trainer or training company
- Approved centre status for the FREC 3 qualification being claimed
- Instructors with pre-hospital / event medical credibility
- Adequate trauma kit, skin pads and scenario space
- Clear assessment and e-certificate process
FREC 3 is not the same as FAW. If you only need workplace first-aiders, start with EFAW/FAW instead.
Authoritative guidance
Check primary sources before you buy - FlexMed helps you hire trainers, but course requirements come from regulators, statutory frameworks and professional bodies:
- Qualsafe Awards - regulated first aid and pre-hospital qualifications
- Resuscitation Council UK
- HSE - First aid at work
How FlexMed helps you find the right trainer
FlexMed is a UK marketplace that connects organisations with freelance trainers and training companies. Instead of cold-calling providers or waiting on generic quote forms, you can post what you need once and compare responses from people who already deliver FREC 3.
- Create a free organisation account - register as a client organisation if you need training delivered for your staff, or as a training company if you need freelance trainer cover for a course you already run.
- Post a clear request or job - include the course type (FREC 3 (First Response Emergency Care Level 3)), date(s), postcode area, headcount, venue type, and whether you need equipment supplied.
- Review profiles and credentials - check bios, verification documents, equipment flags, and ratings before you award.
- Compare quotes and message - ask about awarding organisation, assessment method, blended learning options, and what is included in the price.
Trainers and providers looking for work can also browse open jobs on FlexMed.
Practical tips before you book
- Complete a first-aid / training needs assessment so you book the right level - not just the cheapest day course. The HSE first aid needs assessment guidance is the usual starting point for workplaces.
- Confirm whether you need regulated qualifications, in-date certificates, or specific awarding bodies for your sector.
- Share access details, parking, and any learner needs early so the session runs smoothly.
- Ask who issues the certificates and how quickly learners receive them after assessment.
Post FREC 3 course dates or instructor cover needs on FlexMed to reach pre-hospital trainers and centres.