First Response Emergency Care is a qualification developed by the Awarding Body Qualsafe and clinically endorsed by the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh – Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care (FPHC).

The FREC system is modular based, enabling a participant to progress through each level from FREC 3 to FREC 6.

FREC 3 provides a solid foundation for the learner to be competent to deal with a wide range of medical and trauma situations in the prehospital environment and is suitable for but not limited to:

• Event first aiders
• Fire fighters
• Police fire arms and medics
• Close protection operative: this qualification is recognised by the Security Industries Authority (SIA)
• Expedition Leaders UK and overseas
• Aid workers in hostile or disaster prone countries
• High risk work environments in the UK and overseas
• Offshore workers

FREC is a qualification on the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) and therefore regulated by OFQUAL. The FREC suite of qualifications has been developed by the Awarding Body Qualsafe and clinically endorsed by the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh – Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care (FPHC). Certificates are valid for three years.

The FREC system is modular enabling a participant to progress through each level from FREC 3 to FREC 6 if desired.  On successful completion of all levels and competencies, the participant can apply for registration as a Paramedic with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).  The modular nature of this qualification allows the participant to “step -off” at any point.

Entry Requirements – This entry level course requires no previous knowledge in first aid.  Providing a participant is willing to apply themselves and complete the five day FREC 3 and guided learning hours, they should be able to obtain a pass. However, to gain the most from the course, some previous knowledge by attending a first aid course is desirable. Participants need to be at least 17 years old to attend the FREC 3. Due to the assessments adequate numeracy and literature skills are needed to obtain a pass.

Assessment – Continuous assessment is applied through the course. In addition to this, there are three multi-choice question papers, two diagrams to label and 15 practical assessments.

The certificate lasts for 3 years