Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) – FREC3

Launch your career in pre-hospital care with the industry-preferred qualification endorsed by the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care.

Why train with Hearts First

  • 5-Day Intensive Training Programme

    Designed to build confidence and competence, preparing you for real life work

  • Qualsafe-Accredited Certification Valid For 3 Years

    Successful learners will receive a Qualsafe certificate and be eligible to apply for event medical work and pre-hospital ambulance work

  • Hands-On Learning With Real-World Scenarios

    We combine practical learning and realistic scenarios to prepare learners for real-life emergencies.

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The inside of a Hearts First ambulance showing a stretcher, monitoring equipment and oxygen

Who should apply?

There are no formal entry requirements to the FREC 3, although learners should have a good understanding of basic first aid and have at least a level 2 in literacy.

This course is perfect for those wishing to start a career in pre-hospital care, including event work and ambulance transport services. For those wishing to apply for a SIA licence, this meets the requirements for door supervisors, security guards and close protection operatives. The FREC 3 meets the requirements set out in the PHEM skills framework at level D.

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The rear of a Hearts First ambulance with the doors open, showing the stretcher area, seating and oxygen

Requalification

Successful learners will need to requalify within 3 years before the expiry date on the certificate. It is recommended that learners refresh their BLS yearly.

Once qualified, learners may progress onto the FREC 4.

Course Structure and Assessment

FREC 3 is taught over 5 full face-to-face days, taking you through topics such as the roles and responsibilities of a first responder, major trauma and triage and oxygen delivery.

You will use equipment that is current and in line with best practice pre-hospital approaches so that you gain confidence in every scenario. The course is delivered through practical learning with engagement and interaction encouraged at every stage.

Throughout the course you will be assessed by:

  • 1 multiple-choice question paper
  • 1 invigilated exam
  • 6 practical assessments

Any learner requiring reasonable adjustments should contact us prior to the course, so the appropriate adjustments can be made in a timely manner.

Key Course Information

  • Duration: 5 full days Monday to Friday (classroom-based)
  • Location: Radlett, Hertfordshire (WD7)
  • Accreditation: Qualsafe Awards – Level 3 RQF
  • Certification: Valid for 3 years
  • Assessment: Multiple-choice questions + practical scenarios

What You’ll Learn

  • Patient assessment and scene safety
  • Airway management (including oxygen and suction)
  • CPR and AED use (adult, child, infant)
  • Managing trauma: bleeding, fractures, burns, shock
  • Medical emergencies: asthma, seizures, stroke, diabetes
  • Spinal immobilisation and recovery position
  • Vital signs: BP, pulse, blood sugar, temperature
  • Patient handover and communication using ATMIST/SBAR
  • Basic manual handling techniques
  • Infection prevention and PPE use

Who Should Attend?

  • First responders and event medics
  • Security and close protection operatives
  • Staff working towards ambulance crew roles
  • Outdoor activity leaders and adventure training instructors
  • Anyone needing advanced workplace first aid beyond EFAW

Frequently asked questions

Q. Do I need previous experience?

A. No prior medical knowledge is required. We welcome all learners who want to enter the world of emergency care.

Q. Does this course meet SIA or event medic requirements?

A. Yes, FREC 3 is widely accepted across the UK for SIA-licensed roles and by event medical providers.

Q. How long is the qualification valid for?

A. 3 years. We recommend annual CPD refreshers to maintain your skills.

Q. What should I bring?

A. Comfortable clothing, photo ID, and a willingness to get hands-on in scenarios.

In their words

What our learners say

It is excellent training centre for FREC3-4. I recommend that place for whom interested in learning first aiding courses. Thanks Dennis

Oyku Beren View on Google (review by Oyku Beren, opens in a new tab)

Both Ross and Dennis are great. very friendly and very knowledgeable about the FREC 3 course would extremely recommend if you are looking for more in-depth first aid knowledge

Phoebe Hiles View on Google (review by Phoebe Hiles, opens in a new tab)

Great trainer. Very good training facilities. Enjoyable, friendly, supportive.

Julia douglas View on Google (review by Julia douglas, opens in a new tab)

Attended immediate life support course. Trainer was knowledgeable and supportive. Content was excellent. Facilities and staff were again excellent. Highly recommend and will not hesitate to attend further courses. Thank for a great experience

Nicola Denholm View on Google (review by Nicola Denholm, opens in a new tab)

Great training experience

Cavs Customs View on Google (review by Cavs Customs, opens in a new tab)
1 of 5

Hearts First Ambulance Training

Start Your FREC 3 Journey

Call to secure your place on our next FREC 3 course.

01923 982964

training@heartsfirsttraining.co.uk

About Hearts First Ambulance Training Ltd

Hearts First Ambulance Training Ltd

01923 982964
training@heartsfirsttraining.co.uk

Houndswood Gate Harper Lane
Radlett, WD7 7HU

Business hours

  • Monday – Friday: 09:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Booking Terms (PDF, opens in a new tab)

Company information

HEARTS FIRST AMBULANCE TRAINING LIMITED, registered as a limited company in England and Wales under company number: 15926117.

Registered Company Address: Unit L Houndswood Gate, Harper Lane, Radlett, England, WD7 7HU.

Hearts First Ambulance Training Ltd is a separate company from Hearts First Ambulance Medical Limited, which provides patient transport and repatriation. Ambulance service contact details.