What is a FREC 3 Qualification?

Do you have a responsibility to provide first aid in the workplace or for your community? If so, you might have come across two similar-sounding qualifications: FREC 3 (First Response Emergency Care 3) and Level 3 First Aid at Work. While both equip you with valuable first aid skills, they cater to different needs and situations. Let's delve into the specifics and help you choose the right one for you.

 

What is a FREC 3 course?

FREC 3 (First Response Emergency Care) is a 5-day, regulated course, and is nationally recognised as the leading qualification for events cover it is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and practical skills required to deal with pre-hospital emergencies. This course covers the full range of skills required by the HSE for first aid, and more! For those of you with further ambitions, it also forms the first step of a programme to become a Paramedic in 2 years.

Over 5 days of face to face training, you will fulfil the competencies set out in the PHEM (Pre hospital emergency medicine) skills framework at descriptor level D, you will gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to deal with a wide range of prehospital emergency care situations..

Here's what you'll typically learn on a FREC 3 course:

• Role and responcibilities
• Incident assessment and management
• Anatomy and physiology
• Patient assessment
• Basic Life Support (Adult, Infant and Child)
• CPR and defibrillation
• Life threatening bleeding
• Airway assessment
• Safe administration of emergency oxygen
• Chest injuries
• Hyperventilation
• Wounds, bleeding and shock
• Eye injuries
• Burns and scalds
• Medical emergencies – recognition and management
  • Stroke • Sepsis • Acute coronary syndrome (Angina and Myocardial Infarction) • Meningococcal disease • Diabetic hypoglycaemia • Seizures
• Environmental exposure
  • Hyperthermia • Heat related injuries • Hypothermia • Cold related injuries • Drowning and its management
• Sudden poisoning
• Head injuries
• Muscular-skeletal trauma
• Assessment and management of life-threatening conditions
  • Cardiac arrest • Choking • Anaphylaxis • Asthma

 

Who should consider FREC 3?

This qualification is ideal for individuals looking to work or volunteer as a first responder as well as those working in high-risk environments including the military, power stations, agriculture and manufacturing.

Perfect fit for:

• Security officers/guards
• Close protection officers/operatives
• Medical event staff
• Police officers
• Firefighters
• Community first responders
• Individuals working in remote locations or challenging environments

 

What is a level 3 First Aid at Work course?

Level 3 First Aid at Work is another regulated qualification, and is specifically designed for individuals who wish to act as a first aider in their workplace.

Over 3 days you will learn how to manage a range of injuries and illnesses that could occur at work and will equip you with the essential skills needed to provide emergency first aid.

Including:

• Assessing an incident
• Managing an unresponsive casualty
• CPR and defibrillation
• Recovery Position
• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Choking
• Epilepsy
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Anaphylaxis
• Shock
• Head and spinal injuries
• Chest injuries
• Wounds and bleeding
• Fractures Sprains, strains and dislocations
• Minor injuries
• Burns and scalds
• Poisoning
• Eye injuries

 

Who should consider Level 3 First Aid at Work?

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require all employers to make arrangements to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. This includes carrying out a risk assessment, appointing a suitable amount of first aiders and providing appropriate first aid training. However, having the correct first aid provision in the workplace is not just a legal requirement, it is incredibly important for the safety of all members of staff!

Perfect fit for:

• Individuals who wish to act as a first aider in their workplace
• Individuals who want to learn essential first aid skills for various situations, not just the workplace.

 

FREC 3 vs. Level 3 First Aid at Work: Choosing the Right Course

So, which course is right for you? Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Feature	FREC 3	Level 3 First Aid at Work
Duration:	5 Days	3 Days (18 Hours)
Focus	Pre-hospital emergencies and life-threatening situation	Workplace injuries and illnesses
Target Audience:	High-risk environments, first responders	Most workplaces
Depth of Knowledge:	More in-depth, covering complex scenarios	Basic, focusing on common situations

 

Ultimately, your choice will depend on the specific needs and responsibilities you wish to fulfil. If you're unsure, consulting with a training provider or relevant organisation such as ourselves can help you make an informed decision.