Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) 2025

The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) is a regulated and nationally recognised qualification, ideal for those looking to work or volunteer as a first responder.

Among the first to arrive at a scene, first responders typically include police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services and search and rescue personnel.

FREC® 3 meets the staffing requirements detailed in the ‘Purple Guide’ for Health, Safety, and Welfare at Outdoor Events and is the only Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCS Ed) – Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care (FPHC) endorsed qualification listed in the ‘Purple Guide’ at PHEM D. It also adheres to the standards agreed by the First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum (FAAOF) and the Health and Safety Executive for first aid qualifications.

Ideal for those providing event medical cover or roles such as door supervisors, close protection operatives and security guards, as well as those working in high-risk environments including the military, power stations, offshore renewable energy, agriculture and manufacturing settings.

For those with further ambitions, this qualification also forms the first step towards a career in prehospital care.

This informative, hands-on course fulfils the competencies set out in the PHEM skills framework at level D, providing the practical skills needed to deal with a range of prehospital emergency care situations.

The qualification and learning outcomes are based on the recommendations of:

• Resuscitation Council (UK)
• Assessment Principles for Regulated First Aid Qualifications
• The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh – Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care (FPHC)
  The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) covers: the role and responsibilities of a first responder, structured patient assessment, management of trauma patients, major illnesses, life threatening bleeding control, airway management and administration of emergency oxygen and much more.

For a more detailed overview of the topics covered, please download the Qualification Specification.

6 x Mandatory practical assessments
1 x Multiple choice question paper
1 x invigilated exam.
5 x Optional Practical Assessments (Extended Skills)*

Successful learners will receive a personalised Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) e-Certificate immediately after their results have been submitted, subject to a Centre’s Direct Claims Status and any required actions. Printed certificates are available at an additional cost (please see our Fees and Charges list for details).

*Completion of Optional Practical Assessments (Extended Skills) are subject to clinical governance authorisation and will be clearly stipulated on the certificate.

This qualification is not a license to practice. Any interventions performed as part of your role must be in line with your own/organisational scope of practice and agreed ways of working.