The world of emergency response is fraught with the unexpected. It requires a unique blend of quick-thinking, practical skills, and a deep understanding of medical emergencies. In the heart of this fast-paced milieu is the QA Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3), a critical qualification designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and competencies needed to deal with a range of prehospital care emergencies. 

This course is not for the faint-hearted. It is for those who wish to advance in the field of healthcare, particularly in roles such as Event Medical Responder, Emergency Care Support Worker, or those who are looking to become a healthcare professional. With a highly practical focus, the FREC 3 course covers a wide array of topics, including the management of life-threatening incidents, trauma, and medical emergencies. 

The FREC 3 qualification is not just a course—it’s a journey that takes you from the fundamentals of first-response emergency care to the complexities of handling real-life emergency situations. It offers a solid platform for those who wish to progress their career in the prehospital care sector, bolstering their confidence and competence in dealing with high-pressure scenarios.

The Implications of Completing a FREC Level 3 Course: A Closer Look

1. Objectives of the FREC 3 Course for the Construction Industry

The QA Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3) aims to provide construction professionals with the ability to deliver prehospital care for various emergency scenarios. The course objectives are:

• To equip professionals with advanced skills and knowledge in first aid and prehospital care, ensuring the well-being of their colleagues within high-risk construction environments.
• To provide a comprehensive understanding of emergency care procedures, including assessment, airway management, and resuscitation techniques.
• To foster a culture of health and safety amongst construction professionals, ultimately reducing workplace accidents and fatalities.

2. Key Topics Covered in the FREC 3 Course

The FREC 3 course covers a wide range of crucial topics, ensuring participants are well-equipped to react effectively to various emergency situations. Key topics include:

• Patient assessment: Learning how to accurately evaluate the severity of injuries and illnesses, prioritising the appropriate interventions for patients.
• Airway management: Techniques to maintain clear airways, like insertion of airway adjuncts and suction use, based on industry best practices.
• Resuscitation and AED usage: Performing high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and utilising automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in case of a cardiac arrest.
• Medical gases administration: Understanding the correct usage and application of medical gases, such as oxygen and Entonox, to assist in various emergency situations.
• Trauma management: Addressing various trauma-related injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and head injuries, while effectively immobilising and caring for patients until professional medical help arrives.
• Medical emergencies: Recognising signs, symptoms, and appropriate interventions for common emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, seizures, anaphylaxis, and diabetic emergencies.
• Infectious diseases: Gaining an understanding of relevant truths and preventing the spread of infectious diseases through proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use and other safety measures.

3. Assessment Methods and Certification

To ensure participants have comprehensively absorbed the course material and developed practical emergency care skills, the FREC 3 course includes various assessment methods:

Theory assessments: Written assessments and multiple-choice questionnaires designed to evaluate participants’ understanding of prehospital emergency care concepts and principles.

Practical assessments: Hands-on simulations and scenario-based exercises, allowing participants to demonstrate competence in applying their newfound emergency care skills to real-world situations.

Participants who successfully complete both the theory and practical assessments are awarded the QA Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) certificate, valid for 3 years. As a globally recognised qualification, the FREC 3 certification demonstrates professional commitment to health and safety in the construction industry.

4. FREC 3 Course Eligibility and Prerequisites

The FREC 3 course is designed for construction professionals who desire more advanced knowledge in prehospital care and are ready to assume the responsibilities of a designated first aider in the workplace. Prerequisites for participants include:

A valid and in-date First Aid at Work (FAW) or level 3 award in emergency first aid certification.

Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, to effectively communicate and comprehend the course material. It’s also recommended that participants possess a basic understanding of anatomy and related terminology to facilitate the learning process.

5. FREC 3 Requalification and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Once obtained, the QA Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care is valid for 3 years. After this period, participants must undergo requalification training to maintain their certification. They also need to consider continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities, including:

• Refresher courses: Enrolling in periodic refresher courses to stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and techniques in prehospital care.
• Progression to higher qualifications: For those looking to further enhance their skills, there are FREC 4 to 6 qualifications available, focusing on advanced prehospital care, access, and extraction in specific patient populations.
• Staying informed: Regularly monitor industry news and research concerning first aid and prehospital care to ensure your knowledge and skills remain current.

6. Benefits of Obtaining FREC 3 Qualification for Construction Professionals

Investing in FREC 3 training offers numerous benefits to both construction professionals and their employers:

• Enhanced workplace safety: FREC 3 qualified professionals contribute to improved safety culture, minimising occurrences of workplace accidents and fatalities.
• Swift emergency response: Possessing advanced emergency care skills, trained professionals can provide immediate, appropriate response in case of emergencies, contributing to improved patient outcomes.
• ROI for companies: Investing in comprehensive FREC 3 training, employers not only ensure a safer workplace but also comply with UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements, maximising the return on investment.

Securing a Safer Construction Site with FREC 3 Training

The QA Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3) is an essential qualification for construction professionals working in high-risk environments. FREC 3 training equips individuals with advanced prehospital emergency care knowledge and skills, fostering a safe and secure work environment. 

Ensure the safety of your construction site with our FREC 3 training course in Edinburgh. Reserve a place for our upcoming QA Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3) course now!