What is FREC 3 & 4?MediPro have delivered dozens of FREC 3 & 4 courses over the years, with the business being the largest independent provider of pre-hospital education in the UK.
But what is a FREC course? How does FREC 3 and FREC 4 work? Is there the possibility of progress? Here, we have a guide to help you with all things FREC 3 & 4.
What is FREC 3?
The Qualsafe Level 3 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3) is a course designed to provide a foundational level of competency for learners to deal with a range of clinical and trauma situations associated with pre-hospital care.
It is a nationally recognised qualification that acts as a stepping stone for those seeking a career in the emergency services sector.
FREC3 is also ideal for those seeking a career in the event and security medical sector or for those who work in high-risk environments, such are the military, agriculture, manufacturing, and power stations.
This informative and hands-on course lasts five days, covering skills such as administering emergency oxygen, management of trauma patients, major illnesses and much more.
Is there the possibility of progress after FREC 3?
The great part about FREC courses is the ability to progress, with each course building on from the last.
FREC 3 can be followed by more advanced qualifications (FREC 4 & FREUC 5). This progressive suite of pre-hospital care qualifications allows learners who achieve a FREC 5 qualification to work at a level equivalent to a Level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner.
The FREC suite has been developed by the Awarding Body Qualsafe, and clinically endorsed by the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh’s Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care.
How does the FREC 3 course work?
The FREC 3 qualification is comprised of one mandatory unit, split into 3 components.
The total time to complete the qualification is 53 hours, with 35 hours of direct guided learning by a trainer over 5 days. The remaining hours are given over to the time a learner will likely spend in preparation and study, including assessment, as directed by, but not under the immediate guidance of a trainer. For instance, pre-course reading, research, mentored practice/work experience, workplace inductions, and so on.
In terms of the assessment process, there are six practical assessments/skills tests, three theory assessments (multiple choice question papers) and one invigilated course. All of this will be completed throughout the five-day course.
After three years, the qualification can be revalidated by attending a three-day refresher course.
In terms of requirements needed before commencing a FREC 3 course, learners must be at least 17 years old on the first day of classroom training. While there are no other formal entry requirements, it is advisable for learners to have a minimum of Level 2 in Literacy & Numeracy (or equivalent) and a basic understanding of first aid.
What is FREC 4?
The Level 4 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 4) is a nationally recognised pre-hospital care qualification, providing learners with a wider scope of practice in pre-hospital care emergencies, allowing for greater employment opportunities.
It is designed for those looking to progress in their career within the NHS or private ambulance services. Roles can include emergency care assistant (ECA), intermediate ambulance practitioner, event medical provider, associate practitioner or healthcare assistant.
FREC 4 is also ideal for those looking to within specific roles in the police and fire services, as well as the military.
This qualification allows learners to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to deal with a wide range of prehospital care emergencies. These include major incidents, fracture immobilisation, sick and injured children, mental health issues, and so on.
A FREC 4 course has 5 days of guided learning hours with a trainer. In terms of assessment, there are 3 practical assessments, 2 skills tests and 2 invigilated exams, with 3 workbooks to be completed off-course throughout the programme.
There are 2 practical assessments and 3 skills tests for this qualification:
- Immediate Life Support (Adult) practical assessment
- Assessment and treatment of trauma practical assessment
- Physiological observations skills test
- Assisting with clinical interventions skills test
- Immobilisation and extrication equipment skills test
The 3 workbooks cover one component of the FREC 4 course are to be completed off the course throughout the programme.
The invigilated exams are completed over the length of the course and are as follows:
- ECG recognition has a 50% pass mark and a time limit of 15 minutes to complete.
- Anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and applied practice has a 70% pass mark for every question and a time limit of 45 minutes to complete.
In terms of prerequisites before taking part in a FREC 4 course, learners must be 18 years old and should have completed a FREC 3 course or an equivalent recognised qualification beforehand. Learners must also provide a CPD record that includes 118 contextualised learning hours.
Does MediPro offer FREC courses?
Yes, we do!
We regularly deliver FREC 3 and FREC 4 courses from our state-of-the-art training centres in Stockton-on-Tees & Newmarket.
To find out more about our FREC courses and potential dates, please visit our website.
To book, you can call us on 01325 609030 or email us at contact@medipro.co.uk
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