FREC 3 vs. First Aid at Work: Why FREC 3 Sets the New Standard

When it comes to developing first aid and emergency care skills, two recognised qualifications stand out: First Response Emergency Care Level 3 (FREC 3) and First Aid at Work (FAW). 

While both courses cover essential life-saving techniques, FREC 3 offers a far more advanced, practical, and dynamic learning experience — ideal for those operating in higher-risk environments or seeking a career in emergency response.

In this article, we compare the two qualifications – helping you decide which course best aligns with your role, responsibilities, and future ambitions.

• FREC 3 – Modern, Real-World Emergency Care

The FREC 3 qualification is designed for those who need more than basic first aid. It is aimed at individuals operating in challenging environments, emergency services, or those progressing towards professional medical roles. 

Training is intensive, hands-on, and mirrors the types of equipment and situations encountered in real emergencies.

The FREC 3 syllabus covers the following key areas:

• Enhanced trauma and injury management – including use of stretchers and splints
• Airway and breathing management (with airway adjuncts)
• Catastrophic bleeding control using tourniquets and haemostatic agents
• Oxygen therapy, bag-valve mask use, and spinal immobilisation
• Casualty monitoring and observation techniques
• Scene assessment, triage, and professional handover procedures

Course Duration: 5 days of immersive training, blending theory with practical scenarios.

• First Aid at Work – Essential Workplace Compliance

First Aid at Work focuses on providing staff with the basic skills to respond to common workplace incidents.

It covers:

• Managing unconscious casualties (breathing and non-breathing)
• CPR and safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Treatment of minor wounds, burns, fractures, head injuries, and medical conditions
• Legal responsibilities and incident reporting

Course Duration: 3 days (with shorter refresher options available).

This course is particularly suited to low- to medium-risk environments, ensuring businesses meet obligations under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

• FREC 3
  • Awarded by Qualsafe Awards (FREC is a registered trademark of Qualsafe Awards Ltd)
  • Recognised as a Level 3 qualification in pre-hospital emergency care
  • Endorsed by The Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care – The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
  • Mapped against the Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) Skills Framework at Descriptor Level D
  • Valid for 3 years, with clear progression routes (e.g., FREC 4)

FREC 3 not only meets but exceeds the requirements of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. It equips individuals with the ability to provide emergency care at a far higher standard, using a broader range of equipment based on risk assessment.

• First Aid at Work
  • Awarded by Qualsafe Awards (or other accredited providers)
  • Recognised nationally for general workplace compliance
  • Valid for 3 years

While First Aid at Work remains an important compliance requirement, it represents an entry-level standard compared to the dynamic skills taught in FREC 3.

Yes — and more. 

FREC 3 fully covers and exceeds the knowledge and competencies outlined in the First Aid at Work framework, including compliance with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. 

These regulations require employers to provide:

• Adequate first aid equipment
• Facilities
• Trained personnel 

based on an assessment of their workplace risks. 

FREC 3-trained personnel offer significantly enhanced capabilities, particularly in higher-risk environments where basic first aid training may be insufficient.

• FREC 3

Ideal for:

• First responders, event medics, and security personnel
• Construction, maritime, offshore, and high-risk industries
• Those aspiring to work in emergency services or healthcare
• Individuals seeking robust, practical skills in real-world emergency management

Learn more and book your FREC 3 training.

• First Aid at Work

Best suited for:

• Staff in offices, schools, retail, light manufacturing, and warehouses
• Those fulfilling statutory first aid roles under HSE regulations
• Individuals needing basic, practical first aid skills for lower-risk environments

Holders of FREC 3 can pursue roles such as:

• Event medical responder
• Private ambulance crew member
• Site first responder in construction or offshore sectors
• Member of security or safety teams in high-risk environments

There are clear pathways for progression to FREC 4 (Emergency Care Assistant) and FREC 5 (Technician) levels. 

Both First Aid at Work and FREC 3 are valuable qualifications – but they serve very different purposes.

At MRS Training & Rescue, we deliver both First Aid at Work and FREC 3 courses – led by experienced trainers with operational backgrounds in real-life emergency environments.

Whichever route you take, we’re here to help you gain the knowledge, confidence, and certification to respond when it matters most.