NB: If choosing the booking fee, the remaining amount must be paid 30 days prior to the course start date.
What is FREC 3?
This informative, hands-on 5-day course fulfils the competencies set out in the PHEM skills framework at descriptor level D, providing the knowledge and practical skills needed to deal with a range of prehospital emergency and urgent care situations. In addition to this, at K2 International we deliver this course with a focus on Challenging Environment Operations. This means that we cover all of the key aspects of FREC listed below (the formal techniques) as well as informal techniques/improvisation methods needed when operating as a first responder in austere, remote, hostile and/or resource limited environments/contexts.
What does our FREC 3 course cover?
The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) covers:
Scene assessment and safety management
Basic Life Support (CPR and AED)
Management of catastrophic bleed using tourniquets and haemostatic agents
Management of C-spine and spinal fractures including immobilisation and vehicle extrication
Airway management including choking (liquid and solid), and use of OPAs, NPAs and SGAs (I-gel)
Administration of emergency oxygen and inhaled analgesia (Entonox/Nitronox and Penthrox)
Management of major limb, chest, abdominal and head trauma
Assessment and management of minor injuries such as strains, sprains and fractures
Management of major medical illnesses/diseases such as strokes, heart attacks, diabetic emergencies and much more!
In addition to the above syllabus K2 International utilises a range of simulated environments both indoor and outdoor alongside high-fidelity training aids and instruction methods to teach the following supplemental skills to assist your operations as first responder in a range of challenging environments including:
Improvised techniques for managing catastrophic haemorrhage, suspected c-spine/spinal injuries, vehicle extrication without extrication equipment, and improvised use of common household items to manage burns, sprains, strains & fractures and much more!
Care Under Fire medical management techniques and care in semi-permissive environments. NB: this is simulated in one of our tactical villages and high-fidelity training aids with stage blood, flash bangs, smoke grenades and for an extra fee - paintball markers to return 'fire'
High energy RTC vehicle extrication with live helicopter extrication training (helicopter safety brief included) - and for an extra fee learners can even have a go in the helicopter! (NB: K2I-EOC cannot guarantee availability of the aircraft and this is provided free of charge. No refunds will be given if the aircraft is not available or weather is not suitable for flight operations).
Who is our FREC 3 course for?
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, and those providing medical cover at festivals and events such as Emergency/Community First Responders, Door Supervisors, Close Protection Operatives and Security Guards as well as those working in high risk environments including the military, power stations, agriculture and manufacturing.
How is our FREC 3 course assessed?
11 x practical assessments/skills tests
1 x theory assessment (multiple choice question paper)
1 x invigilated exam.
How do we certify our FREC 3 course?
You will gain your FREC 3/First Responder certification immediately after successful completion of the course which will including the following certificate and optional assessments (clinical governance dependent):
Level 3 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care
For learners with appropriate clinical governance management and procedures in place and upon successful assessment(s), the certificate will annotate the additional optional extras that K2I includes free of charge.
Supraglottic airway device use
Penthrox administration
Entonox administration
Naloxone Hydrochloride administration
Blood glucose measurement
Do we offer the FREC 3 refresher course?
Yes, we offer the shortened 3-day FREC 3 refresher course, however we believe in our delivery approach so much that we encourage all learners wishing to update their FREC 3 certification to attend all 5 days of the ‘normal’ course with us. This ensures each learner gains full exposure to our uniquely high-fidelity and hyper-realistic assessment and teaching methods for all skills taught on FREC 3 and as such we offer a £175 discount for anyone with a valid FREC 3 certificate who wishes to attend our course to re-certify with us at K2 International.
Due to this, we do not regularly schedule shortened 3-Day FREC 3 refresher courses, however for groups of 6 or more please get in contact via our CONTACT US page to arrange dates to suit your schedule.
-
Learn from operational Paramedics and pre-hospital clinicians who deal with real patients every day. This isn’t theory-heavy teaching—it’s grounded in current UK practice, real decision-making and what actually happens on the road.
-
Train in a purpose-built facility designed to replicate real-world conditions, including our simulated ambulance area, scenario rooms and outdoor practical spaces (weather dependant and class size dependant). Expect immersive, hands-on learning—not classroom-only delivery.
-
You won’t just be told what to do—you’ll practise it. Our training is built around realistic scenarios that develop confidence, communication and clinical decision-making under pressure.
-
Train using the same equipment you’ll encounter in real pre-hospital settings. From airway adjuncts to trauma care, you’ll gain familiarity with the tools of the job—not just textbook knowledge.
-
We maintain a professional but approachable atmosphere. Expect high standards, constructive feedback and a team that wants you to succeed—not just pass.
-
We don’t just train you, we help you get set up. You’ll have access to recommended kit and equipment, so you can transition straight into practice with the right tools.
-
FREC 3 is just the start. We offer a full training pathway to FREC 4 through to FREUC 5 (EMT level) with clear guidance on how to build a career in pre-hospital care.
-
We support more than just your qualification. From course advice to career direction and placements, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
What to Expect
Sample Itinerary-
Quick introduction, safety brief and outline of the day. Set expectations and get straight into it.
-
Instructors demonstrate key skills step-by-step using real equipment.
You’ll see exactly how it’s done before you try it yourself.
-
Hands-on practice in small groups.
Expect repetition, coaching and immediate feedback until you’re getting it right.
-
With the basics fresh, we’ll dive into hands-on arranging. We’ll explore shape, scale, and movement while encouraging personal style through floral design.
-
Short recap followed by building complexity and linking skills into structured patient assessment (DRABCDE).
-
Put everything together in realistic scenarios.
This is where it clicks—decision-making, communication and working under pressure.
-
Constructive, no-nonsense feedback from operational clinicians.
What went well, what needs work, and how to improve.
-
Open discussion, questions and preparation for the next training day.
meet your instructorsMichael Kidd -
Michael is a HCPC-registered Specialist Paramedic in Urgent Care, qualified teacher (QTS) and co-founder of K2 International.
Working as a Specialist Paramedic since 2017, he has operated across Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs), Double Crewed Ambulances (DCAs), Emergency Departments and GP practices as a Paramedic Practitioner. His experience spans frontline ambulance operations, urgent care and international pre-hospital environments, including clinical work and teaching in over 17 countries, primarily in remote and high-risk settings.
Known by his call sign “Kilo 1”, Michael delivers direct, focused training grounded in real-world patient care. His approach emphasises clinical reasoning, structured assessment and practical application, developing clinicians who can assess, think and act under pressure.
Gemma kidd
Gemma is a HCPC-registered Paramedic and Specialist Paramedic, and co-founder of K2 International.
Since 2016, she has worked across Double Crewed Ambulances (DCAs) and Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs), gaining extensive experience in frontline pre-hospital care. Alongside her civilian practice, she is a qualified Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) instructor, bringing additional expertise in high-threat and complex environments.
Gemma delivers structured, practical training focused on real-world application, helping learners build confidence, competence and effective decision-making under pressure.
gREG MCLARNON
Greg is a HCPC-registered Paramedic, qualified physiologist and lecturer in Paramedic Practice.
Since qualifying as a Paramedic in 2019, he has developed experience in frontline pre-hospital care alongside an academic background in physiology. He now works as a lecturer, combining clinical experience with higher education to support the development of future clinicians.
Greg brings a structured, evidence-based approach to teaching, helping learners understand not just what to do, but why they are doing it.
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and register for a workshop.
Your Questions, Answered-
Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
-
How can I contact you?
-
You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
-
We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.