For the love of blogs - episode 15
Well, I cannot believe that it has been over 6 weeks since concocting my last amazingly witty blog, as memories of being on a cruise ship are but a distant memory!!! Instead, it is back to “normal,” whatever that is, and here is the latest mind-numbingly boring episode. Since arriving back, I have not won the lottery, I have not married Brad Pitt, and now it is the school holidays, yet again!!! Over 6 weeks of bickering, constant snacking, and “I’m bored” to look forward to. If anyone wants to send gin or anything alcoholic, I would appreciate this as I really need something to help me get through this potentially difficult period.
Right down to business and the latest exciting update happening in CTS land. Now we found out last month that Qualsafe decided to throw a curveball in the mix with the idea of updating the syllabus for FREC 3. Given that it was announced just a few weeks prior to going live and initially a lack of information, this has prompted us to re-evaluate our course content to bring this in line. Shaun was immediately on the old dog and bone to Harry our wonderful Paramedic, deciding what was the best course of action to accommodate these changes. After lots of hair pulling, plenty of swearing and ruling out retirement, a cunning plan was formed – see more information regarding this and FREC 3 later in this blog.
We also have welcomed a new member to the team after we realised we could not clone Harry; he did not have a twin brother, and we desperately needed to help share his workload. Cue Jen, who is a wonderful Paramedic, and no I have not suddenly become a genius overnight, who has decided to join this madhouse for some strange and bizarre reason. Jen was introduced to us by Harry and why he has not introduced her before is still a mystery, but we are so glad he has. She is working closely with Harry with a view to delivering our “Understanding” range of courses when Harry is not available as well as creating our latest Understanding Prehospital Maternity and Newborn Care CPD course. Welcome to the team Jen, Now we need to up the Christmas party budget by another tenner!!!
Medical work has slowed down somewhat now we are into festival season but we have had some rather interesting shows including reliving my youth (I know it was a long time ago) with Human League, The Thompson Twins and Blancmange (not to be mistaken for some dreadful dessert from the 80’s that you were made to eat when visiting that long lost Auntie you barely knew). Anyone who was a child/teenager of the 80’s will remember at least a couple of their songs so come on do not be shy. If you do not know who they are well Google or YouTube them and I bet, you know at least one song. Other shows have included Faithless, UB40 and the ultimate chaos that is Bongo’s Bingo which is sure to be enough to scar you for life.
Blancmange - bland, tasteless, 80’s dessert
We have also enlisted the help of a new SEO specialist called John who has suggested I talk about FREC 3 & 4 courses to help improve our Google ranking. Having said that we have experienced more enquires recently regarding FREC courses, but it does not do any harm to have lots of shameless advertising so here goes.
Who Needs FREC (First Response Emergency Care) and Why
FREC qualifications are designed for individuals who are first to respond in emergency situations, especially in high-risk environments or roles requiring advanced first aid. This includes:
Emergency/Community First Responders
Event medics and private ambulance staff
Close Protection Operatives and security personnel
Police, Firefighters, and military personnel
Offshore workers, expedition leaders, and aid workers
Why it is needed:
To meet legal and professional standards for emergency care
To provide life-saving interventions before paramedics arrive
To progress toward careers in prehospital or paramedic care
Topics Covered
FREC Level 3 (RQF)
This 5-day course aligns with PHEM descriptor level D and includes:
Roles and responsibilities of a first responder
Patient assessment (primary and secondary surveys)
Airway management and use of AEDs
Administering emergency oxygen
Managing trauma: catastrophic bleeding, chest injuries, fractures
Medical emergencies: asthma, diabetes, anaphylaxis, poisoning
CPR for adults, children, and infants
Environmental exposure, burns, convulsions
FREC Level 4 (RQF)
A step up to PHEM descriptor level E, covering:
Advanced patient assessment and physiological observations
ECG monitoring and interpretation
Mental health emergencies and psychosocial development in children
Emergency care for sick/injured children and maternity patients
Use and administration of medical gases
Assisting clinicians with airway management and vascular access
Major incident triage and trauma management
Course Assessment
FREC Level 3
6 practical assessments/skills tests
1 multiple-choice theory paper
1 invigilated anatomy and physiology exam
FREC Level 4
3 practical assessments
2 skills tests
3 learner workbooks
2 invigilated exams (including ECG recognition and applied anatomy)
Academic Requirements
FREC 3: No formal qualifications required, but Level 2 literacy and basic first aid knowledge is recommended. Minimum age: 17.
FREC 4: Must hold a valid FREC 3 certificate and complete 118 hours of contextualised learning (CPD portfolio). Minimum age: 18.
Support During and After Training
Pre-course study materials and workbooks
Access to online learning portals
One-on-one tutor support for assessments and workbooks
Post-course guidance for progression and employment
Progression Routes After FREC 3
FREC 3 is the gateway to advanced prehospital care roles. After completion, learners can:
Progress to FREC Level 4
Work as Emergency Care Assistants (ECA) or Event Medics
Pursue blue light driver training and frontline ambulance roles.
We are also just putting the final changes to a range of “Simply” courses, which are short, focused CPD sessions designed to enhance the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills of first responders and junior healthcare professionals. These courses are not part of the mandatory FREC 3 training and do not grant a licence to practise independently, but they include both knowledge and practical assessments that some employers, but not necessarily a CQC registered employer, may recognise these additional skills. These courses cover the same subjects as the optional add-ons of Supraglottic Airway Devices, Patient Observations, Naloxone, Entonox, and Penthrox. Each course is between 2-3 hours in length and learners will receive a certificate of competence upon completion of both assessments; those who do not will receive a certificate of attendance. Please take a look at our website for more information, along with course specifications.
Gosh, this blog is going on forever, but you will be pleased to know I have officially run out of things to talk about – yes, a woman who stops talking, now that is a miracle!!! Do not fret, for I will be back in my best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice, and yes, I did have to Google how to spell his surname. Right, I am now going to lie down in a darkened room for the next 6 weeks and pretend I am not well and force the children to bring me copious amounts of alcohol to make me feel better. Until next time…….
Sayonara
Jen