Course Equivalence - First Aid.

[TeeDee]

So can anyone explain how First Aid courses are , for want of a better work , tiered and taught? or maybe regulated and recognised?

It seems quite common if a First Aid question comes to the forum there seems to be many 'best practices' or answers or responses - which suggests many different teaching instruction of courses at various levels by different institutions.

As in our society there is a tendency for bureaucratic regulation and some over sight to create a standardized recognised level of student understanding and teaching.

As an example of what I mean with regards to First Aid the FREC3 seems to be 'a standard' course described as covering :-

"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."


So what are the industry/trade/craft equivalent tiered teaching beneath that? What are the standards for actual recognition - I could sign up for a dozen different First Aid courses tomorrow all claiming ( and no doubt delivering ) a form of First Aid Instruction - but what is the regulated and recognised certification or governing body that oversees it ?

If one wanted to do a series of instruction what should one look for? I am likening this ( as a example ) to PADI diving - You have to do a basic course before the intermediate , after the intermediate you can attend an advanced - after the advanced you can if you wish specialise - all within the same framework of oversight.


Many thanks.

 

[nigelp]

I do my 16 hour course/s with https://www.firstaidacademy.co.uk/outdoor-first-aid/

There courses are suitable for National Governing Bodies such as Mountain Training Association and Mountain Bike Award Scheme.

Anything I would do with regards to first aid etc would follow what I was instructed to do on the course.

 

[Buckshot]

I think Wayne said it well at the moot.
There are a few absolute protocols - but only a few - CPR being the obvious one.
Most other things are opinion, common sense, experience.
Therefore if the trainer knows the subject, as opposed to how to teach, the student will have varying answers.
If the trainer only knows the 'official' booklet way to do things that's all they can teach.

I guess in the same way as say bowdrill.
There's the 'official' way that people know. but there are also 101 variations that may work depending on the situation.
A friend of mine finds using the bow forewards and backwards awkward. he bows side to side and gets an ember happily.
If it works...

 

[Broch]

I don't know if this is the kind of thing you're looking for but it may help. I did the Advanced Explorer first aid course with @Wayne ages ago and can thoroughly recommend it (5 days around a camp fire learning first aid ). You can go straight into that and come out with the FREC3 qual (I think) as well as the HSE FAW ticket. My point being, if you can dedicate 5 days, you don't need to do a 'structured' approach.

Basic Awareness 1-2 hours, no assessment
CPR & AED Awareness, Basic First Aid Awareness

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
Life-saving techniques (CPR, AED, recovery position), bleeding, shock, minor injuries

Outdoor First Aid / Forest School First Aid
Option A: Outdoor First Aid (2 days), Level 3 qualification
Everything in EFAW + Hypothermia, fractures, sprains, emergency planning in remote areas, extended casualty care, delayed ambulance scenarios
Recognised by National Trust, Forestry England, & Mountain Training

Option B: Forest School First Aid (2 days)
Paediatric protocols (infant/child CPR) & managing groups of children outdoors
Required for Level 3 Forest School Leaders

Advanced First Aid for Remote/Professional Roles
For team leaders, land managers, or people working in very remote or high-risk woodland settings.

FREC 3 (First Response Emergency Care) – 5 days, Level 3 Certificate
Trauma care, airway management, oxygen therapy, medical emergencies
Prerequisite for FREC 4/5, voluntary or professional responder

 

[Broch]

Sorry, missed out the full FAW ticket which covers such things as stroke, heart attack, recognising symptoms (such as diabetes), and assessment of more major injuries.

Plus the forestry extension covering trauma.

 

[Urvin]

Yeah, it’s tiered, if you stick to the regulated route. In the UK, legit First Aid training follows the RQF. You’ve got basics like EFAW (1 day), FAW (3 days), then FREC 3 if you're aiming for pre-hospital/emergency roles. FREC 4–6 take you toward paramedic-level. Look for Ofqual-regulated courses from bodies like Qualsafe or FutureQuals. If the course doesn’t list its level or accreditor, it’s not worth your time. Think of it like PADI: progression only makes sense inside the official framework

 

[Weilandzz]

I did my FREC3 and checked with the assessor—he confirmed it counts as an advanced first aid cert for outdoor stuff, including SIA license, but always double-check with whoever's asking.

 

[TeeDee]

Yeah, it’s tiered, if you stick to the regulated route. In the UK, legit First Aid training follows the RQF. You’ve got basics like EFAW (1 day), FAW (3 days), then FREC 3 if you're aiming for pre-hospital/emergency roles. FREC 4–6 take you toward paramedic-level. Look for Ofqual-regulated courses from bodies like Qualsafe or FutureQuals. If the course doesn’t list its level or accreditor, it’s not worth your time. Think of it like PADI: progression only makes sense inside the official framework

Many thanks. Useful advice. Cheers , will ensure I check.

 

[TeeDee]

I did my FREC3 and checked with the assessor—he confirmed it counts as an advanced first aid cert for outdoor stuff, including SIA license, but always double-check with whoever's asking.

Many thanks. Appreciated