Emergency Care First Responder (ECFR)

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Highfield Level 3 Award for Emergency Care First Responders (ECFR) RQF 

This course is designed for individuals who need a solid foundation in Emergency First Aid. The qualification aims to prepare learners for the practical delivery of safe, timely, and effective pre-hospital care in emergency situations. It is specifically tailored for individuals who have a duty at work or within voluntary/community activities to provide emergency care to patients requiring urgent attention.

This qualification is ideal for those in roles that involve emergency medical care as the first responder, including security personnel, close protection officers, event medical staff, cabin crew, and community first responders.

Course Content

The course covers key topics such as:

• Incident assessment and response
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults, children, and infants
• Therapeutic oxygen therapy
• Managing catastrophic bleeding
• Assisting casualties with injuries or illnesses such as chest injuries, spinal injuries, heart attacks, and anaphylaxis

Learners will also gain knowledge of:

• The cardiovascular and respiratory systems
• Using automated external defibrillators (AED)
• Handling medical gases and oxygen therapy
• Safe airway management techniques (including the use of Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal airways)

Additional Areas Covered:

• Managing major injuries and illnesses such as fractures, dislocations, choking, shock, and head or spinal injuries
• First aid for common emergencies like asthma attacks, strokes, diabetic crises, and seizures
• The management of minor injuries, including cuts, burns, and bruises

Upon completion of this course, learners will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to a wide range of emergency situations. This qualification is aligned with Category D of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) Framework.

Qualification Duration & Renewal

The ECFR qualification is valid for 3 years. After this period, learners will need to retake the course and undergo reassessment. It is recommended that learners refresh their knowledge annually to maintain their competence.

Course Structure

This course is delivered over six days in a classroom setting, incorporating both theory and practical elements. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and practical demonstrations to ensure they gain confidence in emergency response scenarios. Each learner is assessed throughout the course to verify their competency in emergency medical care.

To maximise the learning experience, participants must be physically capable of taking part, and group sizes are limited to 8 individuals.

Eligibility & Requirements

This course is open to individuals aged 18 and over. It is particularly suitable for those in security roles, including SIA Close Protection Operatives, Door Supervisors, and Security Officers seeking to improve their first aid skills, or those progressing from the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW) qualifications.

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants will receive the Highfield Level 3 Award in Emergency Care for First Responders (RQF), which is valid for three years and meets the requirements set out in the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.

Upon completion, learners will be ready to confidently provide pre-hospital care in real-life emergency situations.