Which First Aid Course Do Security Professionals Really Need? (EFAW, FAW, FREC 3 & FPOSi Explained)

Which First Aid Course is Right for You in the Private Security Industry?

When working in the private security industry, your ability to respond to medical emergencies can make the difference between life and death.

Whether you’re a door supervisor, event steward, close protection officer, or maritime security operative, the level of first aid training you need depends heavily on the environment you’re working in and the risks you’re likely to face.

Below, we’ll break down the most common first aid and medical training packages available to security professionals, helping you decide which is the right fit for your role.

1. Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) - The Minimum Standard

Who it’s for:

• Door supervisors

• Static guards

• Retail security officers

• Event stewards (low-risk environments)

Course length: 1 day (4 hours if delivered via a blended training option)

What it covers:

• Basic life support (CPR and AED use)

• Choking, bleeding, shock, and minor injuries

• Managing an unresponsive casualty

Why it matters in security:

EFAW is the industry’s minimum entry point. Many security companies require staff to hold an up-to-date EFAW certificate as part of their duty of care. While it equips you to deal with common emergencies, it’s best suited to low-risk environments where access to medical help is quick.

2. First Aid at Work (FAW) – Comprehensive Workplace Coverage

Who it’s for:

• Supervisors and team leaders

• Security officers working in higher-risk environments (warehouses, construction sites, industrial facilities)

• Security managers are responsible for compliance

Course length: 3 days (2 days if delivered via a blended training option)

What it covers:

• All EFAW content

• Head injuries, fractures, burns, poisoning

• Illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart attack, and stroke

• Record keeping and legal responsibilities

Why it matters in security:

FAW is more in-depth than EFAW, making it valuable for officers expected to take a leadership role during incidents. If you’re overseeing a team or operating in environments with more hazards, FAW gives you the knowledge to manage a wider range of emergencies until professional help arrives.

3. First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3) – Professional-Level Pre-Hospital Care

Who it’s for:

• Close protection operatives (especially those working with high-risk clients or abroad)

• Security teams in hostile or remote environments

• Event security where crowds and medical emergencies are common

• Maritime security personnel

Course length: Typically 5 days

What it covers:

• Advanced airway management

• Oxygen therapy

• Trauma management (catastrophic bleeding, blast injuries, gunshot wounds)

• Medical emergencies and monitoring vital signs

• Triage and incident management

Why it matters in security:

FREC 3 is widely seen as the gold standard for professional security operatives, particularly in close protection. Many employers and contracts now specify FREC 3 as the minimum requirement because it goes far beyond the basics, giving you the competence to deal with high-threat environments and major trauma.

4. First Person on Scene International – Level 3 (FPOSi)

Who it’s for:

• High-level close protection professionals

• Maritime security contractors

• Security operatives working in conflict or high-threat zones

Course length: 5 days (varies by provider)

What it covers:

• Similar to FREC 3, but with a strong emphasis on tactical response

• Catastrophic haemorrhage control, including tourniquets and haemostatic dressings

• Scene safety and dynamic risk assessment

• Advanced trauma care in high-risk or hostile environments

Why it matters in security:

FPOSi has long been associated with military and tactical security roles. While many organisations are now transitioning to FREC 3, FPOSi remains highly respected, especially internationally. If you’re aiming for maritime or overseas CP work, FPOSi still carries weight.

Making the Right Choice

• Low-risk roles (door supervisors, retail security, event stewarding): Start with EFAW.

• Supervisory/management roles or higher-risk workplaces: FAW is a solid step up.

• Close protection, events, or higher-threat work in the UK: Go for FREC 3 – it’s the benchmark standard.

• International or maritime security in hostile areas: Consider FPOSi or confirm if the client/contract specifies FREC 3 instead.

Final Thoughts

In today’s private security industry, first aid is not optional – it’s a professional responsibility. The right training ensures you can protect not only your client but also your colleagues, the public, and yourself.

Think about the environments you’ll be working in, the risks you’ll face, and the expectations of employers or clients. Investing in the correct level of first aid training is one of the smartest career decisions you can make – and it could one day save a life.

👉 Looking to upgrade your first aid skills for security work?

At James Consulting, we deliver industry-recognised training from EFAW through to FREC 3 and beyond.

Get in touch today to find out which course is right for your role and take the next step in your security career.