Level 4 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF).

As the next step for those who have completed the Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF), this qualification provides learners with a wider scope of practice in Prehospital care emergencies, allowing for greater employment opportunities.

Course Overview.

The Qualsafe Level 4 Certificate is designed for individuals aiming to advance their careers within the NHS or private ambulance services as emergency care assistants, intermediate ambulance practitioners, event medical providers, associate practitioners, or healthcare assistants. It’s also suited for those seeking specialised roles in the military, police, and fire services.

Aligning with the PHEM skills framework at descriptor level E, this certification deepens knowledge and skills in handling a variety of Prehospital care emergencies including major incidents, fracture immobilisation, care for sick and injured children, addressing mental health issues, and more.

Entry Requirements

Learners must be at least 18 years old on the first day of training.

Prerequisite Qualification: Learners are required to hold either:

  • A current and valid Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) or

  • A valid Qualsafe First Response Emergency Care (Level 3 RQF) qualification, or

  • A Qualsafe Awards (QA) recognized equivalent qualification.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Learners must present a CPD profile showing evidence of at least 118 hours of study and/or contextualized practice. Detailed requirements for this are provided in Appendix 5 of the course documentation.

Recommended Literacy Level: While there are no formal educational prerequisites beyond the above, it is advised for learners to have a minimum of Level 2 literacy or its equivalent to enhance their learning experience.

Course Programme

    • Understand the role and responsibilities of a first responder.

    • Be able to assess an incident.

    • Be able to assess and manage patients with life-threatening and not life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

    • Be able to assess a patient’s airway.

    • Be able to manage an unresponsive patient who is not breathing normally.

    • Be able to safely use an AED during a resuscitation attempt and how to maintain an AED ready for use.

    • Be able to administer emergency oxygen.

    • Be able to assess and manage trauma patients.

    • Be able to assess and manage catastrophic bleeding.

    • Be able to assess and manage chest injuries.

    • Be able to assess and manage bleeding.

    • Be able to assess and manage a patient with compromised circulation.

    • Know how to assess and manage wounds and eye injuries.

    • Know how to assess and manage a patient with burns or scalds.

    • Know how to manage a patient with sudden poisoning.

    • Be able to provide emergency care to a patient with head, spinal and musculoskeletal injuries

    • Know how to identify a patient experiencing breathing difficulties.

    • Know how to manage a patient experiencing breathing difficulties.

    • Know how to manage a patient with anaphylaxis.

    • Know how to assess and manage a patient with a suspected major illness.

    • Know how to manage a patient who is actively convulsing.

    • Understand how to provide emergency care for the effects of environmental exposure.