K2 International is a family-run medical training centre and emergency equipment supplier based in Randalstown, Northern Ireland.
We provide internationally recognised first aid, pre-hospital and emergency care courses for individuals, businesses, community groups and healthcare professionals. Our training is practical, realistic and delivered by experienced clinicians with real-world experience in Northern Ireland and across the world.
Alongside our training centre, we operate an online store supplying everything from refillable first aid kits and routine workplace consumables through to professional pre-hospital, ambulance and emergency response equipment.
K2 International
EDUCATION • OPERATIONS • CONSULTANCY
Featured Products
Description:
The 6-in-1 Folding Trauma Shears are ideal for first aid, ambulance, pre-hospital and emergency response settings where a compact, practical cutting tool is required.
These stainless steel folding shears are designed to provide multiple useful functions in one easy-to-carry tool, making them a handy addition to first aid kits, response bags, ambulance pouches, outdoor kits and event medical setups.
They are suitable for cutting clothing, dressings, bandages, tape and other light materials during patient assessment, treatment and equipment preparation. Their folding design helps save space while still keeping an essential emergency tool close to hand.
Important Information:
6-in-1 folding trauma shear style multitool
Stainless steel construction
Compact folding design
Suitable for first aid, ambulance and pre-hospital response bags
Useful for cutting clothing, dressings, bandages, tape and light materials
Easy to store in pouches, kits or grab bags
Suitable for first aiders, first responders, event medics, ambulance staff and outdoor responders
Designed as a practical emergency response accessory
Users should be trained and competent in the safe use of any equipment carried as part of a first aid or pre-hospital response kit
Description:
The W1 Response Bag by MERE is a durable, IPC-friendly lifesaving essential with oxygen-carrying capability and a 100kg winch-tested D-ring for secure aircraft loading. Made from wipeable PVC material, it features a quick access front panel and colour-coded pouches for rapid, organised emergency response. Available in four stylish colours, the W1 Response Bag combines functionality and sleek design, ready for any critical situation.
What’s Included?
M1 Response Bag
MERE Patches (Catastrophic Haemorrhage, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Medication, Hypothermia, Diagnostics, Minor Injuries, MEDIC Patch)
All inner pouches
Oxygen carrying internal straps
Options Available:
Black
Red
Blue
Green
Other patch options are available for the inner pouches, contact us for your preferred layout/patch configuration
Description:
The modular, sustainable, space saving, first aid solution.
Aurapoint provides a convenient, compliant selection of first aid kits incorporating an easy to install wall bracket system. The range ensures everything needed to meet workplace regulatory requirements in one simple modular solution.
Important Information:
Contains:
1 x Aurapoint Base (incl. labels and AED bracket).
1 x 427 Large BS8599-1 Catering First Aid Kit
1 x 3350 Burns Kit
Description:
Stay cozy and stylish with the K2 International Half-Zip Fleece, designed for comfort and durability. Made from 100% polyester, this fleece jacket offers superior warmth without the weight. Featuring the iconic K2 International crest on the front, it’s the perfect way to represent your brand while enjoying premium comfort.
Crafted by MFC Sports, this versatile half-zip fleece is perfect for layering in cooler weather or as a stand-alone piece for everyday wear. Whether you're heading out for a hike, lounging at home, or representing your brand on the go, this fleece is a must-have for any K2 International fan.
Important Information:
Made from 100% polyester for ultimate softness and warmth
MFC Sports craftsmanship for quality and durability
Classic half-zip design for adjustable comfort
K2 International logo prominently displayed
Perfect for both outdoor adventures and casual wear
Order yours today and experience the perfect blend of comfort, style, and quality with K2 International!
NB: As these jackets are made to order, there is a 4 to 6 week turnaround time for them.
upcoming courses
How to Apply for APEX-6
Select APPLY NOW and complete the initial assessment form.
Proceed to checkout, where the application fee will automatically reduce to £100.
Submit your application and complete the required admissions and compliance checks.
The £100 non-refundable application fee includes your Enhanced AccessNI check, suitability interview and RPL assessment where applicable.
Successful applicants will receive a formal offer of enrolment confirming their applicable tuition fees and programme arrangements.
What is APEX-6?
The APEX-6 Paramedic Pathway is a three-year programme developed and delivered collaboratively by K2 International and the College of Remote and Offshore Medicine (CoROM), leading to the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice.
Combining classroom education in Northern Ireland, guided e-learning, independent study and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical placement, APEX-6 prepares learners for Level 6 clinical practice in conventional, remote, austere, prolonged and expeditionary healthcare environments.
Unlike traditional paramedic programmes, APEX-6 places particular emphasis on remote medicine, preparing graduates for a broad range of professional opportunities beyond conventional ambulance practice.
View the Full APEX-6 Prospectus and Syllabus
Programme Structure
Year 1: Foundations of Paramedic Practice
Year 1 focuses on foundational clinical knowledge, patient assessment, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, emergency and urgent care, and clinical decision-making.
Learners complete five weeks of classroom teaching (250 hours), supported by guided e-learning, independent study, theoretical and practical assessments, and 750 hours of supervised clinical placement.
Year 2: Advanced Paramedic and Remote Medicine
Year 2 develops advanced clinical assessment, critical care, clinical reasoning and the management of patients in remote, austere and prolonged care environments.
Learners complete four weeks of classroom teaching (200 hours), guided e-learning, academic and practical assessments, and 375 hours of supernumerary clinical placement.
Year 3: Specialist Practice and Research
Year 3 focuses on specialist remote medicine, advanced clinical practice, academic research and completion of the degree requirements.
Teaching is delivered predominantly online through CoROM, alongside independent academic study, a dissertation and 375 hours of supernumerary clinical placement in an approved resource-limited healthcare environment in Mexico or Tanzania.
There is no scheduled classroom attendance at K2 International during Year 3.
The full APEX-6 pathway incorporates approximately 4,599 hours of academic learning and clinical practice across three years.
View the Detailed Module Syllabus and Learning Hours
Entry Requirements
APEX-6 welcomes applicants from a range of academic and clinical backgrounds. Previous EMT qualifications are not essential for entry.
Standard academic entry requirements are aligned with those published by Ulster University for its BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science programme.
Applicants holding FREC 4 or an approved equivalent may be considered through an alternative entry route in place of traditional A-level and GCSE requirements.
All applicants must be aged 18 or over and satisfy the relevant academic, English language, admissions, background screening and clinical placement requirements.
View the Full Entry Requirements and Alternative Entry Routes
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applicants holding recognised EMT qualifications may be eligible for reduced classroom attendance and tuition fee discounts.
The following RPL pathways are available:
Level 3 EMT: £1,000 discount and 1 week exempted from Year 1.
Level 4 EMT: £2,000 discount and 2 weeks exempted from Year 1.
Level 5 EMT: £3,000 discount and 3 weeks exempted from Year 1.
APEX-5 Alumni: £4,000 discount and 4 weeks exempted from Year 1.
HCPC-registered Paramedics: £9,000 discount and fully exempted from Year 1.
NMC-Registered Nurses with ACP status: £9,000 discount and fully exempted from Year 1.
GMC-registered Doctors: £9,000 discount and fully exempted from Year 1.
NB: HCPC registered paramedics who already hold a Level 6 Paramedic qualification, RGNs with ACP status and fully registered GMC Doctors are encouraged to explore the MSc Austere Critical Care route at: https://corom.edu.mt/msc-in-austere-critical-care/
These are the only established RPL pathways, although applicants holding an EMT qualification alongside a relevant degree may be considered for Level 5 RPL.
All RPL awards are subject to qualification verification and academic approval. Applicants should review the eligibility requirements before requesting an RPL assessment.
View the Full RPL Eligibility Criteria, Exemptions and Discounts
Clinical Placements
APEX-6 incorporates a minimum of 1,500 hours supervised clinical practice across three years, providing experience in conventional ambulance services, emergency and urgent care, and resource-limited healthcare environments.
Year 1 placements may be completed through suitable paid clinical employment, while Years 2 and 3 must be undertaken in a supernumerary capacity.
K2 International has established Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Elite EMS in the UK, Global Medical Projects in Mexico and Emerald Urgent Care in Northern Ireland. International placement opportunities are also available through CoROM's healthcare partnerships in Tanzania.
Learners may arrange their own suitable placements, subject to prior approval by K2 International and the signing of an MOU with their employer or placement provider.
View Clinical Placement Providers, Requirements and Allowances
Tuition Fees and Payment Options
Standard tuition for the complete three-year programme is £27,000, before any applicable RPL discounts.
Three payment options are available:
Payment in Full: £27,000.
Annual Payments: £9,250 per year for three years (£27,750 total).
Monthly Payments: £2,700 initial payment-plan charge followed by 36 monthly payments of £750 (£29,700 total).
An additional £100 application and compliance fee applies.
Tuition does not include personal travel, accommodation, clinical placement expenses, optional qualifications or professional registration costs.
Approved RPL applicants receive adjusted tuition fees and payment arrangements.
Qualifications and Professional Recognition
Successful completion of the programme leads to the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice, awarded by the College of Remote and Offshore Medicine (CoROM), a higher education institution licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA).
APEX-6 is designed to prepare Level 6 clinicians for a broad range of professional opportunities, including conventional ambulance practice, offshore and maritime healthcare, expedition medicine, humanitarian operations, disaster response and remote medical services.
Graduates may also pursue further postgraduate education and specialist clinical development.
Professional registration, including with the HCPC, is subject to individual eligibility and regulatory assessment and is not automatically guaranteed by completion of the degree.
View Qualifications, Accreditation and Graduate Opportunities
Important Information Before Applying
APEX-6 is an intensive three-year programme requiring a substantial commitment to academic study, practical assessments and clinical placements.
Applicants should carefully consider the time, financial and personal commitments involved, particularly where they intend to maintain employment alongside their studies.
Classroom teaching takes place in scheduled blocks at our training centre in Randalstown, Northern Ireland. Learners must be available for their required teaching dates and complete all academic and clinical requirements within the programme's permitted timescales.
We strongly encourage all prospective applicants to read the full prospectus before submitting an application.
NB: Applications for Cohort 4, commencing January 2027, are now open. Only 5 places remain as of 15th September 2026.
Application Instructions:
Click APPLY NOW.
Complete the initial assessment form.
Proceed to checkout. An automatic discount will be applied, reducing the application fee payable to £100.
Pay the £100 application fee to submit your application.
The application fee includes your Enhanced AccessNI background check, suitability interview and RPL assessment and mapping, where applicable.
Please note: The £100 application fee is non-refundable.
Following completion of the application process, successful applicants will receive a formal offer of enrolment, together with confirmation of their applicable tuition fees based on the outcome of any RPL assessment.
APEX-5 EMT Pathway
Level 5 APEX Emergency Medical Technician | 24-Month Programme
APEX-5 is K2 International's Level 5 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) pathway, designed for those wishing to develop the knowledge, clinical skills and experience required to work in pre-hospital, remote, austere and expeditionary healthcare environments.
The programme incorporates the nationally recognised Qualsafe Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care (FREUC 5), alongside the Level 5 Austere, Prolonged and Expeditionary Care qualification jointly issued by K2 International and the College of Remote and Offshore Medicine (CoROM).
Training is delivered by experienced and operational Paramedics, Specialist Paramedics and Doctors, with an emphasis on practical skills, clinical decision-making and realistic simulation.
The programme comprises 20 classroom days and 750 hours of supervised clinical practice, with learners having up to 24 months to complete all requirements.
Programme Structure
Classroom Education
20 classroom days, normally delivered in five-day blocks.
Practical and scenario-based learning.
Anatomy, physiology and pharmacology.
Patient assessment and clinical examination.
Emergency and urgent care.
Trauma and medical emergencies.
Remote, austere and prolonged field care.
For groups of six or more, classroom teaching may also be delivered as an intensive four-week programme.
As FREC 4 is an entry requirement, learners may be able to begin suitable clinical placement alongside their classroom training.
Clinical Placement
Learners must complete 750 hours of supervised clinical practice under the supervision of an appropriately registered healthcare professional.
Placement requirements include:
A minimum of 400 hours on an emergency ambulance responding to 999, 112 or 911 calls.
Up to 200 hours in emergency departments, urgent treatment centres, primary care or other unscheduled care settings.
Up to 96 hours in specialist settings, including maternity, coronary care, theatres and palliative care.
Up to 48 hours in approved hospital departments or inpatient settings.
K2 International has placement arrangements with Elite EMS in England and Global Medical Projects in Mexico.
Eligible learners may be considered for paid employment as Emergency Care Assistants with Elite EMS, subject to obtaining CERAD and meeting their recruitment requirements.
Learners may also arrange their own placements, provided the placement provider, clinical setting and supervision arrangements are approved by K2 International in advance.
Placement availability and paid employment are not guaranteed. Any additional placement expenses remain the learner's responsibility.
Assessment and Qualifications
Assessment takes place throughout the programme and includes:
Eight Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
One practical skills assessment.
Three invigilated written examinations.
Learner workbook and academic portfolio.
Professional Practice Portfolio.
Practice Assessment Document (PAD).
Successful completion of all relevant requirements leads to the award of:
Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care (FREUC 5), awarded through Qualsafe Awards.
Level 5 Austere, Prolonged and Expeditionary Care (APEX-5), jointly issued by K2 International and CoROM.
Who Is APEX-5 For?
APEX-5 is designed for learners who already hold FREC 4 or an accepted equivalent and wish to progress to EMT-level practice.
It is particularly suitable for those intending to work in:
Private ambulance services and emergency care.
Event and motorsport medicine.
Offshore and remote medicine.
Close protection medical support.
Expeditionary and humanitarian healthcare.
International and resource-limited environments.
Those specifically seeking employment as an EMT within an NHS ambulance service should also consider the Level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) qualification.
APEX-5 graduates may subsequently undertake K2 International's 30-day FREUC 5 to AAP conversion programme, subject to the relevant entry and awarding requirements.
Important Information Before Applying
APEX-5 is an intensive Level 5 clinical programme requiring a significant commitment to classroom learning, independent study, assessments and supervised clinical placement.
Although learners have up to 24 months to complete the programme, they must attend their scheduled classroom teaching dates and make sufficient time available to complete the 750 clinical placement hours.
Teaching dates are fixed for each cohort and will not be rearranged to accommodate individual employment rotas, shift patterns or personal availability. Reasonable adjustments and genuine exceptional circumstances will be considered in accordance with our policies and applicable law.
Learners are responsible for arranging and completing their clinical placements, with support and guidance from K2 International.
Applicants should consider their employment, financial circumstances and ability to complete the programme before enrolling.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
Hold a valid Level 4 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 4), or an accepted equivalent.
Be aged 18 or over.
Complete an Enhanced AccessNI background check and relevant safeguarding requirements.
Meet occupational health, vaccination and fitness-to-practise requirements, with reasonable adjustments where applicable.
Be able to complete the required supervised clinical placements.
Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent admission. Applications are assessed individually, subject to applicable safeguarding and legal requirements.
Progression to APEX-6
APEX-5 provides a direct progression route into K2 International's three-year APEX-6 Paramedic Pathway, leading towards the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice awarded by CoROM.
The APEX-5 curriculum forms the first four weeks of APEX-6 Year 1, allowing eligible graduates to progress without repeating those teaching weeks.
APEX-5 graduates receive the following benefits when progressing to APEX-6:
Recognition of Prior Learning for the first four weeks of Year 1, subject to approval.
A £4,000 reduction in APEX-6 tuition fees.
Entry into the remaining two weeks of Year 1, followed by four weeks of classroom teaching in Year 2.
A structured progression route towards degree-level remote paramedic practice.
This provides a progressive educational pathway from APEX-4 Team Medic, through APEX-5 EMT, to APEX-6 Remote Paramedic Practice.
All progression arrangements are subject to successful completion of APEX-5, formal RPL approval and the remaining APEX-6 admissions and programme requirements.
Fees and Payment Options
The standard APEX-5 tuition fee is £4,000.
An additional £100 application and compliance fee is payable before enrolment.
Option 1: Payment in Full (£4,000)
Pay the full £4,000 tuition fee upfront, with no additional payment-plan charges.
Learners may use personal savings or finance from an independent lender.
For eligible Northern Ireland residents, Evolve Credit Union offers personal loan products, subject to its lending criteria and approval.
Option 2: Monthly Payments (£4,408)
Spread the cost across the 24-month programme registration period.
Upfront payment-plan fee: £400.
Monthly instalments: £167.
Number of instalments: 24.
Total payable: £4,408.
The initial £400 is an additional payment-plan charge and does not reduce the tuition balance.
Monthly payments must remain up to date in accordance with the learner's agreement. Learners may settle their outstanding balance early without penalty.
All academic, clinical and financial requirements must be satisfied before final certification is released, subject to applicable law and awarding organisation requirements.
Accommodation and Location
K2 International is based at:
33 Main Street
Randalstown
BT41 3AB
Northern Ireland
Accommodation may be available next door to the training centre, subject to availability.
November to April: £50 per night.
May to October: £60 per night.
Approximate travel times:
Belfast International Airport: 20 minutes.
Belfast City Airport: 25 minutes.
City of Derry Airport: 60 minutes.
Antrim Train Station: 10 minutes.
Belfast city centre: 20 minutes.
Applications
To apply for APEX-5, complete our online application form and pay the £100 application and compliance fee.
Successful applicants will receive confirmation of their enrolment, teaching dates and payment arrangements.
Do our venue or current course dates not suit your needs?
If you have a group booking of 5 or more people, get in touch with us here. We may be able to arrange delivery of your course at a time and location that suits your group.
For international locations, additional fees may apply.
What is our FREC 4 course?
Fulfilling the competencies set out in the PHEM skills framework at descriptor level E, this qualification provides learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to be able to deal with a wide range of Prehospital care emergencies.
What does our FREC 4 course cover?
Major incidents;
Fracture immobilisation;
Paediatric assessment and management (common diseases, illnesses and injuries);
Child development and delivery;
Assessment and management of mental health issues crises;
ECG recognition and basic interpretation.
Who is our FREC 4 course for?
The Qualsafe Level 4 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) is a regulated and nationally recognised Prehospital care qualification specifically designed for those looking to progress their career within the NHS or private ambulance services as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA), Intermediate Ambulance Practitioner (IAP), event medical provider, associate practitioner or healthcare assistant.
It is also ideal for those who are looking to work within specialist roles in the military, police and fire services.
How do we assess our FREC 4 course?
During the course/teaching days:
3 x Practical assessments;
2 x Skills tests;
2 x Invigilated exams.
Off course (10 months to complete):
3 x Learner workbooks;
Does our venue or current dates not suit your needs?
Get in contact with us here if you have a group booking of 5 or more people and we can arrange to deliver your course at a time and place to suit your needs (for international locations additional fees may apply).
What is FREC 3?
This informative, hands-on 5-day course fulfils the competencies set out in the PHEM skills framework at descriptor level D, providing the knowledge and practical skills needed to deal with a range of prehospital emergency and urgent care situations. In addition to this, at K2 International we deliver this course with a focus on Challenging Environment Operations. This means that we cover all of the key aspects of FREC listed below (the formal techniques) as well as informal techniques/improvisation methods needed when operating as a first responder in austere, remote, hostile and/or resource limited environments/contexts.
What does our FREC 3 course cover?
The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) covers:
Scene assessment and safety management
Basic Life Support (CPR and AED)
Management of catastrophic bleed using tourniquets and haemostatic agents
Management of C-spine and spinal fractures including immobilisation and vehicle extrication
Airway management including choking (liquid and solid), and use of OPAs, NPAs and SGAs (I-gel)
Administration of emergency oxygen and inhaled analgesia (Entonox/Nitronox and Penthrox)
Management of major limb, chest, abdominal and head trauma
Assessment and management of minor injuries such as strains, sprains and fractures
Management of major medical illnesses/diseases such as strokes, heart attacks, diabetic emergencies and much more!
In addition to the above syllabus K2 International utilises a range of simulated environments both indoor and outdoor alongside high-fidelity training aids and instruction methods to teach the following supplemental skills to assist your operations as first responder in a range of challenging environments including:
Improvised techniques for managing catastrophic haemorrhage, suspected c-spine/spinal injuries, vehicle extrication without extrication equipment, and improvised use of common household items to manage burns, sprains, strains & fractures and much more!
Care Under Fire medical management techniques and care in semi-permissive environments. NB: this is simulated in one of our tactical villages and high-fidelity training aids with stage blood, flash bangs, smoke grenades and for an extra fee - paintball markers to return 'fire'
High energy RTC vehicle extrication with live helicopter extrication training (helicopter safety brief included) - and for an extra fee learners can even have a go in the helicopter! (NB: K2I-EOC cannot guarantee availability of the aircraft and this is provided free of charge. No refunds will be given if the aircraft is not available or weather is not suitable for flight operations).
Who is our FREC 3 course for?
The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) is a regulated and nationally recognised qualification, ideal for those looking to work or volunteer as a first responder.
Among the first to arrive at a scene, first responders typically include police officers, firefighters, and those providing medical cover at festivals and events such as Emergency/Community First Responders, Door Supervisors, Close Protection Operatives and Security Guards as well as those working in high risk environments including the military, power stations, agriculture and manufacturing.
How is our FREC 3 course assessed?
11 x practical assessments/skills tests
1 x theory assessment (multiple choice question paper)
1 x invigilated exam.
How do we certify our FREC 3 course?
You will gain your FREC 3/First Responder certification immediately after successful completion of the course which will including the following certificate and optional assessments (clinical governance dependent):
Level 3 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care
For learners with appropriate clinical governance management and procedures in place and upon successful assessment(s), the certificate will annotate the additional optional extras that K2I includes free of charge.
Supraglottic airway device use
Penthrox administration
Entonox administration
Naloxone Hydrochloride administration
Blood glucose measurement
Do we offer the FREC 3 refresher course?
Yes, we offer the shortened 3-day FREC 3 refresher course, however we believe in our delivery approach so much that we encourage all learners wishing to update their FREC 3 certification to attend all 5 days of the ‘normal’ course with us. This ensures each learner gains full exposure to our uniquely high-fidelity and hyper-realistic assessment and teaching methods for all skills taught on FREC 3 and as such we offer a £175 discount for anyone with a valid FREC 3 certificate who wishes to attend our course to re-certify with us at K2 International.
Due to this, we do not regularly schedule shortened 3-Day FREC 3 refresher courses, however for groups of 6 or more please get in contact via our CONTACT US page to arrange dates to suit your schedule.
Latest news
we won business start-up of the year! 🎉🏆
We’re over the moon to announce that K2 International has been awarded Business Start-Up of the Year at the inaugural Antrim and Newtownabbey Business Awards on 1st October! 🎉🏆
This is a huge milestone for us — and a moment we’re incredibly proud of. From day one, our mission has been to raise the standard of first aid and pre-hospital care training across Northern Ireland, and to be recognised so early in our journey means the world to our team. ❤️💙
A massive thank you to our learners, partners and supporters. Your trust, encouragement and belief in what we’re building has helped us achieve something truly special. 🙌
We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to keep growing, innovating and delivering training that genuinely makes a difference. 🚑✨
View the full list of winners here:
“Absolutely fantastic course, really enjoyed the teaching atmosphere and would 100% recommend to others!”
Cheyenne - FREC 3 graduate
“I returned to K2I-EOC for my FREC 4 and felt very excited for this. Both Michael and Gemma were knowledgable and have massive real life experience. What should have been a daunting experience became an exciting journey. I completed the course feeling inspired and eager to enrol in other courses”
Elaine, FREC 3 and 4 graduate
PLANT AN EXTRA TREE TODAY
PLANT AN EXTRA TREE TODAY
K2 International are proud to announce that we have partnered with Sprout, a global tree planting initiative! This means with every purchase of any of our products or courses a tree will be planted in your honour!
To buy an extra tree to plant, click the link below and help us slowly re-forest the earth one tree at a time!
