First Aid Training Guide
If you’re arranging workplace first aid training, one of the first questions is usually which course your first aiders actually need.
For many organisations, the choice is between:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW);
- First Aid at Work (FAW); and
- First Aid at Work Requalification.
There is no single answer that applies to every workplace. The right course depends on your organisation, the work your people do, the risks they may face and the first aid provision you already have.
As a starting point, EFAW is often suitable for smaller, lower-risk workplaces, while FAW is more likely to be appropriate for larger organisations or workplaces with greater hazards. But that is a guide, not a rule.
Your first aid needs assessment should ultimately determine the level of training you require.
First aid courses at a glance
| Course | Generally suitable for | Typical duration | Previous qualification required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) | Smaller or lower-risk workplaces where the first aid needs assessment identifies EFAW as appropriate | 1 day | No |
| First Aid at Work (FAW) | Larger organisations, higher-risk environments or workplaces needing more comprehensive first aid provision | 3 days | No |
| First Aid at Work Requalification | Existing FAW-qualified first aiders who need to renew their qualification | 2 days | Yes |
Important: This table is a useful starting point, not a replacement for a first aid needs assessment.
What is Emergency First Aid at Work?
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is the shorter of the two main workplace first aid courses and is normally delivered over one day.
It is designed to give someone the essential skills and confidence to provide first aid when somebody is injured or becomes ill at work.
EFAW is generally more suited to smaller, lower-risk organisations where the first aid needs assessment identifies that this level of provision is appropriate.
Examples might include:
- offices and administrative workplaces;
- libraries;
- small shops and retail environments;
- smaller professional workplaces; and
- other generally low-risk working environments.
EFAW can also form part of the first aid arrangements within a larger organisation. For example, additional EFAW-trained staff may support existing First Aid at Work qualified first aiders.
The important point is not to choose EFAW simply because it is the shorter course.
A small engineering workshop, for example, could have significantly greater first aid risks than a much larger office.
What is First Aid at Work?
First Aid at Work (FAW) is the more comprehensive workplace first aid qualification and is normally delivered over three days.
FAW includes the emergency first aid content covered within EFAW but goes further, preparing first aiders to deal with a broader range of injuries and illnesses that may occur in the workplace.
It is generally more appropriate for larger organisations and higher-risk workplaces, particularly where employees may be exposed to more significant hazards.
Examples might include organisations working in:
- manufacturing;
- engineering;
- transport and logistics;
- construction and related activities;
- warehousing and industrial environments;
- workplaces using heavy machinery or equipment; and
- other environments where the potential consequences of an incident may be greater.
FAW can also be appropriate in a lower-risk organisation because of its size, working arrangements, location, workforce or other factors identified through the first aid needs assessment.
So the rule is not:
- Small organisation = EFAW
- Large organisation = FAW
Those are useful indicators, but the actual risks and circumstances of the workplace matter more.
EFAW or FAW – a simple starting point
| Workplace or situation | Course to consider |
|---|---|
| Small office | EFAW may be appropriate |
| Library | EFAW may be appropriate |
| Small, lower-risk shop | EFAW may be appropriate |
| Smaller, generally low-risk workplace | EFAW may be appropriate |
| Manufacturing environment | FAW is more likely to be appropriate |
| Engineering business | FAW is more likely to be appropriate |
| Transport or logistics operation | FAW is more likely to be appropriate |
| Workplace using heavy machinery | FAW is more likely to be appropriate |
| Larger organisation | FAW may be appropriate depending on the risks and first aid needs identified |
| Existing FAW-qualified first aider needing to renew | FAW Requalification |
| People working with babies or children | Consider Paediatric First Aid or specialist first aid training |
Remember: These are examples rather than fixed rules. Your first aid needs assessment should determine the first aid provision your workplace requires.
What is a First Aid at Work Requalification course?
If somebody already holds a valid First Aid at Work qualification, they will normally need to requalify before their certificate expires if they are going to continue acting as an FAW-trained workplace first aider.
A First Aid at Work Requalification course is designed for existing FAW-qualified first aiders who need to refresh their knowledge and practical skills and renew their qualification.
It is normally a two-day course, rather than repeating the full three-day FAW programme.
FAW Requalification is generally the right route if:
- you already hold a First Aid at Work qualification;
- you need to renew that qualification; and
- the requalification route remains appropriate for your circumstances.
FAW and EFAW certificates are valid for three years. HSE advises employers to arrange retraining before certificates expire.
Once an FAW or EFAW certificate has expired, the individual is no longer considered competent to act as a workplace first aider until they have completed appropriate retraining.
An FAW-qualified first aider can still complete the two-day requalification course after their certificate has expired. However, HSE advises that where a considerable period has passed, it may be more appropriate to complete the full three-day FAW course.
If you’re not sure which route is appropriate, speak to us before booking. We’ll help you work through the options rather than booking you onto a course you don’t need.
For Emergency First Aid at Work, requalification normally means completing the EFAW course again, with the same duration and content as the initial course.
What does the HSE say?
The Health and Safety Executive requires employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid arrangements for their employees.
What is adequate and appropriate depends on the individual workplace. Employers should carry out a first aid needs assessment and consider factors such as:
- the nature of the work being carried out;
- workplace hazards and risks;
- the size and nature of the workforce;
- staff working patterns;
- holidays and absence of trained first aiders;
- previous accidents and incidents;
- lone, remote or travelling workers;
- the location of the workplace and access to emergency medical services;
- shared or multi-occupancy workplaces; and
- whether first aid provision is also needed for non-employees.
If you want to check the official guidance for yourself, the HSE provides detailed information about workplace first aid:
Don’t choose the course just because it’s the shortest
We understand why organisations sometimes start with: “Can we just do the one-day course?”
Sometimes the answer is yes.
But the better question is: “What first aid provision does our workplace actually need?”
Once you’ve answered that, choosing the right course becomes much easier.
Good Skills Training is not here to push you towards a longer course simply because it costs more. We’d rather help you choose training that is appropriate, useful and relevant to the people attending it.
That’s part of our approach to training: Practical • Interactive • Relevant.
Do you need a First Aid Needs Assessment?
If you’re unsure how many first aiders you need, what level of qualification they should hold or whether your current arrangements are still suitable, a First Aid Needs Assessment can help.
The assessment looks at your actual workplace rather than applying a one-size-fits-all answer.
This can be particularly useful if your organisation has:
- multiple locations or buildings;
- shift workers;
- lone or remote workers;
- higher-risk activities;
- large numbers of employees;
- members of the public on site;
- changing working arrangements; or
- uncertainty about whether existing first aid cover is sufficient.
Contact us on 01473 551911 if you need help with your First Aid Needs Assessment.
What if you work with children?
If you’re looking for first aid training for people who work with babies or children, don’t automatically assume that EFAW or FAW on its own is the most appropriate option.
Paediatric First Aid may be more suitable for some roles, particularly within early years settings, while other organisations may need a combination of workplace first aid and additional specialist training.
Schools, foster carers and organisations supporting children can all have different first aid needs depending on their activities, environment and the people they support.
Good Skills Training can provide options including:
- Paediatric First Aid;
- Emergency Paediatric First Aid;
- First Aid for Schools;
- First Aid for Foster Carers; and
- bespoke first aid training designed around your organisation.
HSE recommends that organisations such as schools consider non-employees, including children, when carrying out their first aid needs assessment. In some cases this may identify a need for additional paediatric or specialist training alongside normal workplace first aid provision.
View Paediatric First Aid training
Ask about specialist or bespoke first aid training for schools, or for foster carers.
What about annual first aid refresher training?
HSE strongly recommends that qualified workplace first aiders undertake annual refresher training to help keep their basic skills up to date.
Annual refresher training is not the same as FAW Requalification and does not extend the expiry date of a First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work certificate.
It gives first aiders an opportunity to refresh and practise important skills between formal qualification or requalification courses.
Still not sure which first aid course you need?
You don’t need to work it out on your own.
Tell us a little about your organisation, what your employees do and the first aid arrangements you already have, and we’ll help you identify the training options that are likely to be most appropriate.
If you already know what you need, you can view our upcoming public first aid course dates.
Or call Good Skills Training on 01473 551911.