When it comes to workplace safety, first aid training isn’t just a good idea—it’s a legal requirement. As an employer in the UK, you have specific responsibilities under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 to ensure your employees receive appropriate first aid care when needed. But with different types of first aid courses available, how do you know which one is right for your workplace?

Understanding the Two Main Types of First Aid Training

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

Emergency First Aid at Work is a one-day course designed to give employees the essential skills to handle emergency situations until professional medical help arrives. This condensed training covers:

  • Basic life support and CPR
  • Managing an unconscious casualty
  • Controlling bleeding and treating wounds
  • Recognising and treating shock
  • Handling choking incidents
  • Basic treatment for burns and scalds

EFAW is ideal for lower-risk workplaces where serious injuries are less likely to occur, such as offices, retail environments, or small businesses with minimal hazards.

First Aid at Work (FAW)

First Aid at Work is a comprehensive three-day course that provides in-depth training for more complex workplace environments. This extensive programme includes everything covered in EFAW, plus:
  • Advanced wound care and bandaging techniques
  • Fracture and spinal injury management
  • Treatment for various medical emergencies
  • Eye injury management
  • Poisoning and chemical exposure response
  • Detailed assessment and monitoring techniques
  • Record keeping and incident reporting

FAW is essential for higher-risk workplaces such as construction sites, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, or any environment where serious injuries could occur.

Your Legal Responsibilities as an Employer

Under UK law, every employer must:

1. Conduct a First Aid Needs Assessment

You’re legally required to assess your workplace’s first aid needs based on:
  • Workplace hazards and risks
  • Number of employees
  • Working patterns and shift arrangements
  • Location and accessibility to emergency services
  • Employee travel requirements
  • History of accidents and incidents

2. Provide Adequate First Aid Personnel

The number of first aiders required depends on your risk assessment, but general guidelines include:
  • Low-risk workplaces: One EFAW-trained person for every 50 employees
  • Higher-risk environments: One FAW-trained first aider for every 50 employees
  • Very high-risk workplaces: One FAW-trained first aider for every 25 employees

3. Ensure Proper Equipment and Facilities

You must provide:
  • Appropriately stocked first aid kits
  • Accessible first aid room or area (if required)
  • Clear signage indicating first aid facilities
  • Regular maintenance and restocking of supplies

4. Maintain Valid Certifications

First aid certificates are valid for three years, after which refresher training is mandatory. You must:
  • Track certification expiry dates
  • Arrange refresher training before certificates expire
  • Ensure continuous coverage of trained first aiders
  • Keep accurate training records

5. Inform and Train All Employees

Every employee should know:
  • Who the appointed first aiders are
  • Location of first aid equipment
  • Emergency procedures and contact numbers
  • How to summon help when needed

Choosing the Right Training for Your Business

When to Choose Emergency First Aid at Work:

  • Office environments with minimal physical risks
  • Retail spaces with low accident rates
  • Small teams (under 25 people) in low-risk settings
  • Businesses close to emergency medical services

When to Choose First Aid at Work:

  • Manufacturing or industrial facilities
  • Construction sites and workshops
  • Warehouses and logistics operations
  • Remote locations with limited emergency access
  • Workplaces with a history of serious incidents

The Business Benefits Beyond Compliance

Investing in proper first aid training delivers benefits that extend far beyond legal compliance:
Enhanced Employee Confidence: Staff feel more secure knowing qualified help is available, boosting morale and productivity.
Reduced Liability: Proper first aid response can prevent minor injuries from becoming major incidents, reducing potential compensation claims.
Faster Recovery Times: Immediate, appropriate first aid can significantly reduce injury severity and recovery periods.
Improved Safety Culture: First aid training raises overall safety awareness throughout your organisation.
Cost Savings: Quick, effective first aid response can prevent costly emergency service callouts and reduce workplace insurance premiums.
 

Ensuring Quality Training That Meets Your Needs

When selecting first aid training, ensure your provider offers:
  • Nationally recognised certifications
  • Experienced, qualified instructors
  • Practical, hands-on learning approaches
  • Flexible delivery options (on-site or at training centres)
  • Comprehensive course materials and resources
  • Ongoing support and refresher training

Take Action Today

Don’t wait for an emergency to highlight gaps in your first aid provision. Conduct your workplace first aid assessment now and ensure your team has the skills and confidence to respond effectively when it matters most.
Ready to ensure your workplace meets all first aid requirements? National Compliance Training provides both Emergency First Aid at Work and comprehensive First Aid at Work courses, delivered by experienced instructors across the UK. Our training combines theoretical knowledge with practical, scenario-based learning to ensure your team is truly prepared for any emergency.
Contact National
 
Find out more about first aid training with National Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, all UK employers must provide adequate first aid provision for their employees. This includes having trained first aiders, appropriate equipment, and facilities based on your workplace risk assessment.

The number depends on your risk assessment, but general guidelines are:
  • Low-risk workplaces: 1 EFAW-trained person per 50 employees
  • Higher-risk environments: 1 FAW-trained first aider per 50 employees
  • High-risk workplaces: 1 FAW-trained first aider per 25 employees Always consider shift patterns, holidays, and staff turnover when planning coverage.

A first aider has completed formal training (EFAW or FAW) and can provide first aid treatment. An appointed person takes charge of first aid arrangements but cannot provide treatment—they can only call for help and look after first aid equipment.

Both Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work certificates are valid for 3 years. You must arrange refresher training before the certificate expires to maintain continuous coverage.

You must ensure continuous first aid coverage. If a trained first aider leaves, you should arrange replacement training immediately or temporarily assign an appointed person until new training can be completed.

Yes, you must maintain records of all first aid training, including certificates, expiry dates, and refresher training. This demonstrates compliance during health and safety inspections.

If you’re self-employed working alone, there’s no legal requirement. However, if you employ others (including in home-based businesses), you must provide appropriate first aid provision.

You must consider travelling employees in your risk assessment. This might include providing portable first aid kits, ensuring mobile phone coverage, or training travelling staff in basic first aid.

Yes, all employees (regardless of contract type) must be included in your first aid provision calculations and risk assessment.

We offer flexible scheduling options, including splitting the course over multiple shorter sessions or providing intensive weekend training. We’ll work with you to find a solution that minimises business disruption.

No, refresher training for both EFAW and FAW requires the same duration as the initial course (1 day for EFAW, 3 days for FAW) to ensure skills remain current and comprehensive.

First aiders acting in good faith and within their training are generally protected under the Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015. However, they must only provide treatment they’ve been trained to give and recognise their limitations.