EFAW or FAW: which first aid course does your workplace need?

If you're responsible for first aid at work, one of the first questions you'll ask is which course your people need. The two most common options are Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW). Here's how to tell them apart.

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and trained people. What counts as adequate depends on your workplace, which is why the starting point is a first aid needs assessment.

Start with a first aid needs assessment

A needs assessment looks at the realities of your workplace. Things worth considering include:

• How many people work on site, and how many people may be there at once, including visitors

• The hazards and risks of your work, such as machinery, chemicals or working at height

• Shift patterns, lone working and out-of-hours working

• How far you are from emergency services, and whether any sites are remote

• Any staff or visitors with specific health needs

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

EFAW is a one-day course that teaches people how to deal with emergencies until professional help arrives. It typically covers essentials such as CPR, choking, bleeding and caring for someone who is unresponsive. It is often a good fit for lower-risk workplaces with smaller teams, such as offices and shops. Find out more about our Emergency First Aid at Work course.

First Aid at Work (FAW)

FAW is a three-day course. It includes everything in EFAW and goes further, preparing people to recognise and treat a wider range of injuries and illnesses, such as fractures, burns, seizures and heart attacks. It is often the better choice for higher-risk workplaces, larger teams, or anywhere that needs a more comprehensive level of cover. Find out more about our First Aid at Work course.

Keeping your first aiders up to date

First aid certificates are valid for three years. The Health and Safety Executive recommends annual refresher training so skills and confidence don't fade, and your first aiders need to requalify before their certificate expires. We offer a three-hour First Aid Annual Refresher and a two-day First Aid at Work Requalification course.

Still not sure?

Every workplace is different, and this article is general guidance rather than legal advice. If you're unsure which course fits, send us an enquiry. Tell us about your team and your workplace, and we'll point you to the right option.

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