First Aid Courses FAQ

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a training course designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to provide basic first aid in emergency situations at work. The course is specifically designed for employees who are designated as the first aiders in their workplace, as well as for individuals who wish to gain essential life-saving skills. EFAW courses cover a range of topics, including basic life support, treating cuts and wounds, dealing with burns and scalds, and responding to medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes. The aim of the course is to equip participants with the necessary skills and confidence to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency at work.

There are several key benefits to completing an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course, including:
Compliance with legal requirements: EFAW courses are often a legal requirement in many workplaces, and completing the course ensures that you comply with workplace health and safety legislation.
Enhanced safety in the workplace: The skills and knowledge gained from an EFAW course can help to improve safety in the workplace by allowing you to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations.
Increased confidence: EFAW courses can help to increase your confidence and reduce anxiety in emergency situations by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide basic first aid.
Improved employability: Completing an EFAW course can enhance your CV and make you more employable, particularly in roles that require a first aid qualification.
Life-saving skills: EFAW courses provide participants with the skills and knowledge to save lives in emergency situations, both in the workplace and in everyday life.
Reduced recovery time: Effective first aid can help to reduce the recovery time of injured or ill individuals, ensuring that they can return to work or normal life as quickly as possible.
Overall, completing an EFAW course is a valuable investment in both your personal and professional life, providing you with essential life-saving skills and the confidence to respond effectively to emergency situations.

In many workplaces, it is a legal requirement to have a sufficient number of employees who are trained in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW). The number of first aiders required will depend on the size and type of the workplace, the level of risk involved, and the number of employees. In general, any workplace that has a significant risk of accidents or injuries should have at least one qualified first aider on duty at all times.
Some examples of workplaces that may require first aiders with an EFAW qualification include factories, construction sites, warehouses, schools, colleges, hospitals, care homes, and offices. Additionally, it may be a requirement for self-employed individuals or those working in certain industries, such as childcare or sports coaching, to have an EFAW qualification.
It is important to check with your employer or regulatory body to determine whether an EFAW course is a requirement for your workplace or profession. Even if it is not a legal requirement, having first aid knowledge and skills can be valuable in both personal and professional life, and it can help to save lives in emergency situations.

The duration of an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course can vary depending on the training provider and the specific course content. However, in general, EFAW courses are usually one day (6 hours) in duration.
The course typically involves a combination of theory and practical training, covering topics such as basic life support, CPR, bleeding control, and treatment for minor injuries. The training is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to respond to common workplace emergencies.
It is important to note that the duration of an EFAW course is a minimum requirement, and some training providers may offer more extensive training that can take longer to complete. Additionally, it is recommended that first aiders attend refresher training regularly to ensure their skills and knowledge remain up to date. The frequency of refresher training can vary, but it is generally recommended to attend a refresher course every three years.

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) courses cover a range of topics that are designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to provide basic first aid in emergency situations at work. The specific topics covered may vary slightly depending on the training provider, but in general, an EFAW course will cover the following:
The role of the first aider
Managing an emergency situation
The primary survey and secondary assessment
Basic life support and CPR
Choking
Bleeding control and shock management
Treatment for minor injuries such as cuts, burns, and scalds
Seizures and epilepsy
Asthma and anaphylaxis
Heart attack and stroke
Fractures, dislocations, and sprains
Head injuries and concussion
Poisoning and intoxication
Eye injuries
Dealing with sudden illness such as diabetes or epilepsy.
During the course, participants will have the opportunity to practice and develop their skills through practical exercises and simulations. The aim is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and confidence to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency at work.

An Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course is typically assessed through continuous observation of the participant’s skills and knowledge throughout the course. The assessment is carried out by the trainer or assessor and may include both practical and theoretical assessments.
Practical assessments are designed to test the participant’s ability to respond to a range of emergency situations, including basic life support, bleeding control, and treatment for minor injuries. The trainer will observe the participant’s response to the situation and assess their technique and approach to the situation.
Theoretical assessments may include written tests or oral questioning designed to test the participant’s knowledge of first aid theory, including the roles and responsibilities of a first aider, the primary survey and secondary assessment, and the management of specific emergency situations.
Participants must demonstrate that they can perform the necessary first aid skills to the required standard and that they have a good understanding of the theoretical principles of first aid to pass the course. At the end of the course, successful participants will be awarded an EFAW certificate, which is valid for three years.

There is no specific pass mark for an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course, as the assessment is usually based on continuous observation of the participant’s skills and knowledge throughout the course.
In order to pass the course, participants must demonstrate that they can perform the necessary first aid skills to the required standard and that they have a good understanding of the theoretical principles of first aid. The trainer or assessor will make a judgment on the participant’s ability to respond effectively in emergency situations and will assess their technique and approach to the situation.
It is important to note that the assessment is not intended to be overly strict or difficult, but rather to ensure that participants have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to provide basic first aid in emergency situations at work. Participants who have successfully demonstrated their ability to perform the required skills and understand the theoretical principles of first aid will be awarded an EFAW certificate, which is valid for three years.

Yes, there is usually a practical assessment in an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course. The practical assessment is designed to test the participant’s ability to respond to a range of emergency situations and perform the necessary first aid skills to the required standard.
During the practical assessment, participants will be asked to demonstrate their ability to respond to a simulated emergency situation, such as providing basic life support, bleeding control, or treatment for minor injuries. The trainer or assessor will observe the participant’s response to the situation and assess their technique and approach to the situation.
The aim of the practical assessment is to ensure that participants have acquired the necessary skills and confidence to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency at work. Participants who successfully demonstrate their ability to perform the required skills and respond effectively in emergency situations will be awarded an EFAW certificate, which is valid for three years.

There may be a written assessment in an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course, depending on the training provider. The written assessment is designed to test the participant’s knowledge and understanding of first aid theory, including the roles and responsibilities of a first aider, the primary survey and secondary assessment, and the management of specific emergency situations.
The written assessment may be in the form of a multiple-choice test or short-answer questions. It is usually taken at the end of the course, after the practical assessment has been completed.
The aim of the written assessment is to ensure that participants have a good understanding of the theoretical principles of first aid and can apply this knowledge in emergency situations at work. However, it is important to note that the assessment is not intended to be overly difficult or stressful, but rather to ensure that participants have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to provide basic first aid in emergency situations at work.
Successful participants who demonstrate both their practical skills and theoretical knowledge will be awarded an EFAW certificate, which is valid for three years.

An Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate is valid for three years. After this time, the certificate will expire, and the holder will need to renew their certification by completing another EFAW course.
It is recommended that holders of EFAW certificates attend a refresher course before the certificate expires to ensure that their first aid skills and knowledge are up-to-date. Refresher courses usually take less time to complete than the initial EFAW course, as they focus on refreshing and updating the participant’s skills and knowledge rather than teaching them from scratch.
It is important to note that if a person’s job role or workplace responsibilities change, they may need to complete a higher level of first aid training, such as the First Aid at Work (FAW) course, which provides more comprehensive training for workplace first aiders.

An Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue. After this time, the certificate will expire, and the holder will need to complete another EFAW course to renew their certification.
It is important to note that while an EFAW certificate is valid for three years, it is recommended that certificate holders attend a refresher course before the certificate expires to ensure that their first aid skills and knowledge are up-to-date. Refresher courses usually take less time to complete than the initial EFAW course, as they focus on refreshing and updating the participant’s skills and knowledge rather than teaching them from scratch.
It is also important to keep the certificate up-to-date by attending refresher courses or completing a new EFAW course if necessary, as this ensures that the holder’s first aid skills and knowledge remain current and relevant in case of an emergency at work.

The cost of an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course can vary depending on the training provider, location, and the specific course content. However, the average cost of an EFAW course in the UK is usually around £60 to £120 per person.
It is important to note that some training providers may offer discounts for group bookings or for booking multiple courses at once. Additionally, the cost may vary if the training is provided on-site at the workplace or if the participant needs to travel to a training center.
It is recommended that employers ensure that their employees are trained in first aid to comply with workplace regulations, and they should consider the cost of training as an investment in their employees’ health and safety. Employers may also be able to claim tax relief on the cost of providing first aid training for their employees.

There are several accredited providers of Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) courses in the UK. Here are some ways you can find an accredited provider:
HSE website: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides a list of accredited training providers on their website. You can search for providers by location or course type.
First Aid Industry Body (FAIB): The FAIB is a non-profit organization that sets standards for first aid training providers. They maintain a list of accredited providers on their website.
Qualsafe Awards: Qualsafe Awards is an Ofqual-recognized awarding organization that provides training and qualifications for first aid trainers and training providers. They maintain a list of approved training centers on their website.
British Red Cross: The British Red Cross is a leading provider of first aid training in the UK. They offer a range of courses, including EFAW, and have training centers across the country.
St John Ambulance: St John Ambulance is another leading provider of first aid training in the UK. They offer a range of courses, including EFAW, and have training centers across the country.
It is important to ensure that the training provider you choose is accredited and recognized by the relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that you receive high-quality and relevant training.

While some aspects of the EFAW course can be completed online, such as theoretical knowledge and some assessments, the practical aspects of the course must be completed in person. This is because the practical components of the course, such as performing CPR and using first aid equipment, require hands-on training and assessment to ensure that participants can perform these skills correctly and confidently in a real-life emergency situation.
Therefore, while it may be possible to complete some aspects of an EFAW course online, it is essential to check with the training provider whether the course includes practical training and assessment and how this will be delivered.
It is also worth noting that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires a minimum of 6 hours of training for the EFAW course, so any online component of the course would need to be supplemented with practical training to meet this requirement.

The Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course is specifically designed for individuals who work in low-risk environments and need to be trained to provide first aid in an emergency situation. However, there are other first aid courses available that may be more appropriate for different environments and levels of risk.
Here are some differences between EFAW and other first-aid courses:
First Aid at Work (FAW): The FAW course is more comprehensive than EFAW and designed for individuals working in higher-risk environments. The FAW course is a three-day course, while EFAW is a one-day course. The FAW course covers all the topics covered in EFAW, but in more detail, and includes additional topics such as how to manage major illnesses and injuries.
Paediatric First Aid: The Paediatric First Aid course is designed for individuals who work with children and infants, such as childminders, nursery workers, and teachers. The course covers topics such as how to manage a child who is choking, how to perform CPR on a child, and how to manage allergies and asthma.
Basic Life Support (BLS): The BLS course is designed for healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, who need to be able to provide advanced life support in emergency situations. The course covers topics such as advanced airway management, defibrillation, and administering medications.
Choosing the right first aid course for your needs and the needs of your workplace or industry is important. You should consider the level of risk, the number of people you are responsible for, and the specific first aid skills you may need to perform in an emergency situation.

If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to complete an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course, you should speak to your training provider before booking the course. They may be able to offer reasonable adjustments to help you complete the course safely and effectively.
When speaking to your training provider, you should provide them with information about your medical condition and any specific requirements you may have. This will allow them to assess whether they can make any adjustments to the course to accommodate your needs.
Some examples of reasonable adjustments that may be made include providing additional breaks, allowing you to complete the course over a longer period of time, or providing additional support or equipment, such as a hearing loop or wheelchair access.
It is important to remember that the training provider has a duty of care to ensure that all participants can complete the course safely and effectively. They will work with you to find the best solution that meets your needs while ensuring that you still receive the necessary training to meet the requirements of the EFAW course.

It is generally not recommended to be exempt from any parts of an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course, as all the topics covered are important for being able to provide effective first aid in an emergency situation.
However, if you have already completed a similar course or have relevant prior knowledge or experience, your training provider may consider exempting you from certain parts of the EFAW course. This would typically be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If you are granted an exemption from certain parts of the course, you will still need to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the requirements of the EFAW course. This may involve completing additional assessments or providing evidence of your prior learning or experience.
It is important to note that any exemptions granted should not compromise the safety of yourself or others in an emergency situation. The training provider has a duty of care to ensure that all participants are adequately trained to provide effective first aid.

There are several things you can do to prepare for an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course:
Familiarize yourself with the course content: Before the course, review the topics that will be covered in the EFAW course. You can usually find this information on the training provider’s website or by contacting them directly.
Refresh your basic knowledge of first aid: If you have previous first aid training or experience, take some time to review your knowledge of basic first aid principles and techniques.
Practice your skills: If you have access to first aid equipment, such as a first aid kit or CPR manikin, practice your skills to refresh your muscle memory. You can also watch videos online to review proper techniques.
Wear appropriate clothing: Dress in comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily, as you will be practicing first aid skills on the floor and may need to perform tasks such as chest compressions.
Bring any necessary materials: Check with your training provider to see if there are any materials or equipment you need to bring with you, such as a notebook and pen or safety shoes.
Get plenty of rest: Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the course, as you will need to be alert and focused during the training.
By preparing for the EFAW course, you can help ensure you get the most out of the training and are ready to provide effective first aid in an emergency.

Refund policies for Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) courses can vary depending on the training provider. Before enrolling in a course, it is important to review the provider’s refund policy and make sure you understand the terms and conditions.
Some providers may offer a full or partial refund if you are unable to attend the course for reasons beyond your control, such as illness or a family emergency. However, providers may require you to provide evidence of your circumstances and may charge an administrative fee for processing the refund.
If you need to cancel your enrollment in an EFAW course, it is important to notify the provider as soon as possible to allow them to fill your spot with another participant. Some providers may offer a credit towards a future course, rather than a refund.
It is important to carefully review the refund policy before enrolling in an EFAW course and to contact the provider if you have any questions or concerns.

If you need to use your Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) training in a real emergency situation, there are several important steps you should take:
Call for emergency services: If the situation is serious, call the emergency services immediately. Even if you feel confident in your ability to provide first aid, it is important to get professional medical help on the way.
Assess the situation: Before administering first aid, assess the situation to determine any risks or hazards that could pose a danger to yourself or others. Take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Follow the principles of first aid: Use the knowledge and skills you learned in your EFAW course to provide appropriate first aid to the injured person. This may include providing basic life support, controlling bleeding, and treating injuries.
Stay calm and reassure the person: In an emergency situation, it is important to remain calm and provide reassurance to the injured person. Let them know that help is on the way and that you are there to help.
Document the incident: After the emergency has been resolved, make notes on what happened, what first aid was administered, and any other important details. This information may be useful if there is an investigation or if you need to report the incident to your employer.
Remember, providing first aid in a real emergency situation can be stressful and challenging. If you are unsure of what to do, don’t hesitate to seek help from someone with more experience or training, or wait for professional medical help to arrive.