A Practical, Engaging Emergency First Aid at Work Course That Brought People Together
In January 2026, First Aid and Safety Training delivered a Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) open course at One Trinity Green, located on Eldon Street in the heart of South Shields.
With 12 learners attending, the day proved that first aid training can be serious when it needs to be, but also engaging, supportive, and even fun. From the start, the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, helping learners feel comfortable, confident, and ready to take part—regardless of their previous experience.
A Truly Mixed Group of Learners
One of the strengths of open courses is the opportunity to bring together people from different sectors, roles, and backgrounds, and this course was a great example of that.
Learners attended from:
- Emmaus UK
- Boldon School
- Hebburn Litter Pickers (with two free community places)
- A local rugby coach
- Talbot Medical Centre
Some learners were completing Emergency First Aid at Work for the first time, while others were renewing their qualification and had deliberately chosen to train with us instead of returning to previous providers.
Despite the mixed skill levels, the group worked extremely well together. Learners shared experiences, supported one another during practical sessions, and quickly realised just how relevant first aid skills are across all sectors, from healthcare and education to sport, volunteering, and community work.
What the Emergency First Aid at Work Course Covers
The Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work qualification is designed to give learners the confidence and competence to act in a workplace emergency. This open course covered all the core elements required by Ofqual, delivered in a way that focused on real-life application rather than information overload.
Key topics included:
- The role and responsibilities of an emergency first aider
- Assessing an incident and managing a casualty safely
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults
- Safe and effective use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Managing the unconscious casualty
- Choking emergencies
- Bleeding and wound care
- Basic shock management and incident reporting
Throughout the day, practical demonstrations and hands-on practice were used to reinforce learning, helping learners understand what actions they are most likely to need in real situations, rather than focusing on unnecessary techniques.
Learning That Builds Confidence (and Keeps People Engaged)
A common theme across the feedback was how different this course felt compared to previous training. Several learners commented that past experiences had been overly serious, dull, or difficult to stay engaged with.
This course was deliberately delivered in a way that:
- Kept information clear and relevant
- Encouraged questions and discussion
- Allowed plenty of time for hands-on practice
- Maintained a good pace with regular breaks
There were plenty of laughs throughout the day, but without losing focus on the importance of first aid. This balance helped learners stay engaged and leave feeling confident in their ability to respond if something goes wrong.
Learner Feedback
Feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive, with many learners describing it as the best first aid training they had attended:
“Really informative and friendly.” – Lindsay
“Best first aid training I’ve received. Well delivered and good practical advice.” – Katy
“Excellent course, would definitely recommend.” – Damian
“Great course – not overfilled with information and techniques we probably wouldn’t use. Great energy from the course leads.” – Kim
“The best first aid course I’ve attended. I was engaged for the entire course.” – Dawn
“Thank you so much for this training. We really enjoyed it.” – Diane
“Helen and Adam, thank you so much, best first aid course I have attended.” – Tracey
“Fantastic, thorough training – friendly and welcoming as well as professional. Brilliant.” – Kenya
“They made me feel confident and happy in this course.” – Owen Tandy
All learners successfully passed the Emergency First Aid at Work qualification and left with renewed confidence and practical skills they can use both at work and in everyday life.
Open Courses That Make a Real Difference
This open Emergency First Aid at Work course in South Shields highlights how bringing together learners from different organisations and backgrounds can enhance learning, build confidence, and reinforce just how valuable first aid skills really are.
If you are unsure what first aid training you or your organisation needs, we are currently developing a practical guide titled:
“What First Aid Training Do I Need For My Business?”
Looking for Emergency First Aid Training?
We run regular open Emergency First Aid at Work courses in South Shields, as well as on-site training across the North East.
Get in touch to book your place or discuss the right option for your team.
