When you’re responsible for workplace health and safety, one of the key decisions is choosing the right first aid training. Two of the most common courses are Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW). While they share some similarities, they are designed for different levels of risk, responsibility, and workplace needs. Understanding the differences ensures your business is not only compliant with the law but also prepared for real emergencies.

The Legal Framework

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 place a duty on employers to provide “adequate and appropriate” first aid equipment, facilities, and people. But what’s considered adequate depends on:

• The size of your workforce
• The nature of your business and the hazards present
• Accident and incident history
• The distance from emergency services
• Specific risks (e.g., lone working, chemicals, machinery, or remote sites)

A first aid needs assessment is the starting point. This assessment helps you decide whether your workplace requires EFAW or FAW, or a mix of both.

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

Duration: 1 day (around 6–7 hours)
Qualification Validity: 3 years

What it covers:

EFAW is designed to give learners the confidence and skills to respond to life-threatening emergencies and the most common workplace incidents. Topics typically include:

• Roles and responsibilities of a first aider
• Assessing an incident and casualty
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults
• Safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Choking (adult)
• Seizures
• External bleeding and shock
• Minor injuries such as cuts, grazes, bruises, minor burns

Who it’s for:

EFAW is suitable for low-risk workplaces, such as:

• Small offices and shops
• Libraries, cafes, and small hospitality businesses
• Workplaces with fewer staff and minimal hazards

In these environments, the most likely emergencies are those that can be stabilised quickly until professional help arrives.

First Aid at Work (FAW)

Duration: 3 days (18–21 hours)
Qualification Validity: 3 years

What it covers:

FAW includes all the EFAW topics, plus far more detail. It prepares first aiders to handle serious and complex medical emergencies, with additional training in:

• Fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations
• Spinal injuries
• Chest injuries
• Burns and scalds
• Eye injuries
• Poisoning
• Head injuries
• Major illnesses: heart attack, angina, stroke, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and anaphylaxis

Learners also get more time to practise skills in scenarios, improving confidence under pressure.

Who it’s for:

FAW is recommended for higher-risk workplaces or those with more complex needs, such as:

• Factories and warehouses
• Construction sites
• Schools, colleges, and large offices
• Workplaces with large numbers of staff, multiple floors, or shift patterns
• Environments where machinery, vehicles, or hazardous substances are used

Certification and Renewal

Both qualifications last for three years, after which requalification is required. Employers are also encouraged to arrange annual refresher training, a shorter session that helps first aiders keep their knowledge and confidence up to date.

How to Decide Which Course You Need

When deciding, think about:

• Size of workforce: The bigger your team, the more first aiders you’ll need, and FAW may be more appropriate.
• Risk level: Consider hazards like machinery, manual handling, chemicals, or lone working.
• Accident history: If your workplace has had incidents before, FAW may provide better cover.
• Access to help: Remote or rural locations may require FAW as it could take longer for an ambulance to arrive.

Why Choose Promet

At Promet, we deliver both Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work to the latest HSE standards. Our trainers bring real-world experience, practical skills, and engaging delivery, so your staff don’t just pass a course, they leave feeling confident and capable.

Whether you’re running a small shop or a busy construction site, we’ll guide you through the needs assessment and recommend the right level of training for your team.

📅 Get in touch today to book your workplace training and keep your team safe and compliant.

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