Every workplace needs to be ready when something goes wrong. But knowing which course to book isn’t always straightforward.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW) sound similar, yet they differ in length, depth and cost. This guide breaks it down, so you can choose the right first aid at work course for your team with confidence.
What does the law say about workplace first aid?
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.
That’s why the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) asks employers to carry out a first aid needs assessment. It looks at things like:
- How many people work for you
- How hazardous your work is
- Whether anyone works alone or off-site
- How quickly an ambulance could reach you
The result tells you how many first aiders you need and what level of training they should have.
If your assessment shows you don’t need a trained first aider, you’ll still need an appointed person to look after first aid arrangements. An appointed person isn’t a first aider though, so many employers choose to train them in EFAW anyway.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): the one-day option
EFAW is our Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF). It’s a one-day course that teaches your people to act quickly and safely in the first moments of an emergency.
You’ll learn how to:
- Assess an incident and keep yourself and others safe
- Carry out CPR and use a defibrillator (AED)
- Help a choking casualty
- Control bleeding and manage shock
- Look after someone who’s unresponsive
Cost: £159 + VAT per person.
Best for: smaller, lower-risk workplaces such as offices and shops, or as back-up cover alongside fully qualified first aiders.
First Aid at Work (FAW): the three-day option
FAW is our Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF). It’s a three-day course that includes everything in EFAW, then goes further.
You’ll cover a wider range of injuries and illnesses, such as fractures, burns, head injuries, heart conditions and sudden illness. It gives your first aiders the depth to handle more complex situations with confidence.
Cost: £345 + VAT per person.
Best for: larger workplaces, higher-risk environments, and teams where first aiders need to deal with a broader range of incidents.
EFAW vs FAW at a glance
| EFAW | FAW | |
| Course length | 1 day (minimum 6 hours) | 3 days (minimum 18 hours) |
| Qualification | Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF) | Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) |
| Covers | Emergency response, CPR, AED, choking, bleeding, shock | Everything in EFAW, plus a wider range of injuries and illnesses |
| Certificate valid for | 3 years | 3 years |
| Price | £159 + VAT | £345 + VAT |
| Best for | Smaller, lower-risk workplaces | Larger or higher-risk workplaces |
Which first aid at work course is right for you?
The right first aid at work course depends on your needs assessment. As a rough guide, the HSE’s suggested minimums for lower-risk workplaces are:
- Fewer than 25 people: at least one appointed person (or an EFAW-trained first aider)
- 25 to 50 people: at least one EFAW-trained first aider
- More than 50 people: at least one FAW-trained first aider for every 100 people (or part of 100)
Higher-risk workplaces, such as those with machinery, hazardous substances or construction activity, need more. The HSE suggests at least one FAW-trained first aider for every 50 people once you pass 50 staff.
These are minimums, not targets. Think about shift patterns, holidays, sickness and separate sites too. Training a few extra people means you’re never left without cover.
How long does first aid certification last?
Both EFAW and FAW certificates are valid for three years. The HSE also recommends annual refresher training to keep skills and confidence fresh, though it isn’t a legal requirement.
When your FAW certificate is due to expire, you can take our two-day First Aid at Work Re-Qualification course (£235 + VAT). For EFAW, you’ll retake the one-day course. Book before your certificate lapses so your cover doesn’t have a gap.
In between, our half-day First Aid Annual Update (£110 + VAT) is a handy way to keep your first aiders’ skills sharp.
Not sure which course to book? Talk to us
Choosing the right course is easier with a friendly chat. Tell us about your team size, your workplace and your risks, and we’ll help you pick the right option.
Submit an enquiry through our Contact Us page and a member of our commercial team will be in touch.
You can also check upcoming dates on our Training Course Schedule. Need to train a bigger team? We can deliver dedicated courses at a location and on dates that suit your business (a minimum of six delegates is usually recommended).
Prices are per person and exclude VAT at 20%.
