Emergency First Aid at Work Course: Everything You Need to Know
The Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course is a 1 day first aid qualification designed for workplaces with low to medium health and safety risks.
It teaches essential life saving skills such as CPR, using a defibrillator (AED), choking response, bleeding control, and managing common workplace medical emergencies.
This course helps employers meet their duties under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, which require workplaces to provide adequate and appropriate first aid provision.
The qualification is valid for three years.
What is the Emergency First Aid at Work Course?
The Emergency First Aid at Work course is a nationally recognised workplace first aid qualification.
All our first aid courses are FAIB accredited as standard. Ofqual regulated certification is also available upon request.
It prepares employees to respond quickly when someone:
- Becomes injured
- Suddenly falls ill
- Experiences a medical emergency
The course focuses on practical, real life emergencies that could happen in any workplace.
Typical course duration:
| Course | Duration |
|---|---|
| Emergency First Aid at Work | 1 Day (6 hours minimum training time) |
What Does the Emergency First Aid at Work Course Cover?
During the course, you will learn how to respond to common workplace emergencies. Key topics include:
- Primary survey (DR ABC)
How to quickly assess an emergency situation using the Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation method.
- CPR and AED use
How to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use a defibrillator safely.
- The recovery position
How to help someone unconscious but breathing.
- Choking response
How to assist adults who are choking.
- Bleeding control
How to manage minor and severe bleeding.
- Shock recognition
How to recognise and treat shock until help arrives.
- Seizures
How to support someone having a seizure.
Who Needs the Emergency First Aid at Work Course?
This course is suitable for low risk workplaces.
Common industries include:
- Offices
- Retail shops
- Hospitality venues
- Schools and education settings
- Sports coaches and instructors
- Small businesses
Employers must carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine whether this course is suitable for their workplace.
Emergency First Aid at Work vs First Aid at Work
Many people are unsure whether they need EFAW or FAW training.
Here is the key difference:
| Course | Duration | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency First Aid at Work | 1 Day | Low risk workplaces |
| First Aid at Work | 3 Days | Higher risk workplaces |
Higher risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, and warehouses often require the 3 day First Aid at Work qualification.
For more details, read our blog on the differences between the Emergency First Aid and First at Work courses.
What Is the Legal Requirement for Workplace First Aid?
UK law1 requires employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid arrangements.
This includes:
- First aid equipment
- First aid facilities
- Trained first aid personnel
The requirements come from the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.
Employers must carry out a first aid needs assessment to decide:
- How many first aiders are required
- What level of training is needed
How Long Does the Emergency First Aid Certificate Last?
The certificate is valid for three years.
Before it expires, learners must take another course to remain qualified.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also recommends annual refresher training to keep skills up to date.
What Happens During the Course?
The training is practical and interactive.
You will take part in:
- Hands on CPR practice
- Scenario based learning
- Demonstrations using first aid equipment
- Trainer led discussions
The aim is to ensure learners feel confident responding to real emergencies.
How Is the Course Assessed?
Assessment is continuous throughout the course. Learners will be assessed through:
- Practical demonstrations
- Trainer questioning
- Participation in emergency scenarios
- At the end of the course, learners complete a short multiple choice test.
What Happens If You Fail?
Failing is very rare. First aid courses are designed to ensure learners understand and practise the skills throughout the day.
If someone struggles:
- Trainers provide additional support
- Learners can review the topic
- Re assessment may be available
The goal is confidence and competence, not catching learners out.
What Should You Bring to the First Aid Course?
You don’t need much. Recommended items include:
- Comfortable clothing
- Flat shoes (you will practise CPR on the floor)
- A smartphone or tablet for the assessment
Lunch is usually not provided, so bringing your own is recommended.
Can This Course Be Delivered Onsite?
Yes. Many businesses choose in house training. Benefits include:
- Training delivered at your workplace
- Cost effective for teams
- No travel for employees
- Training tailored to your environment
Safe Haven Training delivers both open courses and onsite training nationwide.
Why Emergency First Aid Training Matters
Emergencies can happen anywhere.
A trained first aider can:
- Save a life
- Reduce injury severity
- Provide immediate care until paramedics arrive
- Workplace first aid training improves safety and builds confidence across teams
Why Choose Safe Haven Training?
Safe Haven Training provides practical, high quality first aid training across the UK.
Our courses offer:
- FAIB accredited certification
- Ofqual regulated qualifications available upon request
- Experienced instructors with real emergency care backgrounds
- Nationwide training delivery
- Beginner friendly teaching
Most importantly, our courses focus on real world confidence and practical skills.
Book Your Emergency First Aid at Work Course
Whether you are an individual learner or a business needing workplace training, our Emergency First Aid at Work course provides the essential knowledge needed to respond in an emergency.
Choose your preferred training date
Book online or contact our team
FAQs | Emergency First Aid at Work
1. How long is the Emergency First Aid at Work course?
The course lasts 1 day and requires a minimum of 6 hours of training.
2. Who should take the EFAW course?
Employees working in low risk workplaces such as offices, retail environments, and hospitality.
3. Is the course recognised in the UK?
Yes. The qualification is recognised across workplaces and meets workplace first aid guidance.
4. Do I need prior knowledge before attending?
No. The course is designed for complete beginners.
5. How long does the certificate last?
Emergency First Aid at Work certificates are valid for three years.
6. Can businesses book private courses?
Yes. Safe Haven Training offers onsite training for workplaces and organisations across the UK.
Refrences
1. HSE: First Aid Legislation