Being Ready When It Matters Most
No one can predict when someone will fall ill or be injured at work. What matters is whether there's someone on hand who's trained, calm and ready to act. Good first aid training doesn't just teach practical skills — it builds the confidence to respond quickly and effectively, reducing panic and helping ensure the right help arrives as soon as possible.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
Emergency First Aid at Work is a one-day course and one of the most popular starting points for anyone taking on the role of Appointed Person or first-aider. It's particularly suitable for:
- Anyone new to a first aid role who hasn't completed formal training before
- Staff who provide cover for an existing first-aider during absences
- Lower-risk workplaces such as offices and retail environments
What Does EFAW Cover?
The course gives learners the skills and confidence to deal with a range of common emergencies, including:
- Recognising and responding to shock
- Managing bleeding and wounds
- Dealing with fractures, dislocations and soft tissue injuries
- Treating burns
- Knowing when and how to call the emergency services, and what information to give
- Accurately recording details of the incident afterwards
On successful completion, learners receive a Certificate of Attendance valid for three years.
Beyond EFAW: First Aid at Work
For higher-risk workplaces — such as construction sites, warehouses and manufacturing — the three-day First Aid at Work (FAW) course builds on EFAW with more in-depth training covering a wider range of injuries and illnesses. Many organisations choose to train some staff to EFAW level for general cover, and others to FAW level where the risk profile demands it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should take Emergency First Aid at Work?
Anyone taking on a first aid role for the first time, or providing cover for an existing first-aider, particularly in lower-risk workplaces. It's a practical, accessible starting point for building first aid capability across a team.
How long is the EFAW certificate valid?
Three years from the date of the award, after which a requalification course is recommended to keep skills and knowledge up to date.
What's the difference between EFAW and FAW?
EFAW is a one-day course covering core emergency skills, suitable for lower-risk environments. FAW is a three-day course covering a broader range of injuries and illnesses, recommended for higher-risk workplaces.
Does completing EFAW make someone a qualified first-aider?
Yes — EFAW is a recognised first aid qualification and meets the requirements for many lower-risk workplaces under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, provided it matches the outcome of your first aid needs assessment. Our First Aid Needs Assessment Tool helps you work out whether EFAW or FAW is right for your workplace, and how many first-aiders you need.