The Importance of Fire Risk Assessment
March 21, 2025
When it comes to first aid training in the workplace, choosing the right course can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to stay compliant with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. Two of the most popular options are the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and the Full First Aid at Work (FAW) courses. But what’s the actual difference between them and which one is right for your business?
In this blog, we’ll explore the key distinctions between these two HSE-recognised qualifications, helping you make an informed choice that matches your workplace risk level and legal obligations.
What Is Emergency First Aid at Work?
The Emergency First Aid at Work course is a one-day (6-hour) training session designed to equip staff with the essential knowledge and skills to respond to a range of emergency situations.
Key Features:
Duration: 1 day (09:30 – 16:30)
Cost: From £95.00
Who it’s for: Ideal for low-risk environments like offices, retail spaces, or small businesses.
Maximum learners: 12 delegates
Certificate Validity: 3 years (meets the requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981)
What Will Delegates Learn?
• Participants will cover vital emergency response topics including:
• How to assess an incident and manage the scene
• CPR and defibrillation (AED)
• Managing an unconscious casualty (including seizures)
• Treating wounds, bleeding, burns, and shock
• Choking
• Minor injuries
This course is perfect for businesses that need a basic level of first aid cover or are required to provide a first aider under HSE guidance but operate in low-hazard workplaces.
What Is the Full First Aid at Work Course?
The First Aid at Work course is a more in-depth, three-day training programme for individuals who may need to handle a wider range of injuries and medical emergencies.
Key Features:
Duration: 3 days
Cost: £265.00
Who it’s for: Ideal for higher-risk environments. If you want to know if doing the 3-day course is best for you please get in contact.
Maximum learners: 12 delegates
Certificate Validity: 3 years (complies with Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981)
What Will Delegates Learn?
Building on the Emergency First Aid course, this training includes:
• Everything covered in Emergency First Aid at Work
• In-depth understanding of medical conditions such as:
– Seizures
– Heart attacks (including defibrillator training)
– Anaphylactic shock (practising with an EpiPen)
– Diabetic emergencies
– Strokes and allergic reactions
• Managing burns, head injuries, joint injuries, and more complex wounds
• Safe use of first aid equipment
• Recording incidents and understanding reporting requirements
This course is designed for workplaces where the risks are greater or more complex, and where a more comprehensive first aid provision is required.
Which Course Should You Choose?
The decision between EFAW and FAW depends largely on your workplace risk assessment. Ask yourself:
• Is your business low-risk or high-risk?
• How many employees are on site at any given time?
• Are staff exposed to hazardous materials, machinery, or strenuous tasks?
• Do you have a designated First Aid Room or rely on nominated first aiders?
Still unsure? Get in touch with our team and we’ll help you assess your needs and ensure you stay compliant with HSE guidance.
Also Available: First Aid at Work Refresher Course
If your staff already hold a valid First Aid at Work (3-day) certificate, we also offer a First Aid at Work Refresher course to renew their qualification before it expires. This two-day course reinforces key skills and covers updated practices in line with current regulations.
Course Highlights:
• Suitable for anyone who has done the 3-day course before
• Reinforces CPR, AED, and emergency response techniques
• Covers advanced conditions such as seizures, heart attacks, allergic reactions, and more
• Certificate valid for 3 years
Why Choose Safety For Business for First Aid Training?
At Safety For Business, we provide high-quality first aid training delivered by experienced professionals. Our courses are:
• HSE-compliant.
• Interactive and hands-on.
• Held at our modern training centre in Letchworth Garden City, with parking and easy access from the train station.
• Cold Buffet is included in the price for all day courses at our premises.
• Also available at your own premises for team bookings
Whether you need to meet basic requirements or build a team of trained first aiders, we’ll make sure your staff leave confident and capable.
Book Your Course Today
Ready to train your team? You can enquire directly via our course pages, or if you’re ready to go, simply book online to secure your place on our next available course at our premises.
