First Aid Courses

What are the different types of first aid training courses?
There are several types of first aid training available for workplaces, including our first aid at work courses: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW).

These first aid training courses teach essential skills such as, CPR training, wound treatment, and managing medical emergencies, health conditions and injuries. Learners gain the ability to assess situations, provide immediate care, and make life-saving decisions where every second counts.

How long does a First Aid at Work Certificate last for?
A First Aid at Work first aid training certificate is valid for 3 years. During this time, the individual is authorised to act as a workplace first aider. Once the certificate expires, they can no longer fulfil this role, and the employer may fail to meet the first aid requirements identified in their risk assessment.

Although studies have shown that the quality of first aid skills can deteriorate after 6 months, this is called skills fade. Therefore, the HSE strongly recommends annual first aid training refresher of their first aid skills.

What is the difference between First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work? Do they both include CPR training?
Emergency First Aid at Work is a 1-day course covering essential life-saving skills and workplace first aid training, such as CPR training, choking, bleeding, unconscious casualties and basic emergency response. First Aid at Work covers a wider range of first aid skills and is suited to higher-risk workplaces. The First Aid at Work course also covers a wider range of first aid training techniques than the Emergency First Aid at Work Course.

If your risk assessment identifies specific risks, for example, fractures, burns or anaphylactic shock, your first aiders should complete the full First Aid at Work course to ensure they are properly equipped to respond.

Is first aid training a legal requirement for employers?
Employers have a legal duty to provide adequate and appropriate first aid provisions in the workplace. The type and level of first aid training required will depend on the results of your workplace risk assessment, the nature of your work activities and the number of employees you have on-site.

How do I become a certified first aider?
You will need to take first aid training, with either the First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work course, which includes CPR training, and complete the assessment on these courses. The assessments for both courses test both your knowledge and your skill at responding to a variety of first aid incidents.

If you have already completed a First Aid at Work course and your certificate is about to expire, you can attend a requalification in First Aid at Work to keep your certificate current.

What is the difference between a first aider and an appointed person?
An appointed person is expected to take charge of the first aid arrangements, which include looking after first aid equipment, ensuring the first aid kit is regularly replenished and calling the emergency services if an incident occurs. They are not expected to provide first aid or have any first aid training. Appointed persons are also only needed for very small, low-risk workplaces where their risk assessment has identified that a first aider is not required.

Whereas a first aider has completed formal first aid training, and can provide first aid if an incident occurs.

What skills will I learn on a first aid course?
A workplace first aid training course teaches essential life-saving skills, including CPR training, using an AED (automated external defibrillator), managing choking, treating severe bleeding and how to respond to common workplace emergencies.

Can you fail a First Aid at Work course?
To achieve a First Aid at Work qualification, you will need to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and practical first aid skills required to respond to a range of first aid emergencies. Throughout your first aid training course, your trainer will be assessing your understanding and ability to carry out key first aid techniques safely and effectively.

If you do not meet the required standard, you may not be awarded a certificate. However, your first aid trainers are there to support you throughout your learning and help build the confidence you need to become a qualified workplace first aider.

How often should I do first aid training?
Workplace first aid training qualifications, like First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work, are generally valid for 3 years. You need to complete either a requalification in first aid training or redo the First Aid at Work courses before your certificate expires to continue to fulfil the role of a first aider in the workplace.

To help maintain confidence and competence, the HSE strongly recommends that first aiders complete a refresher course every year.

Can I complete a first aid course online?
Some first aid training courses can be completed through blended learning, which combines online e-learning with practical classroom learning. This allows learners to gain essential first aid knowledge online, while being able to receive and practise hands-on first aid training from qualified first aid instructors.

How many first aiders do I need?
The number of first aiders your organisation needs depends on factors such as workforce size, workplace hazards, site layout and shift patterns. Higher-risk workplaces should have one qualified first aider for every 50 employees, while lower-risk workplaces should have one first aider for the first 25 employees, and one additional first aider for every 100 employees after.

A workplace first aid risk assessment will help employers determine the right level of first aid provisions for your workplace. Qualified first aiders will also receive CPR training and AED training as part of their certification.