Employers often ask whether they need First Aid at Work training or Emergency First Aid at Work. This guide explains the difference between the two courses, what each covers, and how to decide which one is appropriate for your workplace.
What Is Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)?
Emergency First Aid at Work is a one-day NUCO accredited course that covers the core emergency responses required in lower-risk workplaces.
EFAW is designed for situations where the HSE considers the risk level to be relatively low — for example, office environments, small retail premises or light industrial settings with a small number of employees.
The course covers CPR, use of an AED, management of an unresponsive casualty, choking, bleeding control, shock and burns. Successful candidates receive a certificate valid for 3 years.
EFAW is the minimum qualification level recognised by the HSE for a designated workplace first aider in a lower-risk setting.
What Is First Aid at Work (FAW)?
First Aid at Work is a three-day NUCO accredited course covering a comprehensive range of injuries, illnesses and emergency scenarios.
FAW is required in workplaces where a first aid needs assessment identifies a higher level of risk — for example, construction sites, manufacturing environments, warehouses, and workplaces with larger numbers of employees.
In addition to all the EFAW content, FAW covers head, neck and spinal injuries, bone and joint injuries, eye injuries, poisoning, medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, anaphylaxis, seizures and heart attack, and more detailed management of unconscious casualties.
Successful candidates receive a certificate valid for 3 years. Requalification is available as a two-day course.
Which Course Does Your Workplace Need?
The answer depends on your first aid needs assessment — a process required by the Health & Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 that every employer must carry out.
Your needs assessment should consider: the hazards and level of risk in your workplace, the number of employees, the working patterns (shifts, remote working, lone workers), the distance from emergency services, and the history of accidents in your workplace.
Lower-risk workplaces with fewer employees will typically satisfy their duty with an EFAW-qualified first aider. Higher-risk workplaces — including construction sites — will almost always require FAW-qualified first aiders.
If you are unsure which course is appropriate, the HSE provides guidance and we are happy to advise based on your specific circumstances.
Key Differences at a Glance
Duration — EFAW: 1 day. FAW: 3 days.
Certificate validity — Both: 3 years.
Content — EFAW covers emergency responses only. FAW covers a broader range of medical conditions and injuries.
Suitability — EFAW is appropriate for lower-risk workplaces. FAW is required where risk is higher or staff numbers are larger.
Requalification — Both can be renewed. FAW requalification is a two-day course. EFAW holders must retake the full one-day course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a one-day NUCO accredited course covering essential emergency responses including CPR, AED use, choking, bleeding and shock. It is suitable for first aiders in lower-risk workplaces and the certificate is valid for 3 years.
First Aid at Work (FAW) training is required in workplaces where a needs assessment identifies a higher level of risk. This typically includes construction sites, manufacturing environments, warehouses and larger workplaces. The FAW qualification covers a wider range of injuries and medical conditions than EFAW.
EFAW is a one-day course. FAW is delivered over three days. Both courses must be completed in full to receive a certificate.
For most small, lower-risk businesses such as offices or shops, EFAW is sufficient to meet the minimum first aid duty. However, the right choice depends on your first aid needs assessment. If your workplace has higher risks or a larger number of staff, FAW may be required. We can advise on the appropriate course for your situation.
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