Every employer in the UK has a legal duty to provide first aid. But how many trained first aiders do you actually need? And what qualifications should they have?

Whether you run a small office in Carlisle or a large warehouse in Workington, getting first aid cover right is both a legal requirement and a duty of care to your team.

What the Law Says

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel. What counts as adequate depends on your workplace.

The regulations do not set a fixed number of first aiders. Instead, you must carry out an assessment based on your specific circumstances.

How Many First Aiders Do You Need?

The HSE provides guidance based on workplace risk level:

Low risk workplaces (offices, shops, libraries)

• Fewer than 25 employees: At least one appointed person
• 25 to 50 employees: At least one Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) trained person
• More than 50 employees: At least one EFAW trained person for every 100 employees

Higher risk workplaces (construction, manufacturing, care homes)

• Fewer than 5 employees: At least one appointed person
• 5 to 50 employees: At least one First Aid at Work (FAW) trained person
• More than 50 employees: One additional FAW trained person for every 50 employees

These are minimum recommendations. Consider factors like shift patterns, remote working, and staff holidays when deciding how many people to train. Businesses across Cumbria with seasonal fluctuations, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors around the Lake District, should plan cover carefully during peak periods.

Understanding the Qualifications

Appointed Person: Not a trained first aider. Takes charge of first aid arrangements and calls emergency services when needed. Suitable only for very low risk environments with few staff.

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): One day course covering basic life saving skills. Valid for three years. This is our most popular course for small businesses across Cumbria.

First Aid at Work (FAW): Three day comprehensive course. Covers a wider range of injuries and illnesses. Valid for three years. Essential for higher risk workplaces such as farms, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities.

When Certificates Expire

First aid certificates are valid for three years. After this, a refresher or full requalification is needed. Letting certificates lapse means you may not have legally adequate cover.

Keep a record of all first aid training and set reminders for renewal dates. If you are unsure whether your current certificates are still valid, get in touch and we can help you check.

Quick Compliance Checklist

• Assess your workplace risk level
• Calculate how many first aiders you need
• Ensure you have the right qualification level
• Check all certificates are in date
• Cover for absences and shift patterns
• Keep first aid kits stocked and accessible

Book Your First Aid Training in Cumbria

We offer Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work courses at our Penrith training centre, or on site at your premises anywhere in Cumbria. Our courses follow Resuscitation Council (UK) guidelines and provide certificates valid for three years.

See our upcoming course dates or contact Cumbria Fire and Safety Training on 01768 807258 or email info@cumbriafiresafetytraining.co.uk to arrange training for your team.

Further Reading

• HSE First Aid at Work Guidance: hse.gov.uk/firstaid
• The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981: legislation.gov.uk