Every employer in the UK has a legal duty to provide adequate first aid arrangements for their workplace. But with different course levels available, it can be confusing to know which one you need. The two main options are Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW).
Here’s a clear guide to help you decide which course is right for your team.
What Is EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work)?
The EFAW course is a one-day (6-hour) qualification that covers the essential skills needed to give emergency first aid in the workplace. It’s the minimum level of first aid training that the HSE recommends for low-risk workplaces.
Topics covered include:
- Assessing an incident and managing an emergency
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
- Treating someone who is unconscious and breathing
- Treating someone who is choking
- Managing severe bleeding
- Recognising shock
What Is FAW (First Aid at Work)?
The FAW course is a three-day (18-hour) qualification that provides a comprehensive first aid skillset. It’s required for higher-risk workplaces and larger organisations. Read our full guide to First Aid at Work requirements.
In addition to everything covered in EFAW, FAW training includes:
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Fractures, sprains, and dislocations
- Burns and scalds
- Eye injuries
- Poisoning
- Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions
- Hypothermia and heat exhaustion
- Spinal injuries
- Epileptic seizures and diabetic emergencies
EFAW vs FAW: Quick Comparison
| EFAW | FAW | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 day (6 hours) | 3 days (18 hours) |
| Certificate validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Suitable for | Low-risk workplaces, small teams | Higher-risk workplaces, larger teams |
| Practical assessment | Yes | Yes |
| CPR training | Yes | Yes (extended) |
| Injury management | Basic (bleeding, shock) | Comprehensive (fractures, burns, etc.) |
How to Decide Which Course You Need
The HSE says the level of first aid provision should be based on a first aid needs assessment considering:
- Workplace hazards — higher-risk environments (construction, manufacturing, catering) typically need FAW-trained first aiders
- Number of employees — the HSE recommends at least one FAW first aider for every 50 employees in low-risk settings, or one per 25 in higher-risk settings
- Remote locations — workplaces far from emergency services (common in rural Cumbria) should consider the higher-level FAW qualification
- Shift patterns — ensure there is always a trained first aider on duty
As a general rule: EFAW is suitable for offices, shops, and low-risk workplaces with fewer than 25 staff. FAW is recommended for construction sites, factories, warehouses, care homes, farms, and any workplace where the risk of serious injury is higher.
Requalification and Refreshers
Both EFAW and FAW certificates are valid for three years. The HSE strongly recommends annual refresher training to keep skills current. We offer both full requalification courses and shorter refresher sessions.
First Aid Training in Cumbria
We run regular EFAW and FAW courses at our Penrith training centre and deliver on-site training across Cumbria — Carlisle, Kendal, Workington, Barrow, and beyond. We also offer online first aid awareness courses from £15.
Not sure which course you need? Get in touch and we’ll help you work out the right level of first aid provision for your workplace.