People at work can suffer injuries or be taken ill. It doesn’t matter whether the injury or illness is caused by the work they do or not, it is important to give them immediate attention and call an ambulance in serious cases. First aid at work covers the arrangements you should make to ensure this happens. It can save lives and prevent minor injuries becoming major ones.

If you have identified that first-aiders are needed in your workplace, they must have a valid certificate of competence in FAW or emergency first aid at work (EFAW). EFAW training enables a first-aider to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured or becomes ill while at work. FAW training includes EFAW and also equips the first-aider to apply first aid to a range of specific injuries and illnesses. The findings of the first-aid needs assessment can help you decide whether your first-aiders should be trained in FAW or EFAW.

FAW courses involve at least 18 hours of training and are run over a minimum of three days.

EFAW lasts for at least six hours of training and is run over a minimum of one day.
FAW and EFAW certificates last for three years. Before their certificates expire, first-aiders will need to undertake an FAW requalification course or an EFAW course, as appropriate, to obtain another three-year certificate.

HSE strongly recommends that first-aiders undertake annual refresher training, over half a day, during any three-year FAW/EFAW certification period. Although not mandatory, this will help qualified first-aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes to first-aid procedures. The training organisations referred to above can run annual refresher courses.

FAW

The First Aid at Work course teaches the skills needed to become a fully qualified first aider in the workplace, as approved by the Health and Safety Executive. This is the highest level of first aid approved by the HSE and covers all aspects of first aid in the workplace.

Purpose of the course

The purpose of the First Aid at Work course is to provide you with the essential skills needed to deal with emergencies in the workplace.

Who should attend

After completing a needs assessment, you should decide how many staff you need to attend the course. It is suitable for workers who need to be fully qualified first aiders.

Duration of the Course

The course lasts for 3 days (18 hours). It is usually completed over consecutive days, however we are flexible and will look to design courses to your needs.

Course Content

•    Accidents and illnesses
•    Using a first aid kit
•    Simple record keeping
•    Treatment of an unconscious casualty
•    Heart attacks
•    Resuscitation
•    Shock
•    Choking
•    Bleeding
•    Burns and Scalds
•    Poisoning
•    Fractures
•    Seizures
•    Asthma
•    Severe allergic reaction
•    Eye injuries
•    Low blood sugar
•    Fainting

Our courses include a practical examination at the end of day 3. Successful candidates will receive a HSE Approved First Aid at Work certificate valid for 3 years.