What First Aid Course Is Right For You
Why having the right
course matters
Choosing the correct first aid course starts with
assessing your environment and needs — as required
under the regulator framework set out by Health and
Safety Executive (HSE) for workplaces. First aid provision should reflect key factors such as:
The size of your organisation or group.
The nature of tasks and associated risks
(e.g. office work vs manual / higher risk jobs).
Whether you work with children, vulnerable
adults, or members of the public.
The level of first aid coverage required to
respond appropriately to emergencies.
Below is a quick guide to help you choose the right course for your circumstances.
Which First Aid Course Should You Choose?
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
Best For / When to Choose It
Low-hazard workplaces or small organisations (e.g. small office, shop, retail, low-risk environments). Also ideal if you just need basic first-aid coverage / designated first-aider(s).
Key Features
Core emergency first aid: CPR (including AED use), recovery position, choking, bleeding, shock, unresponsive casualty, seizures, minor injuries — enough to manage immediate emergencies until medical help arrives.
1 day (6–8 hours) — nationally recognised RQF / HSE compliant course.
First Aid at Work (FAW)
Best For / When to Choose It
Workplaces with higher risk (e.g. manual work, warehousing, factories), or any setting where more serious injuries/medical emergencies are possible. Also recommended if you want a fully qualified first
Key Features
Covers everything in EFAW plus more in-depth training: injuries to bones, muscles & joints, spinal injuries, burns, poisoning, anaphylaxis, major illnesses (heart attacks, strokes, asthma, diabetes, etc.), more complex medical emergencies.
3 days (≈ 18 hours) — full Level 3 first aid qualification.
Paediatric / Child-Focused First Aid (or EFAW + Paediatric Element)
Best For / When to Choose It
Workplaces with higher risk (e.g. manual work, warehousing, factories), or any setting where more serious injuries/medical emergencies are possible. Also recommended if you want a fully qualified first aider rather than just emergency responders. High Speed Training involving children or young people — schools, nurseries, childcare, youth clubs, sports/coaching with minors — or any mixed-age environment.
Key Features
Basic first aid plus paediatric-specific care: child/infant CPR, choking and airway management for children, paediatric illness and injury response (asthma, anaphylaxis, fractures, etc.), child-appropriate casualty management.
Varies depending on course — 1 day for Emergency Paediatric or
2 day for Paediatric First Aid course.
When You Might Need a More Advanced Course
How to Decide: Quick Checklist
