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First Aid

Differences Between First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

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Tuba Tasneem

March 07, 2023

Read time : 04 mins

Table of contents

What Is First Aid? Why First Aid Is Important First Aid At Workplace Training For First Aid Emergency First Aid At Work (EFAW) First Aid At Work (FAW) Difference Between EFAW and FAW

first aid kit

What is First Aid?

First aid is the immediate assistance given to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives. It covers everything from essential life support and CPR to treating minor cuts and scrapes. First aid is vital in any workplace, but it is crucial in industries with a risk of serious injuries, such as construction or manufacturing.

Why is First Aid Important?

First aid is essential because it can save lives, and often it is the only treatment necessary. Giving first aid promptly and effectively can prevent minor injuries from deteriorating into serious ones. First-aid can help prevent further injury or illness by providing immediate attention and care. First-aid is essential to any workplace safety plan, and a first aider should always be in place.

First Aid at Workplace

First-aid policies should be designed to meet the specific needs of the workplace. Employers should consider the type of work being done, the hazards present, and the number of employees working. First-aid kits should be easily accessible, and employers should always ensure that someone is available to give the First-aid.

First-aid training should be provided for all employees, and a First Aider should be appointed.

Training for First Aid

First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) are the most popular professional training courses. They teach individuals how to handle first aid-related emergencies in the workplace. The FAW course is a 3-day course that covers a wide range of topics related to first aid. In contrast, the EFAW course is recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and is compulsory for anyone who wants to become a designated first aider in the workplace.

Emergency First Aid at Work Course (EFAW)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines an Emergency First Aid at Work training course (EFAW training) as training that ‘enables a first-aider to give emergency first aid to someone injured or becomes ill while at work’. It is a one-day training that covers fewer topics than the FAW training. It is meant to prepare trainers to handle emergency medical situations with confidence gained from the essential skills and knowledge.

Course Modules

  • Roles and responsibilities of a First Aider
  • Assessing an Incident
  • Unresponsive Casualty
  • Choking
  • External Bleeding and Shock
  • Minor Injurie

First Aid at Work Course (FAW)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) describes the First Aid at Work (FAW) training course as satisfying the exact requirements of EFAW training but “also qualifies the first-aider to apply first aid to a range of specific injuries and diseases.” It is longer than the EFAW training course and is intended to prepare trainers to respond to various situations, not simply those classified as emergencies.

Course Modules

The topics covered in Hurak’s First Aid at Work (FAW) training are:

  • Roles and responsibilities of a First Aider
  • Unresponsive Casualty
  • Assessing an Incident
  • Choking
  • Minor Injuries 
  • External Bleeding and Shock
  • Injuries to bones, muscles, and joints
  • Head and Spinal injuries 
  • Burns and Scalds
  • Sudden Poisoning
  • Anaphylaxis 
  • Major Illness

Differences in First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work

Emergency First Aid at Work

First Aid at Work

Suitable for low-risk workplace Suitable for high-risk workplace
One day course Three days course
Basic learning     Extensive Syllabus
Cheaper – £79.99 Expensive – £179.99
Ideal for a workplace of more than 25 workers Suitable for a workplace with more than 25 workers