Understanding the Different Levels of First Aid Training

Whether you're an employer aiming to meet legal obligations, an HR professional managing workplace safety, or an individual looking to gain vital life-saving skills, understanding the different levels of first aid training is essential. With various course options available, each designed for specific environments and risk levels, it's important to choose the right training that aligns with your responsibilities.

This guide breaks down the most common first aid courses, what they cover, how long they're valid, and who they're best suited for, so you can make a confident and informed decision that supports both compliance and preparedness.

Legal Requirements for First Aid Training in the Workplace

First aid training is more than just a recommendation, and it's a legal requirement in many workplaces. Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers are required to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel to ensure employees receive immediate care if injured or taken ill at work. The exact number of trained first aiders needed depends on the size and nature of your business. Beyond compliance, being skilled in first aid helps reduce workplace injuries and can even save lives.

Different Levels of First Aid Training Explained

While the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not formally assign levels, training providers commonly use these informal categories:

Let's now take a closer look at the most common types of first aid training courses, what they cover, who they're for, and how long the certifications last.

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

This entry-level Emergency First Aid at Work course focuses on essential skills like CPR, treating minor injuries, and responding to common incidents until help arrives. It's ideal for low-risk environments such as offices, retail shops, or community centres. The training usually takes one day and is valid for three years.

Upon completion, you'll receive an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate. This certification meets the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements for workplace first aiders and is fully recognised for compliance purposes.

How long is the Emergency First Aid certificate valid?
Your certificate remains valid for 3 years from the course completion date, as required by HSE. To stay certified, you'll need to retake the course before it expires.

Topics covered in this course:
This course will equip you with practical skills and the confidence to act in emergencies. You'll learn how to:

• Understand the responsibilities and duties of a designated first aider

• Approach and assess emergency situations safely and effectively

• Administer aid to an unconscious person (including those not breathing normally)

• Respond to choking incidents with appropriate techniques

• Control bleeding and manage open wounds

• Identify signs of shock and provide appropriate support

• Treat minor injuries such as small cuts, bruises, or burns

First Aid at Work (FAW)

For workplaces with higher risks, the First Aid at Work course offers more in-depth training. It covers a wider range of conditions, including fractures, burns, cardiac emergencies, and medical conditions. This course is recommended for larger organisations, factories, or construction sites. It typically takes three days to complete and includes both theory and practical assessments.

After finishing, you'll receive a First Aid at Work certificate, qualifying you as a workplace first aider in medium to high-risk environments. This certification also complies with HSE guidelines.

How long is the First Aid at Work certificate valid?
Your certificate is valid for 3 years. To maintain your certification, you'll need to take a requalification course before it expires.

Topics covered in this course:
Building on the Emergency First Aid content, this course trains you to:

• Assess the scene and manage complex incidents effectively

• Provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty and perform CPR

• Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) safely and confidently

• Manage serious injuries and conditions such as heavy bleeding, burns, fractures, heart attacks, strokes, seizures, choking, and shock

First Aid At Work Refresher (FAW Annual Refresher)

The First Aid at Work Refresher course is designed for those who already hold a FAW certificate and want to maintain their skills and knowledge. This refresher training is recommended annually to ensure you stay confident and competent in handling workplace emergencies.

This course revisits essential first aid techniques and updates you on any changes in procedures. It covers the key elements of the full FAW course but in a shorter format, making it ideal for individuals and organisations looking to refresh their first aid training without repeating the entire initial course.

Upon successful completion, you'll receive a First Aid at Work Refresher certificate, helping you remain compliant with workplace safety requirements.

How long is the FAW Refresher certificate valid?
While annual renewal is recommended, the refresher certificate supports maintaining your qualification until the full FAW certification expires after 3 years.

Topics covered in this course:

• Review of scene assessment and managing incidents

• First aid for unresponsive casualties and CPR practice

• Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

• Managing serious injuries, including bleeding, burns, fractures, cardiac emergencies, strokes, seizures, choking, and shock

Advanced and Specialist Courses

If you need training tailored to specific groups or industries, there are specialised courses such as:

Paediatric First Aid Designed for those working with infants and children, like teachers and childcare professionals. This course covers a broad range of topics, from managing choking and seizures to treating burns, fractures, and allergic reactions. Successful learners receive a Highfield-accredited certificate valid for three years.

Mental Health First Aid Focuses on recognising and supporting individuals experiencing mental distress. You'll learn to identify common mental health disorders, offer initial aid, and practice empathetic, non-judgmental listening. The certification lasts for three years.

Industry-specific courses Tailored for sectors such as hospitality, sports, and construction to meet the unique demands of those workplaces.

How to Choose the Right First Aid Training Course

The type of first aid training your workplace needs depends on several factors, including:

• The number of employees

• Workplace hazards

• Different work environments

• Any special requirements

Smaller, low-risk workplaces may only need Emergency First Aid at Work training. At the same time, larger or higher-risk environments typically require a more comprehensive First Aid at Work course for nominated first aiders. Some workplaces may benefit from a mix of training levels or specialist courses, such as Paediatric First Aid and Mental Health First Aid, depending on their specific needs and risks. Assessing your unique situation helps ensure you have the right first aid provision in place.

Consider the following when choosing your training:

• Low-risk, small workplaces: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is usually sufficient.

• Larger or higher-risk workplaces: First Aid at Work (FAW) is recommended for nominated first aiders.

• Mixed environments: A combination of EFAW and FAW courses may be necessary.

• Childcare or education settings: Paediatric First Aid is essential.

• Workplaces prioritising mental wellbeing: Mental Health First Aid helps support colleagues facing mental health challenges.

Special environments: Activity-specific courses for outdoor or remote work may also be needed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right first aid training is a vital step in creating a safe and prepared workplace. Whether you work in a low-risk office or a high-risk industrial environment, there is a course designed to meet your specific needs, from the foundational Emergency First Aid at Work to specialised programs like Paediatric and Mental Health First Aid.

Investing in proper first aid training not only ensures legal compliance but also equips you and your team with the confidence and skills to respond effectively during emergencies. Ready to get started? Explore our range of certified first aid courses today, and take the first step toward a safer workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different levels of first aid training in the UK?

First aid training in the UK is commonly divided into three levels: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), First Aid at Work (FAW), and the Annual First Aid Refresher. EFAW is a basic one-day course for low-risk settings, while FAW is a more comprehensive three-day course for higher-risk environments. Though the HSE doesn't formally assign levels, these classifications are widely recognised among training providers.

How long is first aid training valid for?

Most first aid qualifications, including both EFAW and FAW, are valid for three years. To maintain certification, you must retake the course before it expires. Taking an annual refresher course is strongly recommended to keep your skills sharp and compliant with workplace standards.

Which level of first aid training should I choose?

The right level of first aid training depends on your workplaces size and risk level. EFAW is suitable for small, low-risk environments like offices, while FAW is better for high-risk settings such as factories or construction sites. Workplaces involving children or mental health support may require specialised courses like Paediatric or Mental Health First Aid.

What's the difference between Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work?

The main difference is in depth and duration. Emergency First Aid at Work is a one-day course focused on essential skills, whereas First Aid at Work spans three days and includes more advanced topics like fractures, cardiac events, and serious trauma. Your workplace risk assessment will help determine which is appropriate.

Can I take a refresher instead of the full course?

If your current certificate is still valid, you can take an Annual First Aid Refresher to stay updated or a requalification course to extend your certification. However, if your certificate has expired, you'll need to complete the full training again to remain qualified.