Can You Do First Aid Training Online? Here's What You Need to Know
It’s one of the most common questions I hear from busy employers: “Can my team just do the first aid training online?” And I completely understand why. You’re juggling rotas, managing operations, and the thought of taking staff off the floor for a full day — let alone three — feels like a headache you don’t need.
So let me give you a clear, honest answer — because there’s a lot of confusion around this, and getting it wrong could leave you non-compliant without even realising it.
The Short Answer: No — But There Are Flexible Options
You cannot complete a full EFAW or FAW qualification entirely online. The HSE is clear on this: both Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work courses must include a practical, face-to-face training element. There’s no way around it, and any provider offering a fully online EFAW or FAW certificate is not meeting HSE requirements.
Why? Because first aid is a physical skill. You can’t learn to do effective CPR by watching a video. You can’t practise controlling a bleed from behind a screen. And you certainly can’t build the kind of confidence your team needs in a real emergency without getting hands-on with a manikin, a bandage, and a realistic scenario.
What About Blended Learning?
Since 2016, the HSE has allowed blended learning for workplace first aid courses. This means your team can complete the theory element online — at their own pace, in their own time — and then attend a shorter face-to-face session for the practical skills and assessment.
For example, a standard one-day EFAW could become a few hours of online learning followed by a half-day in the classroom. A three-day FAW could include online pre-learning plus two days of practical training. This reduces time away from work while still meeting all HSE and awarding body requirements.
Blended learning can work well for some businesses. But there are a couple of important things to be aware of. First, employers are legally required to allow staff to complete the online element during paid working hours — it shouldn’t be done in their own time. Second, not every learner thrives with self-directed online study, so it’s not always the best fit for every team.
What First Aid Training Can Be Done Fully Online?
While EFAW and FAW qualifications require practical assessment, there are some elements that can be completed online:
Annual refresher training — the HSE recommends yearly refreshers to keep skills current between certifications. These can be delivered online and are a great way to maintain knowledge without a full day out of the business.
First aid awareness courses — these aren’t formal qualifications but can raise general awareness across your wider team. Useful, but they don’t make someone a qualified first aider.
Appointed person training — if your risk assessment shows you don’t need a fully qualified first aider, an appointed person course can sometimes be completed online. This person takes charge of first aid arrangements but isn’t trained to deliver first aid themselves.
Your First Aid Training Options at a Glance
Delivery Method | Best For | Things to Consider |
Fully In-Person | Maximum confidence building, team bonding, hands-on practice in your own environment | Requires a full day (EFAW) or three days (FAW) away from operations |
Blended Learning | Reducing classroom time, flexible theory learning, cost savings on venue time | Online element must be in paid time; not all learners suit self-study; still needs face-to-face practical |
Fully Online | Annual refreshers, awareness training, appointed persons only | Needs a suitable space at your premises; group sizes typically up to 12 |
On-Site at Your Venue | Minimal disruption, no travel, training in your real environment, tailored to your industry | Needs a suitable space at your premises; group sizes typically up to 12 |
Why On-Site First Aid Training Is Often the Best Solution
I understand the appeal of online training — it feels easy and non-disruptive. But if you’re looking for the option that’s genuinely most convenient and most effective, on-site training is usually the winner.
When I come to your workplace, your team trains in the environment they actually work in. They use scenarios relevant to their industry. They don’t lose time travelling to a venue. And because they’re training together, they build the kind of team confidence that means when a real incident happens, they’re not just individually capable — they know how to work together.
I deliver training at times that work around your operations — whether that’s early mornings before service, mid-week when you’re quieter, or split across sessions to minimise disruption. The goal is always to make training as easy as possible for you, without cutting corners on quality.
Not Sure What’s Right for Your Team?
Every business is different, and the best training approach depends on your team size, shift patterns, risk level, and how your people learn best. If you’re not sure where to start, try my free first aid needs calculator for a quick recommendation, or book a free 15-minute provision check where I’ll talk you through your options with no obligation.
Or if you already know you need EFAW or FAW training and want to explore on-site delivery, get in touch and I’ll put together a plan that works around your schedule.
Get in touch:
07494 904698
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an EFAW certificate online?
No. The HSE requires all EFAW courses to include face-to-face practical training and assessment. You can complete a blended course with some theory online, but the practical element must be done in person.
Can I get a FAW certificate online?
No. The same rules apply. FAW requires practical, hands-on training that cannot be replaced by online learning. Blended options are available that reduce classroom time, but a face-to-face component is always required.
What is blended first aid training?
Blended learning combines online theory with face-to-face practical training. Your team completes the knowledge-based content at their own pace online, then attends a shorter in-person session for practical skills and assessment. This has been allowed by the HSE since 2016.
Can annual refresher training be done online?
Yes. The HSE recommends annual refresher training between certifications, and this can be completed online. However, refresher training does not replace the full EFAW or FAW requalification, which must be done every three years with a practical element.
Is on-site training more disruptive than online?
Usually less so. With on-site training, there’s no travel time, your team stays on the premises, and I can schedule sessions around your operations. Many businesses find on-site delivery is the least disruptive option while still getting a fully compliant, high-quality course.
Do staff have to complete online learning in their own time?
No. Under the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999, employers must allow staff to complete first aid training — including the online element of blended courses — during paid working hours.
The best first aid training is the kind your team actually remembers when it matters. That takes practice, not just a screen.
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