EFAW vs FAW: Which First Aid Course Does Your Business Actually Need?
By Rachel | Training Pathways | www.trainingpathways.co.uk
You know the moment. Someone collapses in your workplace. A colleague gets seriously injured. In those critical minutes, your response makes the difference between a minor incident and a major emergency.
But not every business needs the same level of first aid training. And booking the wrong course wastes time and money. So let’s cut through the confusion and help you figure out exactly which qualification your team actually needs.
The Legal Requirement Is Simple. The Answer Isn’t.
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, every UK employer must provide “adequate and appropriate” first aid provision. These regulations apply to all workplaces, including those with fewer than five employees and the self-employed. There are no exemptions.
The law doesn’t say “you need this specific course.” Instead, it requires you to assess your first aid needs and provide the right level of training to meet them. That’s where EFAW and FAW come in. They’re the two main qualifications that satisfy that legal requirement.
Important: The regulations technically place a legal duty on employers to provide first aid for employees only. However, the HSE strongly recommends that non-employees, including visitors, guests, customers and members of the public, are included in your first aid needs assessment. If your business involves the public in any way (hospitality, retail, events, schools, leisure), you should treat this recommendation as essential, not optional.
What’s the Actual Difference?
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
A one-day course, minimum six hours. It covers the essentials: CPR, choking, severe bleeding, shock, unconsciousness, and minor injuries. EFAW is about stabilising a casualty and keeping them safe until emergency services arrive. Think of it as the foundation. It gives your team the confidence to act in a crisis and meets legal requirements for many workplaces. For many small businesses, EFAW provides exactly the right level of cover.
First Aid at Work (FAW)
A three-day course, minimum eighteen hours. It covers everything in EFAW plus a much wider range of injuries and medical conditions: fractures, burns, eye injuries, heart attacks, strokes, asthma, diabetes emergencies, seizures, poisoning, and spinal injuries. FAW gives your team deeper knowledge and significantly more hands-on practice time. It’s about managing both emergencies and non-life-threatening conditions with real confidence.
EFAW vs FAW: A Quick Comparison
EFAW | FAW | |
Duration | 1 day (min 6 hours) | 3 days (18 hours) |
Certificate validity | 3 years | 3 years |
Covers emergencies | Yes. CPR, choking, bleeding, shock, unconsciousness | Yes. Everything in EFAW |
Covers wider injuries | Minor injuries only | Yes. Fractures, burns, spinal injuries, head injuries |
Covers medical conditions | No | Yes. Heart attacks, strokes, asthma, diabetes, seizures |
Hands-on practice | Some | Extensive |
Best suited for | Small, lower-risk workplaces | Larger or higher-risk workplaces |
Qualification level | Level 2 | Level 3 |
So Which One Does Your Business Need?
EFAW is usually sufficient if:
Your workplace is relatively low-risk (offices, retail, schools, libraries)
You have fewer than 25 to 50 employees
Emergency services can reach you quickly
You want a strong baseline qualification for all staff
FAW is recommended if:
Your workplace involves higher risks (construction, manufacturing, warehousing, large kitchens)
You have more than 50 employees or large numbers of visitors or guests
You’re in a remote or rural location where ambulance response times may be longer
Employees work with machinery, at height, or with hazardous materials
You need designated, fully qualified first aiders on site
Many businesses benefit from a blend of both. A core team trained to FAW level as your designated first aiders, with wider staff holding EFAW certificates. This way there’s always someone confident and capable on every shift, including evenings, weekends, and busy periods.
How Many First Aiders Do You Need?
The HSE doesn’t set a fixed number. It depends on the outcome of your first aid needs assessment. However, the HSE guidance document L74 gives a helpful starting point:
Lower-risk workplaces (offices, shops, libraries): At least one appointed person for fewer than 25 employees. At least one EFAW-trained first aider for 25 to 50 employees. One additional first aider for every additional 100 employees.
Higher-risk workplaces (construction, manufacturing, warehousing): At least one FAW-trained first aider for fewer than 50 employees. One additional FAW-trained first aider for every additional 50 employees. Specific hazards may require higher ratios. Your risk assessment will determine this.
Don’t forget to account for shift patterns, holidays, and sickness. If your only trained first aider is off sick, you’re not covered. Planning for absence is just as important as planning for incidents.
How Long Do Certificates Last?
Both EFAW and FAW certificates are valid for three years. Once expired, the full course must be retaken. There’s no grace period, so plan your requalification before your certificate lapses.
The HSE also strongly recommends annual refresher training, typically a half-day session, to keep skills sharp between certifications. This isn’t a legal requirement, but it’s strongly recommended. First aid skills fade quickly without practice, and a refresher can make a real difference when it matters.
Not Sure? Use Our Free First Aid Calculator
If you’re still not sure which course is right for your workplace, use our free first aid needs calculator. It takes you through the key questions and gives you a clear recommendation in minutes. No jargon. No guesswork.
Why Train With Training Pathways?
Our trainers come from a wide range of professional backgrounds with years of hands-on experience. They hold all required qualifications, often to a higher level than the minimum standard, and maintain ongoing CPD. Your training is delivered by people who understand real-world risks, not just textbook theory.
We deliver both EFAW and FAW courses on-site at your workplace, tailored to your industry and your specific risks. Whether you’re an office, a school, a construction site, a hotel, or an events company, we’ll make sure the scenarios your team practises are relevant to the situations they’re most likely to face.
No death-by-PowerPoint. No generic tick-box training. Just practical, engaging courses that leave your team confident and capable..
Ready to Get Started?
If you already know which course you need, get in touch to book. If you’re still unsure, book a free 15-minute First Aid Provision Check where we’ll help you understand your legal responsibilities, assess whether you have enough trained staff, and identify any gaps. No obligation, no pressure. Just clear, practical advice.
Or get in touch directly:
07494 904698
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between EFAW and FAW?
EFAW is a one-day course focused on life-threatening emergencies. FAW is a three-day course that covers everything in EFAW plus a much wider range of injuries and medical conditions. The right choice depends on your workplace risk level, team size, and operating hours.
Is EFAW enough for my business?
For small, low-risk workplaces with fewer than 25 to 50 employees, EFAW is often sufficient. If your workplace involves higher risks, larger numbers of people, or remote locations, FAW is usually the better option. A first aid needs assessment will give you a definitive answer.
How many first aiders does my workplace need?
There’s no fixed number. It depends on your risk level, team size, shift patterns, and how quickly emergency services can reach you. For lower-risk workplaces, the HSE suggests at least one first aider per 25 to 100 employees. For higher-risk workplaces, at least one FAW-trained first aider per 50 employees as a starting point. You also need to account for holidays and sickness. Use our free calculator or book a provision check for a tailored recommendation.
How often do first aiders need to retrain?
Both EFAW and FAW certificates last three years, after which the full course must be retaken. The HSE strongly recommends annual refresher training (typically a half-day session) to keep skills and confidence current between certifications.
Can you deliver training at my workplace?
Yes. Training Pathways delivers both EFAW and FAW courses on-site at your premises, tailored to your industry, at times that work around your schedule. Our trainers come from diverse professional backgrounds and bring real-world expertise to every session.
Do both EFAW and FAW meet HSE requirements?
Yes. Both qualifications are recognised by the HSE and meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. The key is choosing the right one based on your workplace needs assessment.
Does first aid provision need to cover visitors and guests?
The 1981 Regulations technically only require provision for employees. However, the HSE strongly recommends that employers include non-employees, including visitors, guests, customers, and contractors, in their first aid needs assessment. For any business involving the public, this should be treated as essential.
The right training doesn’t just tick a box. It gives your team the confidence to act when it matters most.
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