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In the UK, The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate first aid provision in the workplace. This applies to all workplaces including the self-employed. Depending on the size and nature of the business, this may involve having designated first aiders who hold valid first aid qualifications. The exact requirements vary based on the circumstances of the workplace such as industry and the number of employees.

You can read more in our Ultimate Guide to First Aid.

The first aid course you need depends on several factors, including your specific requirements and the level of responsibility you hold. It is important to assess your specific needs and any regulations or recommendations from your workplace or industry. Consider the level of training required, the duration of the course, and the content covered. Consulting with your employer, regulatory bodies, or professional associations in your field can help determine the appropriate first aid course for your situation. The HSE has additional guidance on choosing the appropriate first aid course for your workplace. 

You can read more in our Ultimate Guide to First Aid.

Here are the first aid courses we offer:

Emergency First Aid at Work

First Aid at Work

First Aid at Work Requalification

Paediatric First Aid

Emergency Paediatric First Aid

Basic Life Support

Emergency Outdoor First Aid

Outdoor First Aid

Emergency First Aid for Forestry

First Aid for Parents and Child Carers

First Aid for Schools

First Aid Annual Refresher

Drivers CPC Emergency First Aid

First aid training is important as it empowers individuals to respond effectively during emergencies, provides life-saving skills, promotes safety awareness, and enhances the overall well-being and resilience of individuals and communities.

As well as the legal requirement to provide adequate first aid provision in the workplace, first aid also instils confidence and prevents further injury. 

You can read more on the importance of First Aid in our Ultimate Guide to First Aid.

The main difference between an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course and a First Aid at Work (FAW) course is the level of training and the scope of skills covered. A 3-day First Aid at Work course is a much more comprehensive training program than the 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work course. Emergency first aid at work is more suited to lower-risk work environments, such as offices, shops, or organisations with fewer than 100 employees. 

You can read more information in our Ultimate Guide to First Aid.

Nearly all of our First Aid course certificates are valid for 3 years. The only exception is the First Aid Annual Refresher which has a 1-year expiry. 

Every first aid course follows a syllabus that has been set by the awarding body. To see the topics of the individual courses, please see our First Aid courses page or download our First Aid booklet where the content is detailed under each course. 

Prior to attendance at a first aid course, it is recommended that organisations consider the suitability of learner(s) to carry out a first aider role. The role of a first aider and attendance at the course will involve a range of physical activities and discussions of severe illness and significant injuries.
Physical requirements:
The practical aspects of first aid training involve delegates kneeling, reaching away from their body and pressing down with their hands whilst completing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There is also physical activity required to demonstrate other elements such as the recovery position, choking and bandaging.
Other aspects to consider:
First aid training involves discussion and resources related to significant injury and illness.

You can read more information about First Aid in our Ultimate Guide to First Aid.

To renew your first aid qualification, you are required to attend a first aid course prior to your certificate expiring. Requalification can vary depending on which course you have previously attended. For example, if you’ve previously attended Emergency first aid at work (1 day), you will need to attend the same course to renew. If you have previously attended the First aid at work (3 days), you can attend a First aid at work requalification course (2 days). 

In certain circumstances, you can be granted a 28-day grace period to attend a requalification course following the expiry of your current certificate. 

Use our Requalification Checker tool to see how long certificates are valid for. 

You can read more information about First Aid in our Ultimate Guide to First Aid.

The number of first aiders required in the workplace will depend on various elements such as the number of employees, level of risk within your workplace, and shift patterns amongst other factors. The HSE has guidance for employers on completing a first aid needs assessment to help you determine your requirements.

You can read more information about First Aid in our Ultimate Guide to First Aid.

In the UK, the contents of a workplace first aid kit should be based on a thorough assessment of the workplace’s specific risks and the number of employees present. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidelines on the minimum contents for a workplace first aid kit. As a guide, where work activities involve low hazards, a minimum stock of first-aid items might be: 

• a leaflet giving general guidance on first aid
• 20 individually wrapped sterile plasters (assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work (hypoallergenic plasters can be provided if necessary)
• two sterile eye pads
• two individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile
• six safety pins
• two large, sterile, individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings
• six medium-sized sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings
• at least three pairs of disposable gloves

Employers may wish to refer to British Standard BS 8599 which provides further information on the contents of workplace first-aid kits. Whether using a first aid kit complying with BS 8599 or an alternative kit, the contents should reflect the outcome of the first aid needs assessment.

It is important to note that this is a general list, and the specific requirements may vary depending on the workplace and industry. It is advisable to conduct a workplace risk assessment and consult the appropriate regulatory bodies or health and safety professionals to determine the exact contents of a first aid kit based on your specific workplace needs.You can read more information about First Aid in our Ultimate Guide to First Aid.

First aid courses can have a maximum of 12 learners per trainer.

You can read more information about First Aid in our Ultimate Guide to First Aid.

First aid courses can be delivered fully face-to-face or via blended learning. Blended learning consists of a mix of e-learning followed by a face-to-face practical session.

You can read more information about First Aid in our Ultimate Guide to First Aid.

Yes. Participating in practical activities during a first aid course is essential. 

First aid courses are designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to provide immediate assistance in emergency situations. Practical activities, such as hands-on demonstrations and simulations, are crucial for reinforcing theoretical concepts and helping participants develop the necessary skills.

First aid courses also include assessments or evaluations to ensure that participants can effectively demonstrate their understanding and application of first aid techniques. Therefore, active participation in practical activities is a requirement for successfully completing a first aid course.

You can read more information about First Aid in our Ultimate Guide to First Aid.