EFAW vs FAW is one of the most common questions we receive. If you’re not sure whether your business needs an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course or the full First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification, you’re not alone. The good news is that once you understand the purpose of each course, choosing the right one becomes much easier.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) doesn’t simply tell businesses which course to choose based on the number of employees. Instead, every employer should complete a First Aid Needs Assessment, taking into account the size of the organisation, the level of risk, the type of work being carried out and how quickly emergency services could attend.
What’s the main difference?
The biggest difference is simple.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a 1-day accredited course designed for lower-risk workplaces or to support a team of first aiders.
First Aid at Work (FAW) is a 3-day accredited course that provides more comprehensive training and prepares first aiders to deal with a wider range of workplace emergencies.
Both qualifications meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, but they’re designed for different workplaces.
Quick Comparison
Which course do I need?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
Choosing the right course depends on your workplace and your First Aid Needs Assessment.
Things to consider include:
- How many people do you employ?
- How risky is your workplace?
- Do you have lone workers?
- Do you work shifts?
- Do members of the public visit your premises?
- How quickly could an ambulance reach you?
- Do you have employees working at different locations?
Once you’ve answered those questions, the right course usually becomes much clearer.
When is EFAW usually enough?
Emergency First Aid at Work is often suitable for organisations such as:
- Offices
- Small retail businesses
- Hairdressers and salons
- Estate agents
- Community groups
- Village halls
- Low-risk charities
It’s ideal where the risks are relatively low and one trained first aider provides appropriate cover.
When is FAW usually the better choice?
The full First Aid at Work course is often more appropriate for:
- Warehouses
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Larger schools
- Businesses with higher levels of risk
The additional training gives first aiders greater confidence and prepares them to manage a wider range of workplace emergencies until the ambulance service arrives.
Is there another course that would be better?
Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work are the two most common workplace qualifications, but they’re not the only options.
Depending on your role or industry, another course may be more suitable.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Basic Life Support training is designed for healthcare professionals and support workers who are expected to respond to medical emergencies as part of their role.
It’s commonly completed by:
- GP surgeries
- Dental teams
- Care homes
- Nurses
- Healthcare assistants
- Support workers
- Physiotherapists
- Podiatrists
- Community healthcare teams
Many organisations complete annual BLS updates to keep their skills current and remain aligned with professional guidance.
First Responder (Immediate Response Emergency Care)
Some organisations want to go beyond standard workplace first aid.
The Immediate Response Emergency Care (IREC) First Responder course provides a higher level of emergency care and is becoming increasingly popular with:
- Security companies
- Event medical teams
- Sports organisations
- Remote workplaces
- Businesses wanting to strengthen their emergency response
We’ve also seen growing interest from organisations preparing for Martyn’s Law. While the legislation doesn’t require businesses to train staff to First Responder level, some organisations are choosing to invest in additional emergency preparedness alongside their wider protective security measures.
Still not sure?
Every workplace is different.
If you’re unsure whether you need Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), First Aid at Work (FAW), Basic Life Support (BLS) or an Immediate Response Emergency Care (IREC) First Responder course, we’d be happy to help.
Get in touch with us and we’ll talk through your workplace, your team and the level of risk. In most cases, we can point you towards the most appropriate course within a few minutes.