Is first aid training a legal requirement?

Yes. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if injured or taken ill at work. This applies to all workplaces regardless of size, including those with fewer than five employees.

How long does a first aid certificate last?

Both EFAW and FAW certificates are valid for three years. Requalification must be completed before the certificate expires. If it lapses, the full course must be retaken.

Can first aid training be delivered at our premises?

Yes. EFAW, FAW and many other first aid courses can be delivered on-site at your premises by qualified instructors. On-site delivery is often the most cost-effective option for organisations training multiple staff and allows training to be scheduled around your operations.

Is mental health first aid a legal requirement?

It is a recommendation rather than a specific legal requirement. However, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must assess and manage all risks to employee health — including mental health. The HSE recommends treating mental health on a par with physical health.

What is the difference between an appointed person and a first aider?

An appointed person is responsible for looking after first aid equipment and calling emergency services if needed. They are not required to be a trained first aider. A first aider holds a recognised qualification (EFAW or FAW) and is trained to provide immediate treatment for injuries and illness. Higher-risk workplaces require qualified first aiders rather than appointed persons.

First Aid Training Archives

First Aid Training Courses for UK Workplaces

Accredited workplace first aid training from the UK’s leading providers — St John Ambulance, British Red Cross and St Andrew’s First Aid. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require all employers to provide adequate first aid provision, making first aid training a legal compliance requirement for every UK business regardless of size.

Courses cover Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), First Aid at Work (FAW), requalification, paediatric first aid, mental health first aid and AED/CPR training. Classroom, on-site and blended learning options are available at hundreds of venues across the UK.

First Aid Training Providers

St John Ambulance

British Red Cross

St Andrew’s First Aid (Scotland)

Which First Aid Course Do I Need?

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) — 1 day

The minimum first aid qualification for most UK workplaces. A one-day HSE-compliant course covering CPR, AED use, choking, bleeding control, shock, unconsciousness and recovery position. Certificate valid for three years. Suitable for lower-risk workplaces such as offices and those with fewer than 50 employees. Available from all three providers.

First Aid at Work (FAW) — 3 days

The comprehensive first aid qualification required in higher-risk workplaces or organisations with more than 50 employees. Covers everything in EFAW plus managing complex incidents, fractures, spinal injuries, chest injuries, burns and anaphylaxis. Certificate valid for three years. Available from all three providers.

First Aid at Work Requalification (FAWR) — 2 days

Required before your FAW certificate expires. Must be completed within the three-year validity period — if the certificate lapses, the full three-day FAW course must be retaken rather than the shorter requalification. Available from all three providers.

Paediatric First Aid

Specialist first aid training for those working with infants and children. Required for Ofsted-registered childcare settings and recommended for schools, nurseries, sports clubs and all organisations working with children under 16. Covers infant and child CPR, choking, allergic reactions, illness and injury management.

Mental Health Workplace First Aider

Training for employees nominated to provide mental health first aid support in the workplace. Covers identifying signs of mental health conditions, providing initial non-judgemental support and signposting to professional help. The HSE recommends employers appoint mental health first aiders alongside physical first aiders.

AED Including CPR

Practical training in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) alongside CPR techniques. Suitable for workplace first aiders, community responders and anyone wanting to be prepared to respond to a cardiac arrest.

How Many First Aiders Does My Workplace Need?

The number of first aiders required depends on your workplace hazard level, number of employees and the findings of your first aid needs assessment. As a general guide:

Low-hazard workplace, fewer than 25 employees — an appointed person with EFAW training is likely sufficient
Low-hazard workplace, 25–50 employees — at least one EFAW-trained first aider recommended
Low-hazard workplace, 50+ employees — at least one FAW-trained first aider required
Higher-hazard workplace — FAW training required regardless of workforce size, with additional first aiders based on risk assessment findings
Shift working or multiple sites — adequate first aid cover must be available at all times, not just during core hours

Employers must carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine the right level of provision for their specific workplace. This assessment should consider the nature of the work, the number of employees, working hours, the location of the workplace and whether there are any specific risks.

First Aid Training Courses