The Importance of Having Trained First Aiders in the Workplace

Shows worker collapsed at building site receiving first aid

The Importance of Having Trained First Aiders in the Workplace

Accidents can happen anywhere. From a slip in the office kitchen to a fall on a construction site, no workplace is immune. That’s why having trained First Aiders isn’t just a legal requirement for many businesses in the UK—it’s an essential part of creating a safe, supportive working environment.

In this post, we’ll explain why First Aid training is so important, how it benefits your business, and how you can ensure your team is fully prepared.

What is a First Aider?

A First Aider is someone who has completed accredited training to provide immediate help in an emergency. They are equipped to:

Assess a situation quickly and safely
Deliver CPR and other life-saving interventions
Manage common injuries such as bleeding, burns, and fractures
Provide support until professional help arrives

In the UK, First Aid training must meet Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards. The most common courses include:

First Aid at Work (FAW)
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
Paediatric First Aid (for childcare settings)

Why is First Aid Training So Important?

1️⃣ Legal Compliance

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must ensure adequate First Aid provision in the workplace. This includes:

Appointing trained First Aiders
Providing appropriate First Aid equipment and facilities
Informing staff how to get help in an emergency

Failure to comply can lead to fines, legal action, and reputational damage. Read more on the HSE website.

2️⃣ Life-Saving Interventions

In an emergency, every second counts. Trained First Aiders can:

Perform CPR and use an AED
Stop severe bleeding
Manage choking incidents
Assist with heart attacks and strokes

Their quick action can save lives.

3️⃣ Reduce Risk and Build a Safety Culture

Having trained First Aiders demonstrates your commitment to safety. It helps:

Reduce workplace accidents and injuries
Build a positive, supportive workplace culture
Increase staff confidence and morale

4️⃣ Minimise Disruption

A prompt response to incidents can:

Reduce downtime
Minimise the need for hospital visits
Help staff return to work more quickly

5️⃣ Enhance Your Reputation

Demonstrating strong safety standards shows clients, customers, and employees that you value their wellbeing. This builds trust and can set your business apart from competitors.

Who Needs First Aid Training?

Almost every business should have trained First Aiders, but the level of training depends on your workplace:

Low-risk settings (offices, shops): Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
Higher-risk settings (construction, factories): First Aid at Work (FAW)
Childcare settings (nurseries, schools): Paediatric First Aid

A First Aid Needs Assessment will help you decide the right number of First Aiders and courses for your business.

How to Get First Aid Training for Your Team

At Vital Signs Scotland, we provide accredited First Aid training across Scotland and the UK. Our courses are:

✅ Compliant with HSE, SQA, and OFQUAL standards
✅ Delivered in-person, online, or as blended learning
✅ Taught by experienced trainers with real-world emergency response expertise

Our popular courses include:

Ready to Protect Your Workplace?

📞 Call us on +44 (0)1506 333310
📧 Email: info@vitalsignsscotland.co.uk
Or visit our Contact Page to get started.

Explore all our First Aid Courses to find the right training for your team.

Which Workplace First Aid Course Should I Choose?

by Frans Bedford-Visser • 20 January 2026

Providing appropriate first aid provision in the workplace is a legal requirement under UK health and safety law. However, many employers are unsure whether they need First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) training — and choosing the wrong one can leave gaps in compliance and staff safety. Understanding the difference between FAW and EFAW helps employers meet their legal duties while ensuring staff receive the right level of care when it matters most. What Is Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)? Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a one-day course designed to equip individuals with the skills to respond to life-threatening emergencies in low-risk workplaces. EFAW covers: Assessing an incident CPR and use of an AED Choking Severe bleeding Shock Minor injuries It focuses on immediate response until professional medical help arrives. What Is First Aid at Work (FAW)? First Aid at Work (FAW) is a three-day course that provides a broader and more in-depth level of training, suitable for higher-risk workplaces or larger organisations. FAW includes everything in EFAW, plus: Head, spinal, chest, and eye injuries Fractures and dislocations Burns and scalds Major illnesses (e.g. heart attack, stroke, epilepsy, asthma) Ongoing casualty care and monitoring FAW-trained first aiders are equipped to manage more complex situations for longer periods. Which Industries Is EFAW Best Suited To? EFAW is generally suitable for low-risk workplaces, such as: Offices and administrative environments Retail premises Libraries Small shops Low-risk customer service roles In these settings, the likelihood of serious injury is lower, and EFAW usually meets legal requirements following a first aid needs assessment. Which Industries Should Choose FAW? FAW is more appropriate for higher-risk or complex workplaces, including: Construction and engineering Manufacturing and warehousing Care homes and healthcare settings Education (schools, colleges) Hospitality and catering Transport and logistics Larger workplaces with multiple hazards These environments benefit from having first aiders trained to manage a wider range of injuries and illnesses. Legal Requirements: What the HSE Expects UK employers must carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine: Workplace hazards Number of employees History of accidents or illness Distance from emergency medical services The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not mandate one specific course for all workplaces — but expects employers to provide appropriate and sufficient first aid provision. Choosing EFAW when FAW is required could leave an organisation non-compliant. Why Some Employers Choose Both Many organisations choose a blended approach, training: Several staff in EFAW for basic coverage Key staff or supervisors in FAW for higher-level incidents This approach provides resilience during absences, holidays, or shift work. Making the Right Choice for Your Business The right course depends on: Your industry and risk level The size of your workforce The nature of work activities Your first aid needs assessment Both FAW and EFAW are recognised, regulated qualifications — the key is choosing the one that best protects your people. Training Support for Scottish Employers Scottish employers can meet their legal obligations and protect staff by ensuring the right first aid training is in place. 👉 Related training options: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) First Aid at Work (FAW) First Aid Refresher & Requalification Courses Scottish First Aid at Work (Level 6 - SCQF) By investing in appropriate first aid training, organisations build safer workplaces, reduce risk, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing.

Vital Signs Scotland