Vital Signs Scotland
Frans Bedford-Visser
First Aid at Work (FAW) vs Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW):
Which Does Your Business Need?
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:
By investing in appropriate first aid training, organisations build safer workplaces, reduce risk, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing.
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