One of the most common questions we’re asked at Emerald First Aid Training is:
“What’s the difference between Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW)?”
It’s an important question because choosing the right qualification helps ensure your employees receive the appropriate level of first aid training while helping your organisation meet its responsibilities under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
The two courses are similar in many ways, but they’re designed for different workplaces and different levels of risk.
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences, who each course is suitable for and how to decide which qualification is right for your business.
| Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) | First Aid at Work (FAW) |
| One-day course | Three-day qualification (delivered through blended learning at Emerald) |
| Suitable for lower-risk workplaces | Suitable for higher-risk workplaces |
| Covers essential emergency first aid | Covers a wider range of injuries and illnesses |
| Certificate valid for three years | Certificate valid for three years |
| Available as an open course or on-site | Available as an open course or on-site |
If you’re still unsure after reading this guide, we’re always happy to help you choose the right course for your organisation.
What is Emergency First Aid at Work?
Emergency First Aid at Work is a one-day accredited qualification designed for people who have been nominated to provide emergency first aid within their workplace.
The course focuses on the essential skills needed to respond quickly and confidently when someone becomes seriously ill or injured before professional medical help arrives.
During the course, learners develop practical skills including:
- Assessing an emergency situation safely
- Performing CPR
- Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Managing an unresponsive casualty
- Treating choking
- Controlling severe and minor bleeding
- Managing shock
- Dealing with minor injuries
The qualification is suitable for many low-risk workplaces, particularly where a first aid needs assessment identifies that an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification provides an appropriate level of cover.
What is First Aid at Work?
First Aid at Work is a more comprehensive workplace first aid qualification.
At Emerald First Aid Training, we deliver this through a blended learning programme, allowing learners to complete the theory online before attending practical classroom sessions.
The course covers everything included within Emergency First Aid at Work but goes much further, including additional medical conditions, serious injuries and ongoing casualty care.
Topics include:
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Fractures
- Burns and scalds
- Poisoning
- Head injuries
- Chest injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Eye injuries
- Anaphylaxis
- Major illness recognition
The wider syllabus makes First Aid at Work more appropriate for organisations where employees face increased workplace risks.
What are the Main Differences?
Although both qualifications teach life-saving skills, the biggest difference is the amount of knowledge and responsibility expected of the learner.
Emergency First Aid at Work provides the knowledge needed to deal with immediate emergencies.
First Aid at Work prepares learners to manage a much broader range of medical conditions and traumatic injuries until emergency services arrive.
Which Businesses Should Choose Emergency First Aid at Work?
Emergency First Aid at Work is commonly suitable for organisations where the risk of serious injury is relatively low.
Examples include:
- Offices
- Small retail premises
- Hair and beauty salons
- Community groups
- Churches
- Libraries
- Estate agents
- Small charities
Many businesses only require one or two trained first aiders, making Emergency First Aid at Work an excellent option.
However, every employer should complete a first aid needs assessment before deciding which qualification is appropriate.
Which Businesses Should Choose First Aid at Work?
First Aid at Work is often recommended for organisations where there is a greater likelihood of serious injury or illness.
This commonly includes:
- Construction companies
- Manufacturing businesses
- Engineering firms
- Warehouses
- Agriculture
- Distribution centres
- Workshops
- Production facilities
Many schools, larger organisations and businesses operating machinery also choose the First Aid at Work qualification because of the broader range of incidents that employees may encounter.
Again, the decision should always be based on a suitable first aid needs assessment rather than assumptions about the business alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend one of these courses as an individual?
Yes. Our Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work courses are available as scheduled open courses, meaning individuals can book a place without needing to arrange private workplace training. Whether you’re self-employed, changing careers or your employer has asked you to gain a recognised qualification, our open courses are designed to make booking simple and flexible.
Can these courses be delivered at our workplace?
Absolutely. Alongside our open courses, we regularly deliver on-site first aid training for businesses, schools, charities and organisations throughout Somerset and Dorset. Workplace training can often be a more convenient and cost-effective option when training several members of staff at the same time.
Are both qualifications recognised?
Yes. Both qualifications are nationally recognised and meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 where they are appropriate following a suitable First Aid Needs Assessment.
How long are the certificates valid for?
Both Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work certificates remain valid for three years. To maintain continuous workplace cover, we recommend booking refresher or requalification training before your qualification expires.
Where Can I Book These Courses?
Emerald First Aid Training delivers regulated Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work courses from convenient training venues across Somerset.
You can book scheduled open courses at:
- Yeovil – ideal for delegates from South Somerset and North Dorset.
- Taunton – convenient for businesses and individuals across West Somerset.
- Bridgwater – serving Bridgwater and the wider Somerset area.
If attending an open course isn’t suitable, we can also deliver both qualifications at your workplace anywhere across Somerset and Dorset.
Which Course Should You Choose?
If your workplace presents relatively low risks, Emergency First Aid at Work may provide the appropriate level of training for your nominated first aider.
If your employees work in higher-risk environments or are more likely to encounter a wider range of medical emergencies, First Aid at Work will often be the more suitable qualification.
If you’re still unsure, don’t worry. One of the most common conversations we have with customers is helping them decide which course best meets the needs of their organisation. We’re always happy to offer straightforward advice before you book, helping you choose the most appropriate qualification rather than simply the longest course.
Continue Your First Aid Journey
If you’d like to learn more about our workplace first aid qualifications, you may find these pages helpful:
- Emergency First Aid at Work – Learn more about our one-day Emergency First Aid at Work course, what’s covered and upcoming course dates.
- First Aid at Work – Discover our blended First Aid at Work qualification and who it’s designed for.
- First Aid Courses in Yeovil – View upcoming courses at our Yeovil training centre.
- First Aid Courses in Taunton – Find available course dates in Taunton.
- First Aid Courses in Bridgwater – Explore our Bridgwater training venue and upcoming courses.
Ready to Book?
Whether you’ve decided that Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work is the right qualification for you, we’re here to help.
Browse our upcoming open course dates, compare available locations and reserve your place online. If you’re booking for your business or organisation, contact us to discuss on-site training delivered at your premises.
We look forward to welcoming you to one of our courses in Yeovil, Taunton or Bridgwater soon.