If you’re considering booking an Emergency First Aid at Work course, you may be wondering exactly what happens during the day.
Will you have to perform CPR? Will there be an exam? Do you need any previous experience? And what situations will you learn to manage?
Emergency First Aid at Work—often shortened to EFAW—is designed to give workplace first aiders the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to respond to an emergency until professional medical help arrives.
It is practical, supportive and suitable for complete beginners.
Quick answer
An Emergency First Aid at Work course typically covers:
- The role and responsibilities of a workplace first aider
- Assessing an emergency safely
- Managing an unresponsive casualty
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation—CPR
- Using an automated external defibrillator—AED
- Choking
- Seizures
- Serious bleeding
- Shock
- Minor workplace injuries
EFAW qualifies someone to provide emergency first aid when a person becomes injured or ill at work. Employers should use their First Aid Needs Assessment to decide whether this is the appropriate level of training for their workplace.
What is Emergency First Aid at Work?
Emergency First Aid at Work is a one day workplace first aid qualification.
It is commonly selected by lower-risk workplaces or organisations whose First Aid Needs Assessment identifies that emergency first aiders provide an appropriate level of cover.
The course concentrates on the immediate actions a first aider may need to take during the first few minutes of an emergency.
It does not attempt to turn learners into medical professionals. Instead, it helps them recognise when something is wrong, make the situation safer, provide appropriate first aid and summon further help.
For a broader comparison, read our guide to Emergency First Aid at Work versus First Aid at Work.
The role of a workplace first aider
The course begins by looking at the responsibilities of a first aider.
Learners consider how to:
- Protect themselves and others from danger
- Assess an incident before approaching
- Reduce the risk of cross-infection
- Gain consent where possible
- Contact the emergency services
- Record an incident appropriately
This establishes a safe and structured approach before moving on to practical skills.
Assessing an emergency
In a real emergency, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Learners practise following a clear assessment process to identify immediate dangers, check the casualty’s response and establish whether they are breathing normally.
The aim is to help people make calm, sensible decisions rather than becoming overwhelmed by the situation.
Managing an unresponsive casualty
You will learn what to do when someone is unresponsive but breathing normally.
This includes:
- Opening and checking the airway
- Assessing breathing
- Placing an appropriate casualty into the recovery position
- Continuing to monitor their condition
- Knowing when to call 999
These skills are practised using realistic scenarios so learners understand how the steps work together.
CPR and cardiac arrest
CPR is one of the main practical elements of an Emergency First Aid at Work course.
Learners practise:
- Recognising that someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally
- Calling 999 and requesting an AED
- Performing effective chest compressions
- Providing rescue breaths where appropriate
- Continuing CPR until further help takes over
Electronic feedback equipment may be used during training to help learners improve the depth, rate and release of their chest compressions.
Nobody is expected to arrive already knowing how to perform CPR. The trainer will demonstrate each step and give you time to practise.
Using an AED
An automated external defibrillator can analyse a person’s heart rhythm and, when appropriate, deliver a controlled electrical shock.
During the course, learners normally use AED training units and practise:
- Switching the AED on
- Following its spoken and visual instructions
- Positioning the electrode pads
- Keeping everyone clear during analysis
- Combining AED use with CPR
- Continuing care until emergency services arrive
The training equipment does not deliver a real shock.
Responding to choking
Choking can become life threatening very quickly.
You will learn how to recognise the difference between a mild and severe obstruction and how to respond using the appropriate sequence of actions.
The course also explains what to do if the casualty becomes unresponsive.
Seizures
Learners are taught how to recognise and respond safely when someone is having a seizure.
This includes:
- Protecting the casualty from injury
- Removing nearby hazards where possible
- Not restraining their movements
- Monitoring the duration of the seizure
- Knowing when emergency help is needed
- Supporting the casualty afterwards
Serious bleeding and shock
A first aider may need to act quickly when someone is bleeding heavily.
The course covers:
- Exposing and examining the injury
- Applying direct pressure
- Using suitable wound dressings
- Recognising potentially life-threatening bleeding
- Monitoring the casualty
- Recognising and managing shock
- Calling for emergency assistance
These skills are normally practised with training dressings and realistic workplace scenarios.
Minor workplace injuries
Emergency First Aid at Work also covers the management of minor injuries that a workplace first aider may encounter.
Depending on the qualification syllabus, these may include:
- Small cuts and grazes
- Bruising
- Minor burns and scalds
- Splinters
- Minor wounds
Learners are also reminded of the importance of hygiene, appropriate personal protective equipment and knowing when an injury requires further medical attention.
Is the course practical?
Yes. Emergency First Aid at Work is not a day spent simply watching slides.
You should expect to take part in practical activities involving CPR manikins, AED training equipment, the recovery position, bleeding control and emergency scenarios.
You will normally spend some time working on the floor. Anyone with an injury, disability or concern about taking part should speak to the training provider before attending so that reasonable adjustments can be discussed.
Will I have to perform CPR in front of everyone?
You will need to demonstrate practical first aid skills as part of the course, but the training should be supportive rather than intimidating.
Skills are demonstrated first, and learners are given opportunities to practise before being assessed.
Everyone is there to learn, and most people attending an EFAW course are not experienced first aiders.
Is there an exam?
Learners must demonstrate that they have achieved the required practical skills and knowledge.
Assessment takes place during the course and will include observed practical activities, questions and a knowledge assessment. Learners will be required to pass a 15 question Multiple Choice Exam with 11 being the pass rate, but our trainers are there to support and give you the skills and knowledge to pass the exam.
The purpose is to confirm that you can apply what you have learned safely—not to catch you out.
How long does the course take?
Emergency First Aid at Work is normally completed over one day.
The full course must be attended, and learners should arrive in time and remain for the complete training session to qualify.
What qualification will I receive?
Successful learners receive a regulated Emergency First Aid at Work qualification.
At Emerald First Aid Training, our regulated first aid qualifications are awarded through Qualifications Network UK (QNUK), an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual.
The certificate is valid for three years. HSE strongly recommends annual refresher training to help workplace first aiders maintain their practical skills and confidence.
Who is the course suitable for?
Emergency First Aid at Work may be suitable for:
- Offices
- Shops and retail businesses
- Small organisations
- Community groups
- Hospitality businesses
- Charities
- Sports clubs
- Self-employed people
- Individuals requiring a workplace first aid qualification
However, the appropriate qualification should always be identified through a suitable First Aid Needs Assessment. Higher-risk workplaces may require the more comprehensive First Aid at Work qualification.
Do I need previous experience?
No.
The course is designed for people with no previous first aid experience, as well as those renewing or refreshing their knowledge.
You do not need to study beforehand. Wear comfortable clothing, as the course includes practical activities at floor level.
Emerald Tip 💡
It is completely normal to feel nervous before attending your first first aid course.
You will not be expected to arrive knowing how to perform CPR or manage an emergency. Our trainers demonstrate every skill, allow time for practice and support learners throughout the day.
The aim is for you to leave feeling more confident than when you arrived.
Where can I attend an Emergency First Aid at Work course?
Emerald First Aid Training runs scheduled open EFAW courses in:
- Yeovil – link to the Yeovil location page
- Taunton – link to the Taunton location page
- Bridgwater – link to the Bridgwater location page
Businesses can also arrange on-site first aid training at their own premises across Somerset and Dorset.
Open courses are generally convenient for individuals or small numbers of staff. On-site delivery may offer better value and flexibility when several employees require training.
Frequently asked questions
Is Emergency First Aid at Work the same as First Aid at Work?
No. EFAW is a one-day emergency qualification. First Aid at Work is more comprehensive and covers a wider range of injuries and illnesses. Read our full EFAW versus FAW comparison for more information.
Can individuals book an EFAW course?
Yes. Individuals can book places on our scheduled open courses in Yeovil, Taunton and Bridgwater.
Can EFAW be delivered at our workplace?
Yes. We can deliver regulated Emergency First Aid at Work training at a suitable workplace venue. Read our guide to having first aid training delivered at your workplace.
Should we choose an open course or on-site training?
Open courses are usually convenient for one or two learners. On-site training may be more practical when several employees need the same qualification. Our open courses versus on-site training guide compares the options.
Continue learning
Emergency First Aid at Work
- Emergency First Aid at Work versus First Aid at Work
- Open Courses or On-Site Training: Which Is Best?
- Can First Aid Training Be Delivered at Your Workplace?
Employer guides
Book training
- First Aid courses in Yeovil
- First Aid courses in Taunton
- First Aid courses in Bridgwater
- View upcoming course dates
Ready to book?
Whether you need one place on an open course or training for a group at your workplace, Emerald First Aid Training delivers practical, regulated first aid qualifications designed to build genuine confidence.
View our upcoming Emergency First Aid at Work dates or contact us to discuss on-site training for your organisation.