FAW (First Aid at Work) is a 3-day, 18-hour course that trains you to handle a wide range of workplace injuries and illnesses, while EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) is a 1-day, 6-hour course that covers only life-threatening emergencies.
If you manage a UK workplace, you need to choose the right first aid training for your team. Many people confuse the FAW vs EFAW difference, and the wrong choice can leave you non-compliant with the law. This guide explains the two courses in plain English, so you can decide quickly and confidently.
Quick Comparison: FAW vs EFAW at a Glance
| Feature | EFAW | FAW |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Emergency First Aid at Work | First Aid at Work |
| Duration | 1 day (6 hours) | 3 days (18 hours) |
| Certificate validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Level of training | Basic, emergency-focused | Advanced, comprehensive |
| Best for | Low-risk workplaces | Higher-risk or larger workplaces |
| Requalification | 3-year renewal | 2-day requalification course |
Both courses meet UK regulations when you choose them correctly. The key is matching the course to your workplace risks.
What Is EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work)?
EFAW teaches your staff to act fast in the first minutes of a medical emergency. It focuses on saving lives until the ambulance arrives.
The course is short, practical, and easy to follow. Most training providers deliver it in one day.
What You Learn on an EFAW Course
- How to assess an emergency scene safely
- How to manage an unresponsive casualty
- How to perform CPR on adults
- How to use an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- How to treat a choking casualty
- How to control serious bleeding
- How to recognise and manage shock
- How to treat minor injuries such as small cuts, grazes, and burns
Who Should Take EFAW?
EFAW suits workplaces with low risk and small teams. Typical examples include:
- Offices
- Shops and retail units
- Small cafés and restaurants
- Libraries
- Hotels and guest houses with few staff
If your risk assessment shows few hazards, EFAW often meets your legal duty.
What Is FAW (First Aid at Work)?
FAW includes everything in EFAW, plus much more. It prepares your first aiders to handle a wider range of injuries and medical conditions.
The course lasts three days. Your trainer also covers more detailed practical skills and longer assessments.
What You Learn on an FAW Course
You learn all the EFAW topics, plus:
- How to treat fractures, sprains, and dislocations
- How to manage head, neck, and spinal injuries
- How to treat chest injuries
- How to recognise and respond to heart attacks and strokes
- How to help someone having an epileptic seizure
- How to manage diabetic emergencies
- How to treat asthma attacks and severe allergic reactions
- How to deal with poisoning, eye injuries, and burns
- How to handle spinal injuries and unconscious casualties in more detail
Who Should Take FAW?
FAW suits workplaces with higher risks or larger teams. Typical examples include:
- Construction sites
- Factories and manufacturing plants
- Warehouses
- Farms and agricultural businesses
- Workplaces using dangerous machinery or hazardous substances
- Large organisations with many employees
If your staff face real physical danger every day, FAW gives them the skills they need.
EFAW vs FAW: The 5 Key Differences
1. Course Length
EFAW takes one day. FAW takes three days. This difference affects your staff schedules and training budget.
2. Depth of Training
EFAW covers life-threatening emergencies and basic injuries. FAW adds many more medical conditions and injury types.
3. Workplace Risk Level
EFAW fits low-risk environments. FAW fits medium and high-risk environments.
4. Cost
EFAW costs less per person because the course is shorter. FAW costs more because it needs more training time.
5. Requalification Route
EFAW holders usually repeat the one-day course after three years. FAW holders can take a shorter two-day requalification course. Check your training provider for the exact options.
What Does UK Law Say About Workplace First Aid?
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained people. The law does not name one specific course for every business.
Instead, you must complete a first aid needs assessment. This assessment decides which training your workplace needs.
What Your Needs Assessment Should Include
- The type of work your staff do
- The hazards and risks in your workplace
- The size of your workforce
- The number of staff working shifts or alone
- The distance to the nearest emergency services
- The number of visitors or members of the public
- The presence of staff with special health needs
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides free guidance on how to complete this assessment. Use it as your starting point.
How to Choose Between FAW and EFAW
Follow this simple checklist to make the right decision.
Choose EFAW If:
- Your workplace has a low hazard level
- Your team is small
- Your staff work mostly at desks or in shops
- Your needs assessment recommends emergency-level training only
Choose FAW If:
- Your workplace has higher hazards
- Your team is large
- Your staff use machinery, tools, or chemicals
- Your needs assessment recommends full first aid training
- You want your first aiders to handle a broader range of situations
Still Not Sure?
When in doubt, choose the higher level of training. Extra skills never harm your workplace, and they may save a life. You can also train a mix of FAW and EFAW staff to cover all shifts and absences.
How Many First Aiders Does Your Workplace Need?
The law does not set a fixed number. However, HSE guidance offers a helpful starting point.
- Low-risk workplaces with fewer than 25 employees: at least one appointed person, or an EFAW-trained first aider
- Low-risk workplaces with 25 to 50 employees: at least one first aider trained in EFAW or FAW
- Low-risk workplaces with more than 50 employees: one first aider for every 100 employees
- Higher-risk workplaces: more first aiders based on your needs assessment
Always plan for holidays, sickness, and shift patterns. A trained first aider must be available whenever people are at work.
How Long Does Your Certificate Last?
Both EFAW and FAW certificates last three years. After that, your first aiders must renew their training.
Many providers recommend annual refresher sessions. These short sessions help your staff keep their skills sharp and their confidence high. Skills fade quickly without practice, especially CPR and AED use.
Common Mistakes Employers Make
Avoid these errors to keep your workplace safe and compliant.
- Skipping the needs assessment: you cannot choose the right course without one
- Choosing the cheapest option only: low cost does not equal legal compliance
- Using unregulated training providers: always check the provider’s accreditation
- Forgetting certificate expiry dates: track renewals in a simple spreadsheet
- Training too few people: one first aider is rarely enough to cover all shifts
How to Choose a Reliable Training Provider
Not all training providers offer the same quality. Look for these signs.
- The provider holds accreditation from a recognised awarding body, such as Ofqual-regulated organisations
- The trainers hold valid teaching qualifications and real first aid experience
- The course includes hands-on practice with manikins and AEDs
- The class sizes are small enough for personal attention
- The provider issues certificates promptly after the course
Ask these questions before you book. A good provider answers them clearly and quickly.
What Happens After You Complete the Course?
Your first aiders receive a certificate valid for three years. They are now ready to help in emergencies at your workplace.
Take these simple steps next:
- Tell all staff who your first aiders are
- Display first aider names and contact details on noticeboards
- Stock your first aid boxes and check them regularly
- Record all accidents and incidents in your accident book
- Add renewal dates to your calendar
These actions show your commitment to a safe workplace. They also help you prove compliance during inspections.
Final Thoughts: FAW vs EFAW Made Simple
The FAW vs EFAW decision comes down to risk. EFAW suits low-risk workplaces with basic emergency needs. FAW suits higher-risk workplaces that need deeper medical knowledge.
Complete your first aid needs assessment first. Then choose the course that matches your results. When you invest in the right training, you protect your people, your business, and your legal standing.
Ready to protect your team? Book an Emergency First Aid at Work course in London today and get fully certified.
