It is one of the most common questions employers ask: how many trained first aiders do we actually need? One for the whole office? One per floor? One for every fifty people? And what happens when someone is on holiday or off sick?
The honest answer is that the law does not give one fixed number. Instead, it asks you to work out what is right for your own workplace. HSE gives helpful guidance on suggested minimum numbers, and this article explains it in plain English. You will see the numbers, the factors that change them and some real examples for London businesses. If you want to see a real course page as you read, here is the Emergency First Aid at Work course in London.
The Short Answer
There is no single legal number of first aiders. Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide adequate and appropriate first aid for their employees. You decide what that means by carrying out a first aid needs assessment.
As a starting point, HSE suggests the following minimum numbers.
Low hazard workplaces (for example offices, shops and libraries)
- Fewer than 25 employees: at least one appointed person.
- 25 to 50 employees: at least one first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW).
- More than 50 employees: at least one first aider trained in First Aid at Work (FAW) for every 100 employees, or part of 100.
Higher hazard workplaces (for example light engineering, food processing, warehousing and construction)
- Fewer than 5 employees: at least one appointed person.
- 5 to 50 employees: at least one first aider trained in EFAW or FAW, depending on the type of injuries that could happen.
- More than 50 employees: at least one first aider trained in FAW for every 50 employees, or part of 50.
These are minimums for a typical situation. Your needs assessment may show you need more.
What Is a First Aid Needs Assessment?
A first aid needs assessment is a simple review of your workplace. It helps you decide how many first aiders you need, what training they should have and what equipment to provide. It is not a long or scary document. For many small businesses, a page or two is enough.
HSE guidance says it should look at things such as:
- The type of work and how dangerous it is.
- The size of the workplace and how many people work there.
- The layout, such as several floors or buildings.
- Shift patterns, out of hours work and lone working.
- Staff who travel or work away from the main site.
- Past accidents and illnesses.
- Visitors, customers and members of the public.
- How far you are from emergency medical help.
- Any staff with known health needs.
You should write down the result and review it when things change, for example when you move office, add a shift or hire more staff.
Understanding the Terms
Before we go further, here are the key words in simple language.
- Appointed person: someone who takes charge when someone is injured or ill, calls an ambulance and looks after the first aid kit. They do not need first aid training, though many employers choose to train them.
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): a one day, regulated Level 3 course. HSE guidance says it should include at least six hours of training time, not counting breaks. It teaches emergency skills such as adult CPR, using an AED, choking, bleeding and the recovery position.
- First Aid at Work (FAW): a three day course that covers everything in EFAW plus more injuries and illnesses. It suits higher hazard or larger workplaces.
Why Low Hazard and Higher Hazard Are Different
The numbers change depending on how risky your work is.
Low hazard means the chance of serious injury is small. Typical examples are offices, shops, libraries and similar places. The main risks are things like slips, small cuts, burns from hot drinks or a sudden illness.
Higher hazard means more chance of serious or unusual injury. Examples include workplaces with machinery, sharp tools, chemicals, heavy lifting, vehicles or food production. In these places, a first aider may need to deal with more complex injuries, so more first aiders and the longer FAW course are usually needed.
If you are not sure which group you fall into, your needs assessment should answer it. If in doubt, choose the higher level of cover.
Examples for London Workplaces
Let us look at some real world style examples. These are illustrations only, so always check your own needs assessment.
A design studio with 12 staff
This is a low hazard workplace with fewer than 25 employees. The minimum is one appointed person. Many studios choose to go further and train one person in EFAW, plus a second person for cover. That way, someone is always trained even if one person is away.
A marketing agency with 40 staff
This is a low hazard workplace with 25 to 50 employees. HSE suggests at least one EFAW first aider. A sensible agency would train at least two, so cover continues during holidays and sickness.
A law firm with 120 staff on three floors
This is a low hazard workplace with more than 50 employees. HSE suggests at least one FAW trained first aider for every 100 employees or part thereof. That means two FAW first aiders as a minimum. Because the firm is spread over three floors, it may add extra first aiders so that help is close on every floor.
A restaurant with 30 staff
Kitchens have hot surfaces, knives and wet floors, so a restaurant often counts as higher hazard. For 5 to 50 employees, HSE suggests at least one EFAW or FAW first aider, depending on the risks. The needs assessment may point to FAW for the kitchen team, with EFAW first aiders for front of house staff.
A warehouse with 60 staff
Warehouses involve vehicles, heavy goods and manual handling, so they count as higher hazard. With more than 50 employees, HSE suggests at least one FAW trained first aider for every 50 employees or part of 50. That means at least two, and shift patterns may mean more.
A school or college
The right number depends on the size, the age of pupils and the layout. Many schools train several staff across different areas. Early years classes also need paediatric first aid, which is a separate qualification.
Factors That Can Raise the Number You Need
HSE says the numbers above are a starting point. Your assessment may show that you need more first aiders because of:
Several floors or buildings
If your workplace is spread out, a first aider on one floor cannot reach an incident on another floor quickly. Think about having at least one first aider on each floor or in each building.
Shift work and out of hours working
If you have early starts, late finishes or night shifts, you need cover at those times too. A first aider who only works nine to five does not help someone injured at 7 in the evening.
Holidays and sickness
First aiders take holidays and get ill like everyone else. HSE guidance says you should have enough first aiders or appointed persons to cover absences. A simple rule is to train at least one extra person.
Lone workers and remote working
People who work alone or away from the main site may need special arrangements, such as a first aid kit in a vehicle or training for the individual.
Visitors and the public
The Regulations do not require you to provide first aid for people who are not your employees. But HSE strongly recommends that you include them in your plans. If you have a lot of visitors, such as a shop, gym, hotel or school, you need more cover.
Staff with health needs
If you know that some staff have conditions that could need help, your first aiders should know how to respond. A good needs assessment takes this into account.
Hybrid working
If people are in the office on different days, make sure a first aider is present on every day that people are on site. Your rota should reflect this.
Distance from medical help
If an ambulance would take a long time to arrive, you may want more highly trained first aiders. In busy London, traffic can delay emergency vehicles, so having trained people on site makes a real difference.
How to Work Out Your Number: A Simple Method
Here is an easy step by step way to plan.
- Count your staff. Include everyone who is usually on site at the same time, not just the total headcount.
- Decide your hazard level. Low hazard or higher hazard?
- Check the HSE suggested minimum. Use the numbers in this guide as a starting point.
- Look at your layout. Do you have several floors, buildings or sites?
- Look at your working patterns. Think about shifts, weekends, lone working and hybrid days.
- Add cover for absences. Plan at least one extra first aider.
- Think about visitors. Add cover if you have many members of the public.
- Choose the right course. EFAW or FAW, based on your hazards and numbers.
- Write it down. Keep your assessment and review it every so often.
- Tell your team. Make sure everyone knows who the first aiders are and where the kit is.
EFAW or FAW: Which Course Should They Take?
The number of first aiders is only half the question. You also need the right level of training.
Choose EFAW when:
- Your workplace is low hazard.
- You have fewer than 50 employees.
- You need first aiders for emergency situations such as cardiac arrest, choking and bleeding.
- You want extra cover alongside FAW trained first aiders.
Choose FAW when:
- Your workplace is higher hazard.
- You have more than 50 employees, where HSE suggests FAW trained first aiders.
- Your needs assessment shows you need training for a wider range of injuries and illnesses.
Many workplaces use a mix, such as a few FAW first aiders plus extra EFAW first aiders to improve cover.
What First Aid Equipment Do You Need?
People are only part of the plan. HSE guidance says the minimum first aid arrangements for any workplace are:
- A suitably stocked first aid kit.
- An appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements.
- Information for employees about first aid arrangements.
Larger or higher hazard workplaces may need more kits, a first aid room or an AED. Place kits where people can reach them quickly, and check them regularly for missing or out of date items.
Keeping Your First Aiders Ready
Training is not a one time task. Here is how to keep cover strong.
- Track expiry dates. First aid certificates are valid for three years. Keep a simple list of who is trained and when each certificate ends.
- Book renewals early. Plan a month or two before expiry, so there is no gap.
- Offer refreshers. HSE recommends a short yearly refresher, although it is not a legal rule.
- Plan for staff leaving. When a first aider leaves, train a replacement quickly.
- Display names and locations. Put up a notice showing who the first aiders are and how to find them.
- Support your first aiders. Give them time for training, equipment and a chance to talk after a stressful incident.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Training only one person. If that person is away, you have no cover.
- Forgetting about shifts and holidays. First aid must be available whenever people are working.
- Using the wrong course. Higher hazard workplaces usually need more than EFAW.
- Ignoring several floors. One first aider may not be close enough.
- Letting certificates expire. An expired certificate means that person is no longer a qualified first aider.
- Not telling staff who the first aiders are. A trained person is only useful if people can find them.
- Skipping the needs assessment. Without it, you cannot show your numbers are adequate.
What Makes a Good Course Provider in London?
Once you know how many people to train, choose a good provider. Look for:
- A regulated Level 3 qualification from a recognised awarding organisation.
- Experienced trainers with real emergency, medical or teaching backgrounds.
- Plenty of practical practice with manikins and AED trainers.
- Small groups and enough equipment for everyone.
- A clear timetable and honest pricing.
- Options for on site training if you want to train several people together.
You can review the Emergency First Aid at Work training page to see how a course is described and what to compare.
Why Planning Matters in London
London workplaces are often busy, tightly packed and spread over several floors. Many people commute long distances, and roads can be crowded, so the first minutes of an emergency usually depend on the people already on site. Having the right number of trained first aiders, in the right places, can make a real difference. Many providers also deliver training at your workplace, which is a handy way to train a team together.
Final Thoughts
So, how many emergency first aiders does a London workplace need? There is no single legal number, but HSE gives clear suggested minimums. For low hazard workplaces, that means at least one appointed person for fewer than 25 employees, at least one EFAW trained first aider for 25 to 50 employees, and at least one FAW trained first aider for every 100 employees above that. For higher hazard workplaces, the numbers are higher, with FAW trained first aiders for every 50 employees above 50.
Your needs assessment may show you need more, because of floors, shifts, absences, visitors or distance from medical help. A good rule is to train more people than the bare minimum so you always have cover.
When you are ready to train your team, take a look at the Emergency First Aid at Work course in London and choose a date that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many first aiders does a workplace need in the UK?
There is no single legal number. Employers must provide adequate and appropriate first aid, based on a first aid needs assessment. HSE suggests minimum numbers depending on how risky the work is and how many people are employed.
2. How many first aiders do I need for 50 employees?
For a low hazard workplace with 25 to 50 employees, HSE suggests at least one first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work. For a higher hazard workplace with 5 to 50 employees, at least one first aider trained in EFAW or FAW, depending on the risks.
3. How many first aiders do I need for 100 employees?
For a low hazard workplace with more than 50 employees, HSE suggests at least one FAW trained first aider for every 100 employees, or part of 100. For a higher hazard workplace, it suggests at least one FAW trained first aider for every 50 employees, or part of 50.
4. What is the difference between a first aider and an appointed person?
A first aider has completed a first aid course and can give hands on help. An appointed person takes charge in an emergency, calls an ambulance and looks after the first aid kit, but does not need first aid training.
5. Is an appointed person enough for a small office?
For a low hazard workplace with fewer than 25 employees, HSE says an appointed person is the minimum. Many small businesses choose to train someone in EFAW as well, because a trained first aider can give real help.
6. Do I need a first aider on every floor?
Not by law, but HSE guidance says you should think about each building and each floor when planning. If your workplace is spread out, having a first aider on each floor can help people get quick support.
7. Do I need first aiders for visitors and customers?
The Regulations do not require first aid for people who are not your employees, but HSE strongly recommends that you include them in your plans. If you have many visitors, consider more first aiders.
8. How do I cover holidays and sickness?
HSE guidance says you should have enough first aiders or appointed persons to cover absences. A simple approach is to train at least one extra person, and to keep a list of who is trained and when each certificate ends.
9. How long do first aid certificates last?
Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work certificates are valid for three years. HSE recommends a short yearly refresher, although it is not a legal requirement. After three years, the first aider must retake the course.
10. Where can I book Emergency First Aid at Work training in London?
You can book through a training provider that offers the regulated qualification, either as a public course or as on site training for your team. Check the trainer’s experience, the class size and what the price includes before you book
