Most workplaces have one. You might have walked past their name on a noticeboard or seen a green first aid sign on the wall. But what does a workplace first aider actually do? Do they spend all day waiting for an emergency? Are they responsible for everything that goes wrong? And what training do they need?
In this guide, we explain the role of a workplace first aider in simple terms. You will learn what they do in an emergency, what they do on a normal day, what they must not do and how to become one. 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
A workplace first aider is a person who has completed an approved first aid course and is named by their employer to give first aid at work. When someone is injured or suddenly ill, they take charge of the situation, give quick and safe help, call for professional medical help when needed and stay with the casualty until help arrives.
They are not doctors or nurses. They do not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Their job is to help in the first few minutes, when quick action can make the biggest difference.
Why Do Workplaces Have First Aiders?
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid for their employees if they are injured or become ill at work. The law does not give one fixed list of what every workplace must have. Instead, each employer works out what they need through a first aid needs assessment.
For many workplaces, the answer includes trained first aiders. As a starting point for low-risk workplaces, HSE suggests:
- Fewer than 25 employees: at least one appointed person.
- 25 to 50 employees: at least one trained first aider.
- More than 50 employees: at least one first aider for every 50 people.
Higher risk workplaces need more first aiders and usually the three day First Aid at Work qualification.
First Aider vs Appointed Person: What Is the Difference?
These two roles are often confused.
First aider
- Has completed a first aid course, such as Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work.
- Can give hands-on first aid.
- Holds a certificate, usually valid for three years.
Appointed person
- Has not necessarily had first aid training.
- Takes charge in an emergency, calls an ambulance and looks after the first aid kit.
- Cannot give first aid treatment unless trained.
In very small, low risk workplaces, an appointed person may be enough. But many employers choose to train someone as a first aider because it gives real, hands-on help.
What Does a Workplace First Aider Do in an Emergency?
In a real incident, a first aider follows a clear order of steps. Here is what that looks like.
1. Stay safe and make the scene safe
The first aider checks for danger, such as fire, traffic, spilt liquid or electrical hazards. They protect themselves, for example by using gloves, and keep bystanders away from risk.
2. Check the casualty
They check whether the person responds and whether they are breathing normally. This tells them how serious the situation is.
3. Call for help
They call 999 when needed, or ask someone else to do it. They also ask another person to fetch the first aid kit and the AED, if one is on site.
4. Give first aid
Depending on the situation, they may:
- Give CPR to an adult who is not breathing normally.
- Use an AED.
- Place an unresponsive, breathing person in the recovery position.
- Help a person who is choking.
- Control serious bleeding.
- Look after a person in shock.
- Treat minor injuries, such as small burns and cuts.
5. Stay with the casualty
They keep the person calm, monitor them and watch for changes until paramedics arrive.
6. Hand over to professionals
When the ambulance arrives, the first aider passes on clear information: what happened, what they found, what they did and how the person has been since.
7. Report and record
After the incident, they make sure it is recorded properly, and that the employer knows about it.
What Does a First Aider Do on a Normal Day?
Most days, nothing dramatic happens. But the role is still useful. Day to day, a first aider may:
- Treat minor problems, such as a small cut, a mild burn or a headache that needs a quiet rest.
- Check that the first aid kit is stocked and in date.
- Know where the AED is and whether it is working, if the workplace has one.
- Help new staff learn who the first aiders are and where the kit is.
- Support the employer with first aid planning, such as cover for holidays.
- Keep their skills fresh through practice and refreshers.
The role is part-time and usually sits alongside the person’s normal job.
Records and Reporting
Good records are a key part of the role. First aiders are usually asked to note:
- The date, time and place of the incident.
- The name of the person who was injured or unwell.
- What happened and what first aid was given.
- What happened afterwards, such as whether the person went to hospital or home.
- The first aider’s name and signature.
Employers keep an accident record, such as an accident book. Some serious work related injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences must also be reported to the authorities under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, often called RIDDOR. The employer is responsible for deciding what needs to be reported. A first aider’s clear notes make that much easier.
Personal information should be kept private and stored securely.
What a First Aider Does NOT Do
Knowing the limits of the role keeps both the first aider and the casualty safe.
- They do not diagnose. They look for signs of what is wrong, but they do not decide on a medical diagnosis.
- They do not give medical treatment. They give first aid, not the care that doctors and nurses give.
- They do not usually give medicines. As a general rule, first aiders should not give tablets or painkillers. They may help someone use their own prescribed medicine in some cases, following their training and the employer’s rules.
- They do not take unsafe risks. If the scene is dangerous, they wait for the emergency services.
- They are not on call for everything. They cover first aid, not other jobs such as counselling or specialist care.
The Skills a First Aider Needs
A good first aider has a mix of practical and personal skills.
Practical skills
- Adult CPR and AED use.
- The recovery position.
- Helping a choking adult.
- Controlling bleeding.
- Recognising and managing shock.
- Treating minor injuries.
Personal skills
- Staying calm under pressure.
- Speaking clearly to casualties, bystanders and the 999 call handler.
- Giving simple instructions and delegating tasks.
- Being kind and respectful, and protecting privacy.
- Knowing when to ask for help.
Most people are surprised by how much these skills grow with practice.
How Do You Become a Workplace First Aider?
Becoming a first aider is simple. Here are the usual steps.
- Check what your workplace needs. Your employer should do a first aid needs assessment to decide how many first aiders they need and which course suits them.
- Choose the right course. For many low-risk workplaces, the one-day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course is the right fit. Higher risk or larger workplaces usually need the three day First Aid at Work course.
- Pick a good provider. Look for a regulated Level 3 qualification, experienced trainers and plenty of hands-on practice.
- Attend and pass the course. You learn the skills, practise them and are assessed during the day.
- Get your certificate. It is valid for three years.
- Tell your colleagues. Make sure people know who the first aiders are.
- Keep your skills fresh. HSE recommends a short yearly refresher, although it is not a legal rule, and you need to retake the course before your certificate expires.
The EFAW course is a one day, regulated Level 3 qualification. HSE guidance says it should include at least six hours of training time, not counting breaks.
Do You Have to Become a First Aider If Asked?
Being a first aider is a role that you and your employer agree on. It is not usually something you are forced to do. If you do not feel ready, talk to your manager. Good employers support their first aiders by giving them time for training, equipment and clear rules.
Are First Aiders Legally Protected?
Many first aiders worry about being blamed if something goes wrong. Here is a balanced view.
- When acting as a first aider at work, your employer has duties too. Employers should make sure their insurance covers first aiders acting in the course of their work. If you are worried, ask your employer to confirm this.
- When helping in good faith, the law in England and Wales looks kindly on people who act sensibly to help others in difficulty. The Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015 says courts should consider this when they decide on negligence.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a specific concern, ask a qualified legal adviser.
How to Support Your First Aiders
If you are an employer or manager, a few steps make a big difference.
- Give first aiders paid time for training and refreshers.
- Make sure they have a stocked first aid kit and the right equipment.
- Display who the first aiders are and how to reach them.
- Plan cover for holidays, sickness and shifts.
- Offer a quiet place to talk after a difficult incident. Dealing with an emergency can be stressful.
- Keep first aid arrangements under review as the business changes.
Looking After the First Aider
It is worth remembering that first aiders are people too. Dealing with a serious incident can leave them shaken, even if everything went well. Good workplaces check in with them afterwards, offer support and make sure they do not feel alone. If a first aider is struggling, they should speak to their manager or a trusted person, and use any employee support available.
What Makes a Good First Aid Course in London?
To become a confident first aider, you need good training. Look for:
- A regulated Level 3 qualification from a recognised awarding organisation.
- Experienced trainers with real emergency, medical or teaching backgrounds.
- Plenty of hands-on practice with manikins and AED trainers.
- Small groups and enough equipment for everyone.
- A clear timetable and honest pricing.
You can review the Emergency First Aid at Work training page to see how a course is described and what to compare.
Why Train in London?
London is a huge city with thousands of workplaces and busy roads. In an emergency, the people on site are often the first help available. There are many venues across the city, and many providers can deliver on-site training for teams, which is handy for workplaces who want several first aiders trained together.
Final Thoughts
A workplace first aider is a trained colleague who gives quick, safe help when someone is hurt or suddenly unwell, until professional help takes over. On a normal day, they may treat small injuries, check the first aid kit and keep their skills fresh. In an emergency, they take charge, call for help, give CPR or other first aid, and hand over to paramedics. They are not medical professionals, and they know their limits.
If you want to take on the role, or you want to train people in your workplace, take a look at the Emergency First Aid at Work course in London and choose a date that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a workplace first aider?
A workplace first aider is a person who has completed an approved first aid course and is named by their employer to give first aid at work. They help people who are injured or suddenly ill until professional medical help arrives.
2. What does a first aider do at work?
In an emergency, they make the scene safe, check the casualty, call for help, give first aid such as CPR or bleeding control, stay with the person and hand over to paramedics. On normal days, they treat minor injuries and help check the first aid kit.
3. 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 has not necessarily been trained to give first aid.
4. What qualifications does a workplace first aider need?
They need a recognised first aid qualification suited to their workplace, such as the one day Emergency First Aid at Work course for low risk workplaces or the three day First Aid at Work course for higher-risk or larger workplaces.
5. How many first aiders does a workplace need?
It depends on the risks. As a starting point for low-risk workplaces, HSE suggests at least one appointed person for fewer than 25 employees, at least one trained first aider for 25 to 50 employees and at least one first aider for every 50 employees above that.
6. Can a first aider give medicine?
As a general rule, first aiders should not give medicines such as painkillers. In some cases they may help a person use their own prescribed medicine, but they should follow their training and their employer’s policy.
7. Do first aiders have to keep records?
Yes. They should record the date, time, place, what happened, what first aid was given and what happened afterwards. Employers keep accident records and report certain serious incidents under RIDDOR.
8. How long does a first aider’s certificate last?
It is valid for three years. HSE recommends a short yearly refresher to keep skills fresh, although it is not a legal requirement. After three years, the first aider must retake the course.
9. Am I legally protected if I help as a first aider?
The law in England and Wales looks kindly on people who act sensibly and in good faith to help others, and employers should make sure their insurance covers first aiders acting at work. This is not legal advice, so check with your employer or a legal adviser if you are worried.
10. Where can I train to become a workplace first aider 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.
