Choosing the right workplace first aid training can be confusing, particularly when employers are deciding between First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW).
Both qualifications are designed to help employees respond to workplace emergencies, but they provide different levels of training and cover different areas of first aid.
The right option depends on your workplace, the risks involved and the findings of your first aid needs assessment.
In this guide, we explain the difference between First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work, what each course covers, how long the training takes and how to decide which option may be suitable for your organisation.
What Is First Aid at Work?
First Aid at Work (FAW) is a more comprehensive workplace first aid qualification designed for employees who may be appointed as first aiders.
The qualification covers emergency first aid as well as a broader range of workplace injuries and illnesses.
According to SMARTT’s current course information, its Level 3 First Aid at Work qualification is awarded by High field Qualifications and is designed to support learners in becoming workplace first aiders.
The course includes areas such as CPR, defibrillation, bleeding, shock, fractures, spinal injuries, choking, burns, asthma, head injuries and other major and minor injuries.
The recommended course duration is 3 days, with a minimum of 18 guided learning hours.
First Aid at Work (FAW) is a workplace first-aid qualification designed for people who may be responsible for providing first-aid assistance at work. Employers should assess their workplace first-aid needs and make appropriate arrangements. For official workplace first-aid guidance, see the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance.
What Is Emergency First Aid at Work?
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is designed to provide employees with essential first aid skills for dealing with workplace emergencies.
It is generally a shorter qualification than First Aid at Work and focuses on immediate emergency response.
SMARTT’s Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work qualification includes areas such as:
- The role and responsibilities of a first aider
- Assessing an incident
- CPR
- Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Choking
- External bleeding
- Hypovolemic shock
- Basic emergency first aid procedures
SMARTT currently delivers the EFAW qualification as a 1-day course, with a total qualification time of 7 hours and a minimum of 6 guided learning hours.
First Aid at Work vs Emergency First Aid at Work: Key Differences
The easiest way to understand the difference is to compare the scope of the two qualifications.
| Feature | First Aid at Work (FAW) | Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) |
| Level of training | More comprehensive | Emergency-focused |
| Typical duration | 3 days | 1 day |
| Workplace role | Workplace first aider | Emergency first aider |
| CPR | Yes | Yes |
| AED/Defibrillation | Yes | Yes |
| Bleeding | Yes | Yes |
| Shock | Yes | Yes |
| Choking | Yes | Yes |
| Wider injuries and illnesses | More comprehensive coverage | More limited coverage |
| Certificate validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Annual refresher | Recommended | Recommended |
The HSE explains that EFAW enables a first aider to provide emergency first aid to someone who is injured or becomes ill at work, while FAW includes the EFAW content and additionally prepares first aiders to deal with a range of specific injuries and illnesses.
How Long Is First Aid at Work Training?
SMARTT’s Level 3 First Aid at Work qualification is a 3-day course.
The qualification has two mandatory units:
- Emergency First Aid in the Workplace
- Recognition and Management of Illness and Injury in the Workplace
The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical assessment.
Learners may cover topics including:
- Incident management
- Situation assessment
- Unresponsive casualties
- CPR
- Defibrillation
- Fractures
- Spinal injuries
- Burns
- Asthma
- Heart attacks
- Choking
- Head injuries
- Eye injuries
- Poisoning
- Chest injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Major injuries
This broader syllabus makes FAW appropriate where an employer’s first aid needs assessment identifies the need for more comprehensive workplace first aid training.
How Long Is Emergency First Aid at Work Training?
SMARTT’s Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work course is delivered over 1 day.
The qualification has a minimum of 6 guided learning hours.
Learners are assessed through practical observation, questioning and a multiple-choice theory assessment.
The course focuses on essential emergency response skills, including CPR, AED use, choking, bleeding and shock.
Which Course Should Your Business Choose?
There is no single answer that applies to every business.
The HSE recommends that employers carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine the appropriate level of first aid provision.
Your decision may depend on factors such as:
- The type of work your employees perform
- Workplace hazards
- Number of employees
- Working patterns
- Previous accidents
- Employees working away from the main workplace
- Lone workers
- The location of your workplace
- Distance from emergency medical services
- Existing first aid arrangements
A low-risk workplace may have different needs from a construction site, warehouse, manufacturing facility or other higher-risk environment.
The goal is not simply to choose the shortest course. The goal is to provide first aid arrangements that are appropriate for the actual risks within your workplace.
When Might Emergency First Aid at Work Be Suitable?
EFAW may be appropriate where a workplace needs employees trained to provide emergency first aid and the needs assessment identifies this level of training as sufficient.
For example, some lower-risk workplaces may determine that emergency-focused first aid training is appropriate.
However, employers should always base their decision on their workplace circumstances rather than choosing a course solely because it is shorter or less expensive.
When Might First Aid at Work Be More Appropriate?
FAW provides a broader level of training and may be more appropriate where the workplace presents greater risks or where the needs assessment identifies a need for more comprehensive first aid skills.
This can be particularly relevant in workplaces involving:
- Construction activities
- Manufacturing
- Warehousing
- Machinery
- Manual handling
- Higher-risk physical activities
- Potential exposure to serious workplace injuries
Employers should consider their specific workplace risks before selecting the qualification.
Do FAW and EFAW Certificates Expire?
Yes.
HSE guidance states that first aid training certificates, including FAW and EFAW, are valid for three years.
Employers should arrange appropriate retraining before certificates expire.
HSE also strongly recommends annual refresher training during the three-year certification period to help first aiders maintain their basic skills and stay up to date with first aid procedures.
SMARTT’s current course information also states that both its FAW and EFAW qualifications are valid for three years, with annual refresher training recommended.
Is First Aid at Work More Difficult Than Emergency First Aid at Work?
FAW covers a broader range of workplace injuries and illnesses, so learners need to develop a wider range of knowledge and skills.
EFAW focuses primarily on essential emergency first aid.
This does not mean that one course is universally “better” than the other. The appropriate qualification depends on what your workplace actually requires.
Can You Take EFAW Before FAW?
The FAW qualification includes the emergency first aid component, so employers should consider the overall training requirement rather than assuming employees need to complete both courses separately.
If your workplace requires the broader FAW qualification, enrolling directly on the appropriate FAW course may be more suitable.
Your first aid needs assessment should guide the decision.
What Happens If a Workplace Has the Wrong Level of First Aid Training?
Having trained employees is only one part of an effective first aid system.
Employers should make sure that their overall first aid arrangements are appropriate for their workplace.
This includes considering:
- Trained first aid personnel
- First aid equipment
- First aid facilities
- Employee awareness
- Emergency procedures
- Working patterns
- Absence and holiday cover
- Changes in workplace risks
A workplace should review its first aid needs when circumstances change.
Why Choose SMARTT for Workplace First Aid Training?
SMARTT provides a range of professional first aid and health and safety training courses.
Its current first aid training options include:
- Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work
- Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
- Level 3 Award in Pediatric First Aid
- Level 3 Award in Emergency Pediatric First Aid
- Level 2 Mental Health First Aid
- Level 2 Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an AED
- First Aid for Schools
SMARTT’s FAW qualification is awarded by High field Qualifications and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Its EFAW qualification is also a Level 3 High field qualification.
SMARTT also states that its FAW course includes defibrillation training and is available from £85 per person, while its EFAW course including defibrillation is available from £35 per person. Prices are based on a minimum group size of six, according to the current website information.
What is the difference between First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work?
The main difference is the scope of training. EFAW focuses on essential emergency first aid, while FAW provides broader training covering a wider range of workplace injuries and illnesses.
Is FAW or EFAW better?
Neither qualification is universally better. The appropriate course depends on your workplace risks and first aid needs assessment.
How long is the FAW course?
SMARTT’s Level 3 First Aid at Work course is delivered over 3 days.
How long is the EFAW course?
SMARTT’s Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work course is delivered over 1 day.
How long are FAW and EFAW certificates valid?
Both certificates are generally valid for three years. HSE recommends annual refresher training during the certification period.
Does First Aid at Work include CPR?
Yes. Both FAW and EFAW training include CPR. Both courses also include training in the use of an AED.
Does First Aid at Work include Emergency First Aid at Work?
The FAW qualification includes the emergency first aid component and provides additional training covering a wider range of injuries and illnesses.
Which first aid course does my business need?
Start with a first aid needs assessment. Consider your workplace hazards, number of employees, working patterns, previous incidents and other relevant factors before selecting the appropriate training level.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work is important when planning workplace safety training.
EFAW provides essential emergency first aid skills and is delivered by SMARTT as a 1-day course. FAW provides broader workplace first aid training and is delivered by SMARTT as a 3-day course.
The right choice should always be based on the specific needs and risks of your workplace.
If you are unsure which qualification is appropriate for your employees, speak with a professional training provider and review your workplace first aid needs assessment.
SMARTT offers professional First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work training for businesses and individuals. Contact SMARTT to discuss your workplace training requirements.