First Aid at Work Certification: A Complete Guide

First aid certification is one of the most valuable additional qualifications a worker can hold. It makes you more employable, contributes to workplace safety, and gives you skills that could save a life — at work and beyond.

Types of First Aid Qualification

• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) — a 1-day course covering basic life-saving skills. Suitable for lower-risk workplaces. Certificate valid for 3 years
• First Aid at Work (FAW) — a 3-day course covering a wider range of injuries and illnesses. Required for higher-risk environments like warehouses and factories. Certificate valid for 3 years
• Paediatric First Aid — specifically for those working with children. Not typically needed in industrial settings
• Mental Health First Aid — increasingly offered, focusing on recognising and supporting mental health issues

What You Learn on a FAW Course

The 3-day First Aid at Work course covers:

• Assessing an incident and managing the scene
• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and using a defibrillator (AED)
• Treating unconscious casualties — recovery position
• Choking — adult and child techniques
• Wounds and bleeding — direct pressure, bandaging, tourniquet use
• Burns and scalds — cooling, covering, and when to call 999
• Fractures and dislocations — immobilisation and support
• Shock — recognition and treatment
• Heart attack and stroke recognition
• Seizures and epilepsy management
• Anaphylaxis — recognising and administering auto-injectors
• Eye injuries and foreign bodies
• Record keeping and reporting

Cost and Providers

Typical costs:

• EFAW (1 day) — £80-£120 per person
• FAW (3 days) — £180-£280 per person
• Requalification (2 days) — £140-£200 per person, available if your certificate is still valid or recently expired

Reputable providers include St John Ambulance, Red Cross, and HSE-approved private training companies. Check that any provider you choose is regulated by a recognised awarding body.

Career Benefits

• Many employers pay a first aid allowance — typically £100-£200 per year on top of your normal pay
• It demonstrates responsibility and initiative — qualities that lead to promotion
• Some roles require a first aider on every shift, making qualified workers essential
• It differentiates you from other candidates when applying for new roles
• The skills transfer to any workplace and any industry

Employer Responsibilities

Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide adequate first aid provision. This means:

• At least one appointed person responsible for first aid arrangements
• Enough trained first aiders for the size and risk level of the workplace
• Appropriate first aid equipment and facilities
• Information for workers on first aid arrangements

If your employer is looking for first aid volunteers, seriously consider putting yourself forward. TRS Recruit values first aid qualifications and can connect you with employers who will fund your training. Ask your consultant about current opportunities.