What Does an Emergency First Aid at Work Course Cover?
Updated 29 September 2026 · 3 min read · Amber Training
Reviewed for accuracy by a qualified Amber Training first aid trainer.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a one-day, Level 3 qualification that teaches workplace first aiders to handle the emergencies that matter most in the first few minutes: an unresponsive casualty, cardiac arrest (CPR and defibrillator), choking, serious bleeding, shock, seizures and common minor injuries. It is assessed on the day through practical skills and a short written assessment, and the certificate lasts three years. Most lower-risk workplaces, such as offices, shops and hospitality, train their first aiders at this level.
What the course covers
A regulated course follows a syllabus aligned with HSE guidance. Delegates learn to:
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a workplace first aider, including recording incidents
- Assess an incident safely and prioritise what to do first
- Manage an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally (the recovery position)
- Manage an unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally: CPR and safe use of an AED
- Help a casualty who is choking (see our choking guide)
- Control external bleeding and recognise and manage shock
- Help a casualty having a seizure
- Treat minor injuries: small cuts, grazes, bruises, minor burns and scalds, and splinters
Most of the day is practical. Delegates practise compressions on manikins, use a training defibrillator (see what an AED is), put each other in the recovery position and apply dressings. When we deliver on site we tailor scenarios to your workplace: a kitchen burn for a restaurant, a fall from steps for a warehouse office.
How long it takes and how it is assessed
The course runs over a single day, with at least six hours of training time, so a typical session fits a normal working day. Assessment happens on the day: the trainer observes each delegate in practical assessments, including CPR with a defibrillator, choking, the unresponsive casualty, and bleeding and shock, and there is a short written assessment to check understanding. Everything assessed is taught on the course. Because the practical skills are assessed in person, the course cannot be completed wholly online; our guide to Emergency First Aid at Work online explains what HSE guidance says.
What to wear and bring
Comfortable clothing you can kneel in, and flat shoes. We bring everything else: manikins, training defibrillators, dressings and course materials. On site, you just need a room with space to move and chairs for the group.
How it differs from First Aid at Work
The three-day First Aid at Work (FAW) course covers everything in the one-day course and adds a wider range of injuries and illnesses, including fractures, head and spinal injuries, chest injuries, eye injuries, poisoning, anaphylaxis, heart attack, stroke, asthma, diabetic emergencies and epilepsy. It suits higher-risk workplaces such as construction, warehousing and care. Your first aid needs assessment decides which you need, and our guide comparing the two courses walks through the choice.
After the course
Every successful delegate receives a certificate valid for three years. HSE recommends a short annual refresher in between to keep skills sharp. The qualification is renewed by retaking the one-day course, ideally before the certificate expires so there is no gap in cover (see certificate renewal).
We deliver Emergency First Aid at Work on site anywhere in England for £645 per session, up to 12 staff, all-inclusive. Book training. No payment until your booking is confirmed. Confirmation by email within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
What is Emergency First Aid at Work?
Emergency First Aid at Work is a one-day, Level 3 regulated qualification that trains workplace first aiders to give emergency first aid, including CPR and defibrillator use, until professional help arrives.
How long is an Emergency First Aid at Work course?
One day, with a minimum of six hours of training in line with HSE guidance. The certificate is valid for three years.
How is Emergency First Aid at Work assessed?
Through practical assessments as you go, with the trainer observing skills such as CPR with a defibrillator, choking and bleeding control, plus a short written assessment to check understanding.
What should I wear to a first aid course?
Comfortable clothing you can kneel and move in, because much of the day is hands-on practice on the floor with training manikins. Flat shoes are sensible.
Book Emergency First Aid at Work for your team
Emergency First Aid at Work: 1 day at your venue, £645 per session for up to 12 staff, including trainer, equipment, certificates and travel.
Ofqual-regulated certificates. No payment until your booking is confirmed. Confirmation by email within one working day. Private sessions for your team, not public courses.