How many first aiders do I need?
Answer a few questions about your workplace to see how many first aiders or appointed persons HSE guidance suggests, which course they need, and how many to train so you are covered across shifts, floors and holidays.
The numbers come from HSE's official guidance (L74, Appendix 3). Your own needs assessment always has the final say, and you can print the result as a record of it.
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Your result
Answer questions 1 and 2 to see how many first aiders HSE guidance suggests for your workplace.
HSE suggested numbers of first aid personnel
These are HSE's suggestions for people available at all times people are at work. HSE stresses they are suggestions only: the employer should weigh up everything about their workplace.
| Level of hazard | Employees | Suggested first aid personnel |
|---|---|---|
| Lower hazard | Fewer than 25 | At least 1 appointed person |
| Lower hazard | 25 to 50 | At least 1 first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work |
| Lower hazard | More than 50 | At least 1 first aider trained in First Aid at Work for every 100 employed (or part of 100) |
| Higher hazard | Fewer than 5 | At least 1 appointed person |
| Higher hazard | 5 to 50 | At least 1 first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work, depending on the type of injuries that may occur |
| Higher hazard | More than 50 | At least 1 first aider trained in First Aid at Work for every 50 employed (or part of 50) |
Lower hazard means workplaces such as offices, shops and libraries. Higher hazard includes light engineering and assembly, food processing, warehousing, construction, chemical manufacture and extensive work with dangerous machinery or sharp instruments.
How our recommendation works
The HSE figure is the minimum on duty at any one time. To turn it into the number of people to train, the calculator:
- covers every shift, because first aid must be available whenever people are at work;
- makes sure there is someone in each building or floor, which HSE asks employers to consider for spread-out sites;
- adds one spare per shift for annual leave and sickness, because HSE says cover must be in place for planned and unplanned absences.
Those last two steps are our recommendation rather than HSE figures, so adjust them to fit how your workplace really runs.
Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work?
Emergency First Aid at Work is a one-day course covering life-saving first aid such as CPR, choking, bleeding and shock. First Aid at Work is a three-day course that adds a wider range of injuries and illness, including fractures, burns, eye injuries, poisoning and major illness. Both certificates last three years. We deliver both at your premises for up to 12 staff per session.
Common questions
How many first aiders do I need at work?
There is no fixed legal number. Your first aid needs assessment decides. As a starting point, HSE suggests lower-hazard workplaces need at least an appointed person below 25 employees, at least one Emergency First Aid at Work first aider from 25 to 50, and at least one First Aid at Work first aider for every 100 employees above 50. Higher-hazard workplaces need an appointed person below 5 employees, at least one Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work first aider from 5 to 50, and at least one First Aid at Work first aider for every 50 employees above 50.
What is an appointed person?
An appointed person takes charge of first aid arrangements: they look after the first aid equipment and facilities and call the emergency services when needed. They do not need first aid training, although HSE says they may benefit from an Emergency First Aid at Work course. Every workplace needs at least an appointed person if it does not have first aiders.
Do the numbers apply to each shift?
Yes. HSE's suggested numbers are for first aid personnel to be available at all times people are at work, so each shift needs its own cover. You also need cover for annual leave and other absences.
Do I have to write my first aid needs assessment down?
There is no legal requirement to write it down, but HSE says keeping a record is useful because it shows an inspector or safety representative how you decided on your first aid provision. This calculator lets you print or save a simple record.
Do I need to provide first aid for visitors and the public?
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 only require first aid for your employees, but HSE strongly recommends including members of the public and other non-employees in your assessment, especially in places such as schools, shops and venues.
Sources
- HSE, L74 First aid at work: The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, guidance on regulations
- HSE, First aid in work: assess your first aid needs
- HSE, First aid in work: appoint someone to take charge
This tool gives general guidance based on the sources above. It is not legal advice, and your own assessment of your workplace decides what you need.
Need first aid training for your team?
We train up to 12 of your staff at your own premises, anywhere in London and across England. Fixed prices, no payment to book.