We all know that having a capable and competent first aider to respond quickly, when medical help isn’t immediately available, improves the outcome when someone is injured. A lot of workplaces have designated first aiders by law but ‘through work’ isn’t the only reason you need to be properly first aid trained.
The role of a first aider
The responsibilities of a first aider are important. Your role is more than just popping a plaster on or dialling 999 and you need to be able to:
- Assess situations quickly
- Protect yourself and others from potential dangers in the immediate area
- Provide immediate care to stabilise the casualty’s condition
- Call for medical help when necessary
- Monitor the casualty until further help arrives
- Maintain accurate records of incidents and treatments provided
First aiders bridge the gap between an incident happening and when medical help arrives. Your main responsibility is to provide immediate assistance to someone injured, ill, or experiencing a medical emergency.
How first aid saves lives
In the UK, 138 workers die at work every year (data for 23/24) – which is quite a sobering thought. During the same timeframe, 604’000 self-reported workplace injuries were reported (while we’re talking about first aid training being available to everyone, workplace accidents are the only sources of data we can find – acts of first aid out in public are not tracked or recorded the same way). Being first aid trained empowers you to respond effectively during those first, critical, minutes.
When you might need to administer first aid
Common accident/emergency situations requiring first aid intervention could include::
- Falls, slips, and trips
- Cardiac emergencies – Heart attacks and cardiac arrests need immediate intervention and potentially CPR.
- Choking
- Severe bleeding
- Burns and scalds
Know the Legal Requirements
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 form the cornerstone of workplace first aid requirements in the UK. These regulations mandate that employers “provide, or ensure that they are provided, such equipment and facilities as are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first-aid to be rendered” to employees who are injured or become ill at work. Importantly, these regulations apply to all workplaces regardless of size. They do not apply to first aid help outside of the workplace.
Choosing the Right First Aid Training Course
Choosing between different first aid qualifications depends on your workplace requirements and risk assessment outcome however, if you are looking to be first aid trained as an individual – that decision may be based on different things. .
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)?
EFAW training teaches essential first aid skills. This intensive one-day course arms you with the essential principles of First Aid and how to apply them to an emergency setting, including:
- Learn how to respond to an incident safely, quickly, and effectively
- Gain confidence in performing CPR and managing unconscious casualties
- Learn the techniques required for dealing with choking, blood loss, and shock
- Understand how to use of first aid equipment and prevent cross-infection
Emergency First Aid at Work is currently recognised as equivalent to a Level 2 qualification.
First Aid at Work (FAW)
The First Aid at Work course is more comprehensive training that builds on the skills learned in the EFAW course. This three-day course covers:
- Understanding the role of a First Aider
- The need for reporting accidents
- Caring for an unconscious casualty
- Performing CPR
- Blood loss and shock
- Burns and scalds
- Disorders of the airway
- Poisoning
- Bone injuries
- Major medical conditions (including the administration of aspirin and epinephrine)
First Aid at Work is regarded as a Level 3 qualification.
Key differences between FAW and EFAW
The main differences between these two first aid qualifications is the breadth of content and depth they go into:
- Duration: EFAW requires one day of training, whereas FAW spans three days
- Content: EFAW focuses on basic life-saving interventions such as CPR and bleeding control, while FAW covers a broader spectrum including fractures, medical conditions, and specific injuries
- Certificate Validity: Both qualifications remain valid for three years, after which requalification is necessary
Ultimately, your choice of first aid training will depend on your first aid needs assessment if it’s for work, or personal preference if you’re choosing to learn new skills.
What to expect during training
Our first aid courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience covering:
- Basic life support including CPR and AED use
- Managing choking, severe bleeding, and shock
- Treating unconscious casualties and seizures
- Wound care and handling fractures
- Responding to common medical emergencies
Courses include an assessment to demonstrate competency, and, upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate valid for three years
Maintaining and Renewing Your First Aid Qualification
Becoming first aid qualified isn’t necessarily the end of the journey. Ongoing practice helps you to remain effective, maintain your confidence and competence in emergency situations, and brush up on essential techniques like CPR, caring for unconscious casualties, and managing blood loss and shock.
The easy way to becoming First Aid Qualified
The knowledge you gain through first aid training goes far beyond the workplace; these life-saving skills travel with you everywhere, so that you can respond effectively during emergencies at home, in public spaces, or while travelling. Becoming a qualified first aider might be an investment of time and/or money, but the easiest way to do this is by giving us a call. At STS First Aid, we run in-house and community first aid training so there’s options to suit everyone – get in touch to find out more!
