EFAW vs FAW: Which First Aid Course Do You Need?
Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work are both HSE-compliant qualifications — but they differ in duration, depth and suitability. This guide explains the differences and helps you choose the right course for your workplace.
The Short Answer
EFAW — 1 Day
A 1-day course covering emergency first aid response — CPR, choking, bleeding, burns and shock. Suitable for lower-risk workplaces such as offices, shops and libraries.
View EFAW course →FAW — 3 Days
A 3-day comprehensive course covering all EFAW content plus fractures, spinal injuries, poisoning and major illnesses. Suitable for higher-risk or larger workplaces.
View FAW course →What is Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)?
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a 1-day training course that equips delegates with the essential skills to respond to emergency situations in the workplace. It is regulated by Ofqual as a Level 3 RQF qualification and delivered in line with HSE guidance under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.
The course covers the most common emergency scenarios: CPR and use of an AED (defibrillator), choking management, treatment of bleeding and wounds, burns and scalds, shock, and minor injuries. EFAW is designed for workplaces where a full FAW-qualified first aider is not required, but where appointed persons need basic emergency response skills.
EFAW covers:
What is First Aid at Work (FAW)?
First Aid at Work (FAW) is a comprehensive 3-day training course that covers all EFAW content plus additional topics required for higher-risk or larger workplaces. Like EFAW, it is regulated by Ofqual as a Level 3 RQF qualification and delivered in line with HSE guidance.
FAW equips first aiders with the skills to manage a wider range of injuries and medical conditions, including fractures, spinal injuries, poisoning, eye injuries, chest injuries and major illnesses. It is the recommended qualification for workplaces where the first aid needs assessment identifies significant hazards or a requirement for comprehensive first aid provision.
FAW covers everything in EFAW plus:
EFAW vs FAW: Full Comparison
A side-by-side breakdown of what each course covers, how long it takes, and who it's for.
| Feature | EFAW (1 Day) | FAW (3 Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Full course name | Emergency First Aid at Work | First Aid at Work |
| Duration | 1 day | 3 days |
| CPR & AED use | ||
| Choking management | ||
| Bleeding & wound care | ||
| Burns & scalds | ||
| Shock & unconsciousness | ||
| Minor injuries | ||
| Fractures & dislocations | — | |
| Spinal injuries | — | |
| Poisoning | — | |
| Eye injuries | — | |
| Chest injuries | — | |
| Major illnesses | — | |
| Anaphylaxis recognition | — | |
| Certification | HSE-compliant, valid 3 years | HSE-compliant, valid 3 years |
| Accreditation | Highfield Qualifications | Highfield Qualifications |
| Typical suitability | Lower-risk workplaces | Higher-risk / larger workplaces |
Who Should Take Each Course?
When to choose EFAW
EFAW is typically the right choice for:
- Lower-risk workplaces (offices, shops, libraries, small business premises)
- Workplaces with fewer than 50 employees
- Sites where the first aid needs assessment identifies low hazard levels
- Appointed persons who need basic emergency response skills
- Workplaces close to medical facilities
When to choose FAW
FAW is typically the right choice for:
- Higher-risk workplaces (construction, manufacturing, kitchens, engineering)
- Workplaces with more than 50 employees
- Sites where the first aid needs assessment identifies significant hazards
- Workplaces with shift patterns or remote locations
- Organisations that need comprehensive first aid provision
How to Decide: The First Aid Needs Assessment
Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, every employer must conduct a first aid needs assessment. This assessment should consider:
Workforce size
How many employees are on-site, including shift workers and visitors.
Hazard level
The nature of the work — low-risk offices vs higher-risk construction or manufacturing.
Site layout
Multi-floor buildings, remote areas, or multiple sites may require more first aiders.
Distance from medical help
Workplaces far from hospitals or emergency services may need more comprehensive provision.
Shift patterns
Shift, night and weekend working may require first aiders on each shift.
History of incidents
Past accidents or illnesses can indicate the level of first aid cover needed.
Livius Training's EFAW and FAW Courses
Both courses are accredited by Highfield Qualifications and delivered in line with HSE guidance. Delivered at our Boroughbridge training centre or on-site at your workplace across Yorkshire.
On-Site EFAW & FAW Training Across Yorkshire
Livius Training delivers both EFAW and FAW courses on-site at workplaces across Yorkshire and the North East. On-site training is ideal for groups of 6 or more — your staff remain at their workplace with no travel required, and the training can be tailored to your specific hazards and environment.
Our instructors bring all equipment to your premises. We work with businesses of all sizes, from small offices to large manufacturing sites, across Leeds, York, Harrogate, Sheffield, Bradford, Hull, Wakefield, Doncaster and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EFAW and FAW?
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a 1-day course covering emergency response skills — CPR, choking, bleeding, burns and shock. First Aid at Work (FAW) is a 3-day comprehensive course that covers all EFAW content plus fractures, spinal injuries, poisoning, eye injuries, chest injuries and major illnesses. FAW is recommended for higher-risk or larger workplaces.
Should I choose EFAW or FAW for my workplace?
The choice depends on your workplace first aid needs assessment. EFAW is typically sufficient for lower-risk workplaces such as offices, shops and libraries with fewer than 50 employees. FAW is recommended for higher-risk environments such as construction, manufacturing and kitchens, or for workplaces with more than 50 employees. Employers should consider workforce size, hazard level, shift patterns and distance from medical facilities.
Which first aid course does my workplace need?
Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must conduct a first aid needs assessment to determine the appropriate level of first aid provision. Factors include the number of employees, workplace hazards, shift patterns, site layout and distance from emergency medical services. Livius Training offers a free HSE-based First Aid Requirements Calculator to help you determine how many trained first aiders your workplace needs.
What is the difference between Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work?
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW) are both HSE-compliant qualifications under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. EFAW is a 1-day emergency-response course. FAW is a 3-day comprehensive course that includes all EFAW content plus additional injury and illness management. Both certificates are valid for 3 years.
Is EFAW enough for my workplace?
EFAW may be sufficient for lower-risk workplaces with a small number of employees, such as offices, shops and libraries. However, if your workplace has significant hazards, more than 50 employees, shift work, or is located far from medical facilities, the HSE recommends First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification holders. A first aid needs assessment will determine the correct level.
What does FAW cover that EFAW doesn't?
FAW covers all EFAW content (CPR, choking, bleeding, burns, shock, minor injuries) plus fractures, spinal injuries, poisoning, eye injuries, chest injuries, major illnesses, and recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis. FAW provides the comprehensive first aid skills needed for higher-risk workplaces.
How long do EFAW and FAW certificates last?
Both EFAW and FAW certificates are valid for 3 years from the date of issue. The HSE recommends completing refresher training before expiry. First aiders whose certificates have expired must retake the full course. Livius Training offers a 2-day FAW requalification course for those whose FAW certificate is approaching expiry.
Can EFAW and FAW training be delivered at our workplace?
Yes. Livius Training delivers both EFAW and FAW courses on-site at workplaces across Yorkshire and the North East. On-site training is ideal for groups of 6 or more and can be tailored to your specific workplace hazards and environment. Our instructors bring all equipment to your premises.
Are Livius Training's EFAW and FAW courses accredited?
Yes. Our EFAW and FAW courses are accredited by Highfield Qualifications and delivered in line with HSE guidance under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. Certificates are issued upon successful completion, subject to the requirements of the relevant awarding organisation.