Yes. While an appointed person isn’t required to hold a first aid qualification, completing a course like the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is strongly recommended. It equips you with the practical skills and confidence to respond in an emergency, and ensures your workplace is better prepared should an incident occur. Training also helps demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to safety and compliance with HSE guidance.

It’s extremely unlikely. In the UK, there are no recorded cases of a first aider being sued for trying to help someone in good faith. As long as you act within the scope of your training and do what you reasonably can to assist, the law protects you.

Employers also carry liability insurance that covers first aiders acting on their behalf. Completing an accredited course like the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) ensures you’re trained to act safely and responsibly in an emergency — reducing risk for both you and your employer.

Remember: doing something is almost always better than doing nothing. First aid saves lives.

Technically, yes — but it’s very rare. Accredited courses like the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) do include practical assessments to make sure you’ve understood the key skills, such as CPR and how to manage a casualty. However, the training is designed to support you every step of the way.

At The Hive Collaborative, our trainers create a relaxed, down-to-earth learning environment. If you’re struggling with any part of the course, we’ll work with you to build your confidence and understanding. The goal isn’t to catch people out — it’s to make sure you leave feeling capable and ready to act in an emergency.

So while assessments are part of the process, most people pass with no issues — especially with the right support.

Surprisingly, no — first aid trainers do not need to be clinically qualified to teach regulated first aid courses in the UK. The minimum requirement is usually a recognised teaching qualification (such as Level 3 AET) and a valid first aid qualification at or above the level they’re teaching.

That said, having clinical experience brings significant added value — and that’s exactly what we offer at The Hive Collaborative.

All of our first aid courses are delivered by qualified medical professionals — such as paramedics, nurses, or those with frontline emergency care backgrounds. This isn’t an industry requirement, but we believe it makes a real difference. Our trainers draw on real-world clinical experience to explain not just what to do, but why it matters, how to prioritise care, and what actually happens in emergency scenarios.

It’s this clinical insight, calm guidance, and real-life perspective that sets our courses apart — especially for workplaces that want more than just box-ticking training.

So while clinical qualifications aren’t mandatory in the industry, we think they make your learning experience richer, safer, and more confidence-building from day one.

To pass a first aid course, you’ll need to attend all sessions, take part in practical scenarios, and successfully demonstrate key skills such as CPR, the recovery position, and managing emergencies. Most courses also include a short written or multiple-choice exam, which must be passed to receive certification.

At The Hive Collaborative, we actively support the development of your academic skills to help you succeed in the assessment — but above all, we focus on building your confidence to apply first aid in real-life situations. Practical competence is the true goal, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Yes — first aid training is open to people with a wide range of physical abilities, and we welcome learners with limited mobility. Our goal is to make your experience as accessible and supportive as possible.

That said, it’s important to know that regulated first aid qualifications — such as the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) — do include practical assessments. For example, you’ll usually need to demonstrate CPR on a manikin in order to pass.

If you’re unable to perform certain physical tasks due to mobility limitations, you may still be able to complete the course and receive an attendance certificate instead of a formal qualification. This still recognises your learning and can be a valuable contribution to your team or community.

Even if you can’t carry out physical actions like CPR, your knowledge could be life-saving — whether that’s giving instructions to someone else, staying calm in an emergency, or supporting a casualty until help arrives. Everyone has a part to play, and your role can be just as important.

We recommend getting in touch with us before the course so we can chat about your needs and make any adjustments to help you take part with confidence.

Yes — 100%. Whether you’re running a small business or simply want to feel more prepared at home, first aid training is one of the most valuable skills you can invest in.

For small businesses with just 2–3 employees, having someone trained in first aid shows that you take your legal and moral responsibilities seriously. It reassures your team and clients, and helps you stay compliant with HSE guidelines — even if you’re in a low-risk setting like an office or studio.

In a family setting, first aid skills are just as important. Knowing what to do if a child chokes, a partner has a fall, or someone suddenly becomes unwell can make all the difference in those first few critical minutes. A one-day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course gives you the confidence to act calmly, quickly, and correctly — wherever you are.

Because accidents don’t wait for the professionals to arrive — and it’s often the people closest to us who need our help the most.

The terms are often confused, but they have distinct roles under UK health and safety law:

• An appointed person is responsible for calling emergency services and looking after first aid equipment, but they are not legally required to hold a first aid qualification.

• A nominated (or designated) first aider, on the other hand, is someone chosen to provide actual first aid treatment if an accident or emergency occurs.

If you are a nominated first aider, it is critical that you complete an HSE-compliant first aid course, such as the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or First Aid at Work (FAW) course, depending on your workplace risk level. Without valid training, you are not qualified to act in that role.

Not sure which course you need? We’re happy to help—just give us a call or drop us an email.

First aid training might seem expensive at first glance, but the cost reflects the high standards of teaching, safety, and clinical knowledge involved — especially for regulated qualifications like Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW).

Here’s why:

• Expertise matters: First aid is a clinical subject. Instructors delivering regulated qualifications aren’t just experienced first aiders — they must also hold a recognised teaching or training qualification, such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET). This ensures they can deliver the content clearly, accurately, and effectively.

• Medical professionals as trainers: At The Hive Collaborative, we go a step further — our courses are only delivered by qualified medical professionals. While this isn’t a requirement for teaching first aid, we believe it enhances the depth, realism, and confidence our learners gain. Many people assume all first aid trainers are medically trained — but that’s not the case across the industry.

• Regulatory compliance: Regulated qualifications are overseen by awarding bodies such as Qualsafe Awards, meaning we must follow strict standards, undergo regular audits, and complete robust quality assurance. This ensures your qualification is both credible and legally recognised — but also adds to course delivery costs.

• Specialist resources: High-quality training involves professional-grade equipment, including CPR manikins, AED trainers, choking vests, wound simulation kits, and more. These must be kept in top condition for hands-on, safe, and realistic learning.

• Small group sizes: First aid requires practical assessment and individual attention. To support every learner effectively, courses are kept small — often just 6 to 12 participants — which raises costs compared to large, lecture-style formats.

When you choose a regulated course with skilled instructors and clinical accuracy, you’re not just paying for a certificate — you’re investing in life-saving knowledge, competence, and confidence that could one day make all the difference.