There are two types of first aid qualification, both of which are provided by us, the Hive Collaborative, Deeside, North Wales. These are the First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualifications. In this article we will explain the differences between these two first aid qualifications. We’ll also look at when each is required, depending on the workplace, group or unity you have. For the purpose of this discussion, we will not talk about Paediatric First Aid courses. These are courses for staff working with children.
First Aid Courses in North Wales
Before we answer the question, what’s the difference between an FAW and EFAW course, here’s some information about us. We’re a Safety company based in Deeside, North Wales, providing Ofqual approved First Aid courses. We provide first aid courses throughout North Wales, Cheshire, Wirral and Merseyside. We also offer Safety training and consultancy, for example COSHH and Manual Handling.
Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981
Why do we need to complete a First Aid courses? The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 refer to first aid given to someone to preserve their life and minimise the consequences of illness and injury until help from a medical practitioner is obtained. FAW & EFAW first aid qualifications (except those which are 100% exclusive online), will provide you with the necessary knowledge and experience to satisfy the first aid training requirements of this Regulation in most cases (dependent on you first aid risk assessment).
The Difference Between EFAW and FAW
A first aid qualification will give you the knowledge needed to respond confidently to a manner of medical situations, injuries and illnesses. This includes those that require life-saving first aid assistance, such as cardiac arrest or anaphylaxis. The first aid qualifications that satisfy the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 (for adults) are the FAW and EFAW courses only (add-ons may be required). In a previous article, we wrote about Appointed Persons. Such a person doesn’t need these qualifications by law, but we recommend they have at least a EFAW qualification.
- First Aid at Work
- Essential for high risk environments, e.g. construction, forestry, manufacturing and disaster recovery or a low risk workplace with staff which may be vulnerable to injury.
- FAW training includes EFAW and also equips the first-aider to apply first aid to a range of specific injuries and illnesses.
- Level 3 qualification.
- A 3 day course, (1 day online and 2 days face-to-face with blended learning) with a minimum of 18 hours.
- Emergency First Aid at Work
- Typical in low risk environments, e.g. an office
- EFAW training enables a first-aider to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured or becomes ill while at work.
- Level 3 qualification.
- Usually completed over 1 day (6 hours minimum).
First Aid Legal Requirements
Under the First-Aid Regulations, all employers must provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel. In doing this, the employer ensures that employees receive immediate assistance if they are injured or taken ill at work. What is deemed both ‘adequate and appropriate? This depends on the hazards and risks of the particular workplace and activities conducted. To determine this, the employer must carry out a first aid needs assessment. For assistance with this, please use our First Aid Needs Calculator here.
If the outcome of the needs assessment shows that a first aider is required, then you must ensure that the required number of people undertake the appropriate first aid training. The options here will be a FAW or EFAW qualification which include an aspect of face to face training.
Online First Aid Courses
Exclusively online first aid courses do not meet this requirement. If you look carefully you will find they are titled differently, e.g. workplace first aid.
Blended First Aid Training
As opposed to exclusive online training, Blended learning is accepted by the HSE. The HSE provide advice and guidance on selecting a first aid training provider which can be found by clicking here.
Thanks for reading our blog post on The Differences Between EFAW and FAW. We hope it has been useful. Please check out our other blogs for more free first aid advice.
Written by Paul Deaves, Managing Director | The Hive Collaborative | hello@hivecollaborative.co.uk
01.09.22. We endeavour to keep our blog posts up to date, however, for the very latest information always refer to guidance by the HSE.