First Aid at Work course

What is a First Aid at Work course?

First Aid at Work (FAW) is a 3-day training course that is designed to provide first aiders with the knowledge and skills they need to respond effectively to emergency situations in the workplace.

Our First Aid at Work course:

• meets the Health and Safety Executives requirements for first aid in the workplace
• is widely recognised as a level 3 first aid qualification.

The training covers a range of essential first aid skills that are suitable for larger or higher hazard workplaces, such as construction, manufacturing and some healthcare settings. The broad range of skills included in this training will equip first aiders with the knowledge they need to respond quickly and confidently if someone becomes ill or is injured in the workplace.

If you already hold a 3-day First Aid at Work qualification and need to requalify, you can also consider our 2-day First Aid at Work Requalification course

Your free Mental Health for First Aiders course

All First Aid at Work learners have access to a free online 30-minute Mental Health for First Aiders course, once they have completed their First Aid at Work course. 2024 HSE guidance introduces the inclusion of mental health considerations within first aid needs assessments to identify additional training requirements. As a first aider, you may also be required to support someone with mental ill health. It is therefore important to be able to take appropriate action to help promptly, safely, and effectively.

This short course is a continuation of your First Aid at Work learning and an introduction to Mental Health at Work training. It is not a mandatory part of your First Aid at Work course and does not impact your First aid certification.

Why choose to train with us?

For more than 40 years, the Red Cross has provided regulated training for the workplace across first aid, health and safety, and mental health, to organisations across the UK.

Our First Aid at Work course utilises expert knowledge gained from years of experience in the first aid industry, from training, to providing first aid cover for major events and supporting the NHS ambulance services.

Did you know that:

• The British Red Cross is recognised as a standard setter in First Aid at Work training by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
• We are one of three authors of the current edition of the First Aid Manual, which is recognised as one of the main sources for current first aid guidelines in the UK.
• We are committed to delivering the highest quality learning experiences and sustainability practices demonstrated by our ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 20121:2012 certifications, both globally recognised standards for quality management systems and event sustainability, respectively.

What does First Aid at Work cover?

This 3-day course covers everything you would find on the 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work course, but also includes a wide range of additional skills. Our training ensures learners are able to understand, and where relevant, apply, the following skills when helping an adult in the workplace who:

• is unresponsive and breathing
• is unresponsive and not breathing, including how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• is choking
• is bleeding, including life-threatening bleeding and the use of haemostatic dressings and tourniquets
• is suffering from shock and internal bleeding
• has burns
• feels faint
• has been poisoned
• has a head injury
• has hypothermia or heat exhaustion
• has an injury to a bone, muscle or joint (including spinal injuries).

Learners will also be able to help a casualty who is having a:

• seizure
• heart attack, including the administration of aspirin
• angina attack
• stroke
• asthma attack
• severe allergic reaction
• diabetic emergency.

The course also includes information on:

• assessing a casualty
• monitoring a casualty
• where to get help
• electrical incidents
• accident recording and reporting
• the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH).

Learning and assessment

How are learners assessed?

Learners are continuously evaluated during the course through a variety of hands-on demonstrations, interactive question and answer sessions, quizzes, and engaging activities like roleplay. These activities are designed to guide and assist learners in gaining the necessary skills and ensure they can apply their knowledge safely within their workplace.

How long is a First Aid at Work certificate valid for?

Upon successfully completing the course, learners will be awarded a First Aid at Work certificate from the British Red Cross. This qualification remains valid for a period of three years.

How long is the First Aid at Work course?

The HSE require learners to complete 18 hours of learning, not including breaks. Our courses usually run from 9.15 to 4.45 which includes a 1-hour lunch and 2 short 15min breaks. Learners are asked to arrive at the course at 9am to allow time for registration, late arrivals may be refused entry to the course.

Entry Requirements 

The role of a first aider can be physically and emotionally challenging. It is important you select individuals who you feel will be able to act quickly and effectively in a first aid emergency situation.

Learners will need to demonstrate their ability to use the skills covered on the course to receive the First Aid at Work qualification.

Suitable for learners over the age of 16.

FAQs

Is there a First Aid at Work course near me, or where I need it?

We offer First Aid at Work training at our network of venues, located in easily accessible UK towns and cities. Alternatively, you may prefer the convenience of training at your own premises, if you have a suitable training room. We can arrange training for groups of four people upwards, with a ratio of up to twelve people per trainer.

Is the First Aid at Work course a level 3 course?

The First Aid at Work course is often referred to as a level 3 qualification. This is because the length and complexity of the skills covered meet the requirements for a level 3 qualification on the Recognised Qualifications Framework (RQF).

What industries would typically need to use this course?

The 3-day First Aid at Work course is suitable for larger organisations and/or high risk industries where the types of injuries or illnesses may be more serious. This course is routinely used by the construction industry (add others) to ensure their first aid provision has the right level of skills and knowledge to help in an emergency situation.

How long does a First Aid at Work certificate last?

First Aid at Work certificates are valid for 3 years from the date of issue. To ensure continued first aid provision you should requalify before your certificate expires.

Does the First Aid at Work course include AED or CPR training?

Yes, all of our First Aid at Work courses includes training on how to use an AED, along with CPR. which is suitable for most workplaces. As part of their training, all learners will have hands on experience using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for the treatment of a casualty who is in cardiac arrest.

Does this course meet the standards set by HSE? 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) doesn’t vet, check or approve training providers or courses for you. It is your responsibility to perform your own due diligence and ensure that the course and how it’s delivered, meets the standards outlined by the HSE and, most importantly, your needs.