Which First Aid Course Do I Need? EFAW vs FAW Explained
First aid training comes in two main workplace qualifications, and the names are similar enough to cause real confusion: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW). Choosing the wrong one wastes time and money, so here is how to tell which you need.
The quick answer
| EFAW | FAW | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1 day | 3 days |
| Depth | Life-saving basics | Comprehensive |
| Best for | Low-risk workplaces | Higher-risk workplaces |
| Valid for | 3 years | 3 years |
| Required for SIA Door Supervisor | Yes | Also accepted |
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
EFAW is a one-day course covering the essential life-saving skills: CPR, dealing with an unresponsive casualty, choking, bleeding, shock and common workplace injuries. It is the right choice for lower-risk environments — offices, shops, small businesses — and it is the qualification required as part of the SIA Door Supervisor licence.
First Aid at Work (FAW)
FAW is a three-day course that goes considerably deeper, adding the management of a wider range of injuries and illnesses — fractures, spinal injuries, chest pains, seizures, diabetic emergencies and more. It is the right choice for higher-risk workplaces such as construction, manufacturing and warehousing, and for designated workplace first aiders.
How do I know which my workplace needs?
It comes down to a first aid needs assessment your employer should carry out under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations. Low-risk sites usually need EFAW; higher-risk sites usually need FAW. If in doubt, FAW covers everything EFAW does and more.
Do I need first aid for an SIA licence?
Yes — a valid Emergency First Aid at Work certificate is required before the SIA will issue a Door Supervisor licence. The good news is that our Door Supervisor course includes EFAW, so you get both qualifications together. If you already hold a current EFAW or FAW certificate, that can count too.
How long does a first aid certificate last?
Both EFAW and FAW certificates are valid for three years. The HSE recommends annual refresher training to keep skills sharp, but the formal requalification comes at the three-year point.
Still not sure?
As a rule of thumb: if you just need workplace basics or first aid for an SIA licence, EFAW is the one. If you are the designated first aider for a busy or higher-risk workplace, choose FAW. We run both regularly in Leicester — get in touch if you would like help deciding.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EFAW and FAW?
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a one-day course covering life-saving basics for lower-risk workplaces. First Aid at Work (FAW) is a three-day course covering a much wider range of injuries and illnesses for higher-risk workplaces and designated first aiders.
Which first aid course do I need for an SIA licence?
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is required for the SIA Door Supervisor licence. Our Door Supervisor course includes it, so you gain both qualifications together.
How long does a first aid certificate last?
Both EFAW and FAW workplace first aid certificates are valid for three years, with annual refresher training recommended by the HSE.
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