What Is the Difference Between EFAW and FAW

Understanding the difference between EFAW vs FAW is important when choosing workplace first-aid training in the UK. Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW) prepare learners to respond to workplace injuries and medical emergencies, but they differ in the depth of training and the range of situations they cover.

EFAW focuses on essential emergency first-aid skills, while FAW includes the EFAW syllabus and additional training for a wider range of injuries and illnesses. The right option depends on the hazards in your workplace, your responsibilities and the findings of your employer’s first-aid needs assessment.

This guide compares EFAW and FAW, including course duration, content, certificate validity, legal requirements and how to decide which level of training may be suitable.

EFAW vs FAW: What Do the Terms Mean?

EFAW stands for Emergency First Aid at Work. It is a workplace first-aid training level that prepares learners to provide emergency assistance to someone who becomes ill or injured at work.

FAW stands for First Aid at Work. It covers the EFAW syllabus and provides additional knowledge and skills for responding to a broader range of specific injuries and illnesses.

Both courses are designed to support workplace first-aid arrangements. However, neither course is automatically suitable for every business. Employers should assess the risks and determine what level of training is adequate and appropriate for their workplace.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides official guidance on the different levels of workplace first-aid training.

EFAW vs FAW: Key Differences at a Glance

The main differences relate to training duration, course content and the range of emergencies learners are prepared to manage.

Course duration and content can vary according to the applicable qualification and provider arrangements. Employers should verify that the selected course meets their first-aid requirements.

What Does Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Include?

Emergency First Aid at Work focuses on the essential skills needed to respond to common workplace emergencies. It is generally delivered as a one-day course, although the precise arrangements depend on the training provider.

Assessing an Emergency

Learners are taught to assess an incident, recognise immediate dangers and decide what action is required. This includes understanding when to call 999 and how to protect themselves and others from further harm.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Training covers recognising when a casualty may need CPR and learning the appropriate resuscitation techniques. Practical activities help learners practise the skills needed to respond to a suspected cardiac arrest.

Using an Automated External Defibrillator

Learners are introduced to the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). They learn to follow the device’s instructions and understand how it supports CPR during a suspected cardiac arrest.

Managing an Unresponsive Casualty

EFAW training includes recognising an unresponsive casualty, assessing breathing and providing appropriate initial assistance while waiting for professional help.

Responding to Choking and Bleeding

Learners develop skills for responding to selected emergencies, which may include choking, bleeding and shock. The exact syllabus should be checked with the training provider.

EFAW is intended to provide essential emergency first-aid competence. It does not cover every injury or medical condition that may arise in a workplace.

What Does First Aid at Work (FAW) Include?

First Aid at Work is a more comprehensive course, generally delivered over at least three days for the standard initial training programme.

It includes the EFAW syllabus and additional training in a wider range of injuries and illnesses. This allows learners to develop broader first-aid knowledge for workplaces where the assessed needs require more extensive provision.

Depending on the course syllabus, additional topics may include:

FAW also provides more time for learners to develop and practise first-aid skills.

The additional content can be valuable in workplaces where the hazards and activities create a greater need for comprehensive first-aid provision. However, the course level should be selected through an assessment of actual workplace needs rather than assumptions about the industry alone.

Which Course Is Better for Your Workplace?

Neither EFAW nor FAW is universally better. The appropriate choice depends on the risks, working arrangements and first-aid requirements of the organisation.

When EFAW May Be Suitable

EFAW may be appropriate where the first-aid needs assessment identifies a requirement for essential emergency first-aid provision.

Examples may include some lower-risk office environments, small shops and businesses with relatively straightforward workplace hazards.

However, a workplace should not choose EFAW simply because it has few employees or operates in an industry generally considered low risk. The actual risks and circumstances must be assessed.

When FAW May Be Suitable

FAW may be appropriate where the workplace assessment identifies a need for more comprehensive first-aid knowledge and skills.

This may apply in some manufacturing facilities, warehouses, construction environments or workplaces where employees face a wider range of potential injuries.

The need for FAW depends on the specific work activities, accident risks, workforce and availability of first-aid cover. The industry name alone does not determine the required course.

What Should Employers Consider?

Before choosing a course, employers should consider:

These factors help employers decide how many first-aiders are needed and which level of training is suitable.

For more information, read the HSE’s guidance on first-aid training.

Is EFAW or FAW a Legal Requirement in the UK?

In Great Britain, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel so that employees can receive immediate assistance if they become ill or injured at work.

The regulations do not mean that every workplace must automatically have a FAW-trained first-aider. Employers should carry out a first-aid needs assessment to establish the arrangements appropriate to their circumstances.

Depending on the assessment, a workplace may need one or more trained first-aiders, suitable equipment and clear emergency procedures. In some circumstances, an appointed person may be sufficient to manage first-aid arrangements.

An appointed person takes responsibility for matters such as maintaining first-aid equipment and contacting emergency services when required. This role does not automatically make them a trained first-aider.

Employers should also ensure that their chosen training provider is competent and that the course meets their workplace requirements. Northern Ireland has separate legislation and guidance, so employers there should check the rules that apply to their location.

The HSE explains employer duties in its workplace first-aid guidance.

How Long Do EFAW and FAW Courses Take?

The standard Emergency First Aid at Work course is commonly delivered over one day. The standard initial First Aid at Work course is generally delivered over at least three days.

The exact duration depends on the qualification, syllabus and delivery arrangements. Requalification courses have different requirements from initial training.

Both courses include practical learning and assessment when intended to qualify someone as a workplace first-aider. Employers and learners should confirm the course format and requirements before booking.

If you are choosing training for a workplace role, make sure the course is suitable for the employer’s first-aid needs. A general online first-aid awareness course does not automatically qualify someone to act as a trained workplace first-aider.

How Long Are EFAW and FAW Certificates Valid?

EFAW and FAW certificates are generally valid for three years under the applicable arrangements.

First-aiders who need to continue in their role should complete the appropriate requalification course before their certificates expire. If a certificate expires, the individual is no longer considered competent to act as a workplace first-aider under that certificate.

The HSE strongly recommends annual refresher training to help first-aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with changes in first-aid practice. Annual refresher training is recommended rather than a substitute for the required requalification course.

Employers should keep records of training and expiry dates so that appropriate first-aid cover is maintained.

See the HSE’s guidance on first-aiders and training for further information.

Can You Complete EFAW or FAW Training Online?

Online learning can help learners understand first-aid principles and prepare for practical training. However, completing an online course does not automatically qualify someone to act as a workplace first-aider.

For EFAW and FAW qualifications, learners must meet the relevant training and assessment requirements. Practical skills such as CPR and other emergency responses need appropriate practical instruction and assessment.

Some providers may offer blended delivery, combining online learning with face-to-face practical sessions, where permitted by the course requirements.

Before enrolling, check:

These checks help ensure that the training is appropriate for the role you intend to perform.

Can You Progress from EFAW to FAW?

Yes. Someone who has completed EFAW may later undertake FAW training if their workplace responsibilities or development goals require a broader range of first-aid skills.

FAW includes the EFAW syllabus and additional content, making it a possible next step for learners who need more comprehensive workplace first-aid training.

Before progressing, consider why the additional training is needed. If your employer requires FAW provision, confirm the appropriate course and assessment arrangements with a competent training provider.

Completing EFAW does not automatically mean that you must progress to FAW. The appropriate level depends on your role and the workplace’s assessed first-aid needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The main difference between EFAW vs FAW is the breadth of first-aid training provided. EFAW focuses on essential emergency responses, while FAW covers those skills and a wider range of injuries and illnesses. The right option depends on the findings of the employer’s first-aid needs assessment, not simply the size or type of business. Before enrolling, check the course syllabus, practical assessment requirements and certificate arrangements. Choosing suitable training can help employees prepare for workplace emergencies and support an effective first-aid system.