The EFAW is the most commonly booked workplace first aid qualification in the UK — but most people booking it have never seen exactly what a full day looks like. Here is every element of the course, from registration to certificate, explained clearly.
Published 11 May 2026 • 7 min read
The Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course is a one-day, Ofqual Level 2 qualification that meets the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. It is the UK's most widely held workplace first aid qualification and is appropriate for most low-to-medium hazard environments — offices, retail units, schools, hospitality venues, and similar workplaces.
Skills 42U delivers the EFAW course at your premises across Kent and the South East. The course runs for 6 hours of contact time and is typically scheduled from 9am to 4pm, with a lunch break and short comfort breaks built in. All equipment — manikins, AED trainers, dressings, and scenario materials — is brought to your site. Certificates are issued the same day.
The fixed group price is £495 for up to 12 delegates. If you are unsure whether the EFAW is the right course for your business, read our guide on EFAW vs First Aid at Work before booking.
Every UK training provider approved by the HSE delivers the EFAW to the same Ofqual-regulated syllabus. The following topics are mandatory and are covered in full on the day:
1. The role of the first aider
Delegates learn what a workplace first aider is legally required to do, the limits of their role, and when to call emergency services. This includes understanding the importance of completing an accurate record of any incident.
2. Managing an unresponsive casualty
The primary survey (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) is taught in full. Delegates practise assessing an unresponsive casualty, opening the airway correctly, and placing a breathing casualty in the recovery position. This is the most practically intensive part of the morning session.
3. CPR and AED use
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a core EFAW skill. Delegates practise chest compressions and rescue breaths on adult manikins to the current Resuscitation Council UK ratio (30:2). AED (automated external defibrillator) operation is also covered — delegates practise attaching pads, interpreting voice prompts, and delivering a shock using a training AED unit. This is the section most delegates find the most valuable and most surprising in how accessible it is.
4. Choking — adults, children, and infants
The distinction between a mild and severe airway obstruction, back blows, abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre), and the specific technique for infants are all covered. Delegates practise on appropriate manikins for adult, child, and infant scenarios.
5. Bleeding and wound management
How to control severe bleeding using direct pressure, wound dressings, and — where appropriate — improvised methods. The signs of shock (which often accompanies significant blood loss) are covered here, with delegates learning to recognise and respond to hypovolaemic shock.
6. Burns and scalds
The correct immediate treatment for thermal burns — including how long to cool with running water (20 minutes), what not to apply, and when a burn requires hospital assessment. Chemical and electrical burns are also introduced.
7. Epilepsy and seizures
Recognising a seizure, what to do during and after, and when to call an ambulance. Common myths (restraining the person, putting something in their mouth) are explicitly corrected.
The EFAW requires 6 hours of contact time. When Skills 42U delivers the course at your premises, the typical day looks like this:
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:00–9:15 | Welcome, register, H&S briefing for the training room |
| 9:15–11:00 | Role of first aider; managing unresponsive casualty; recovery position |
| 11:00–11:15 | Comfort break |
| 11:15–13:00 | CPR — adult compressions and rescue breaths; AED operation practice |
| 13:00–13:45 | Lunch break |
| 13:45–15:15 | Choking (adult, child, infant); bleeding and shock; burns; seizures |
| 15:15–15:30 | Comfort break |
| 15:30–16:00 | Knowledge assessment; practical sign-off; certificate issue |
The EFAW has two assessment components, both of which must be passed to receive the certificate:
Practical assessment (continuous): Throughout the day, the trainer observes each delegate performing skills — placing a casualty in the recovery position, performing CPR, dressing a wound. This is not a formal observed examination with a stopwatch; it is a continuous record of competence during the practical sessions. Delegates who need more practice with a skill are given it during the session itself.
Written knowledge check: At the end of the day, delegates complete a short multiple-choice assessment — typically 12 to 15 questions — that tests understanding of the course content. The pass mark is 75%. The questions are straightforward and directly reflect what was taught. Most delegates complete it in under 15 minutes.
Delegates who meet both components receive their Ofqual-regulated EFAW certificate on the same day. The certificate is valid for three years, after which a renewal course must be completed to maintain legal compliance.
Delegates receive an Ofqual Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (QCF). The certificate is issued by the awarding organisation (not just by Skills 42U) and is recognised by the HSE, Ofsted, local authorities, and all UK regulatory bodies. It is valid for exactly three years from the date of issue.
For guidance on how often certificates need to be renewed — and the HSE's recommendation on annual refreshers — read our post on how often first aid certificates are renewed.
The EFAW is appropriate for most low-to-medium hazard workplaces: offices, retail units, schools, hospitality businesses, GP practices, and similar environments. If your workplace involves significant machinery, construction, or chemical hazards, the full 3-day First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification is more likely to be required. If your staff work directly with children under 5, the Paediatric First Aid course is a separate Ofsted requirement in addition to — not instead of — workplace first aid.
If you're not sure which qualification your business needs, call Skills 42U on 07481 344486 — we'll advise you in under 5 minutes at no charge. We deliver EFAW courses on-site across Kent, including Medway, Maidstone, Dartford, Canterbury, and Sevenoaks.
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