Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work

This one day First Aid at Work course is aimed those undertaking the role of an emergency first aider in the workplace.

The qualification meets the requirements for Emergency First Aid at Work as outlined in the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982.

This Emergency First Aid at Work qualification is designed for those who have a specific responsibility at work, to provide first aid in a range of emergency first aid situations. It is also ideal for people who have a specific responsibility to provide basic first aid in voluntary and community activities.

This qualification is aimed at those over 16 who can undertake the responsibilities associated with being a workplace emergency first aider.

Learners between 14-16 years can undertake the qualification, however they should not be relied upon by employers to be a sole emergency first aider.

Due to the language of the assessment, it is recommended that learners have sufficient command of the English language to understand the assessment and to undertake the recommended assessment methods.

Attendees will be required to demonstrate First Aid procedures as they would in a real work environment. This includes providing CPR to a casualty who is on the floor, therefore be physically capable of doing so.

Learners are assessed for this emergency first aid qualification using the following methods:

Multiple choice question paper
Practical observation

The assessment will take place under examination conditions, i.e., learners will sit at least 1.25 metres apart and will not be allowed to confer during the examination. No books, including dictionaries, will be permitted during the examination.

• Having designated first aiders in the workplace is a legal requirement.

• Having adequately trained first aid personnel onsite will ensure that if an emergency does arise, it will be dealt with in a prompt and effective manner.

• If you fail to provide qualified first aiders then you are putting everyone involved in your business at risk: your employees, customers, and your visitors

• Understanding the role of the first aider

• First aid kits and equipment

• Preventing cross infection

• Recording accidents and near misses (incidents)

• Assessing emergency situations

• How to administer first aid to a casualty who is unconscious / needs -CPR / is choking / wounded or bleeding/ suffering from shock / has minor cuts, bruises, or scalds

Employers are required to carry out an assessment of first-aid needs. This involves consideration of workplace hazards and risks, the size of the organisation and other relevant factors, to determine what first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel should be provided.

If in doubt, we can provide a consultancy service. There is also a free HSE leaflet, which contains a useful checklist covering the points employers should consider when carrying out the assessment.

First aid at work: your questions answered

1. Understand the role and responsibilities of a first aider; in relation to:

• the role and responsibilities of a first aider

• how to minimise the risk of infection to self and others

• the need for consent to provide First Aid

2. Be able to assess an incident; in relation to:

• conducting a scene survey

• conducting a primary survey of a casualty

• summoning appropriate assistance when necessary

3. Be able to provide First Aid to an unresponsive casualty; in relation to:

• when to administer Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• when to place a casualty into the recovery position

• demonstrating how to place a casualty into the recovery position

• how to administer First Aid to a casualty who is experiencing a seizure 

4. Be able to provide First Aid to a casualty who is choking; in relation to:

when choking is:

• mild

• severe

• demonstrating how to administer First Aid to a casualty who is choking

5. Be able to provide First Aid to a casualty with external bleeding; in relation to:

• the severity of external bleeding

• demonstrating how to control external bleeding 

6. Know how to provide First Aid to a casualty who is in shock; in relation to:

• recognising a casualty who is suffering from shock

• how to administer First Aid to a casualty who is suffering from shock

7.1 Know how to provide First Aid to a casualty with minor injuries; in relation to:

how to administer First Aid to a casualty with:

• small cuts
• grazes
• bruises
• small splinters
• how to administer First Aid to a casualty with minor burns and scalds

7.2 How to administer First Aid to a casualty with minor burns and scalds

• Learners will know how to deal with minor burns and scalds in line with accepted current practice as outlined in the Voluntary Aids Society First Aid Manual.

What is first aid at work?

People at work can suffer injuries or be taken ill. It doesn’t matter whether the injury or illness is caused by the work they do or not, it is important to give them immediate attention and call an ambulance in serious cases. You should decide to ensure this happens. It can save lives and prevent minor injuries becoming major ones.

What do I need to do?

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require you to provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities, and people so your employees can be given immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work.

What is ‘adequate and appropriate’ will depend on the circumstances in your workplace and you should assess what your first-aid needs are.

The minimum first-aid provision on any work site is a suitably stocked first-aid kit; an appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements; information for employees about first-aid arrangements. It is important to remember that accidents and illness can happen at any time. Provision for first aid needs to be always available while people are at work.

How long does Emergency First Aid at Work take to complete?

The classroom course is held over 1 day.

Will I be issued with a certificate upon successful completion?

Yes. On successful completion the learner will receive an accredited certificate. The certificate will be forwarded later. A proof of pass can be immediately provided if required though.

How long is the EFAW Emergency First Aid at Work certificate valid for?

Certification for this course is valid for 3 years but the HSE recommends a refresher course every year. To remain certified in this area, you will need to retake the course before the expiry date.

Are there any entry requirements?

This qualification is aimed at those over 16 who can undertake the responsibilities associated with being a workplace emergency first aider.

Learners between 14-16 years can undertake the qualification, however they should not be relied upon by employers to be a sole emergency first aider.

Due to the language of the assessment, it is recommended that learners have sufficient command of the English language to understand the assessment and to undertake the recommended assessment methods.

Attendees will be required to demonstrate First Aid procedures as they would in a real work environment. This includes providing CPR to a casualty who is on the floor, therefore be physically capable of doing so.

There are no other pre-requisites for this qualification.