Level 3: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Course and Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW) 3-Day Course

Posted by Alen Cooper on September 7th, 2025

Health and safety in the workplace is a legal and moral responsibility for every employer. One of the most important aspects of safety is ensuring that staff are trained to respond quickly and effectively to accidents or medical emergencies. This is where first aid training plays a vital role. Two of the most widely recognized workplace first aid qualifications in the UK are the Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course and the Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW) 3-Day course.

While both courses meet the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards, they are designed for different workplace environments and levels of risk. This article will explain the purpose, content, and benefits of each qualification to help employers and individuals choose the right training.

Level 3: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Course

The EFAW course is a one-day qualification aimed at providing learners with the essential skills needed to manage common medical emergencies in the workplace. It is particularly suited for low-risk workplaces, such as offices, shops, and small businesses.

Key Features of the EFAW

1. Duration: Typically completed in a single day (6–7 hours).
2. Eligibility: Open to all employees aged 16 or over, with no prior medical knowledge required.
3. Course Content:
• Roles and responsibilities of a first aider.
• Primary survey and casualty assessment.
• Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
• Treating choking, bleeding, minor burns, and wounds.
• Managing shock and minor workplace incidents.
4. Assessment: Usually through practical demonstrations and short written tasks.
5. Certification: Valid for three years, after which a refresher is required.

The EFAW equips employees with the confidence to respond quickly in emergencies, often making the difference between life and death while waiting for professional medical assistance.

Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW) 3-Day Course

The FAW course is more comprehensive, lasting three days, and is designed for higher-risk workplaces such as construction sites, factories, warehouses, and large organizations where the likelihood of accidents or serious medical conditions is greater.

Key Features of the FAW

1. Duration: Three full days of training (18–21 hours in total).
2. Eligibility: Open to individuals aged 16 or over; no previous first aid training is required.
3. Course Content: In addition to all EFAW topics, the FAW covers:
• Secondary survey and detailed casualty care.
• Managing fractures, sprains, and spinal injuries.
• Treating chest, head, and eye injuries.
• Recognizing and responding to major illnesses (heart attack, stroke, epilepsy, asthma, diabetes).
• Dealing with poisoning and anaphylaxis.
• Advanced CPR techniques and use of equipment.
4. Assessment: Learners are assessed throughout the course with practical demonstrations, role-play scenarios, and written questions.
5. Certification: Valid for three years, with requalification requiring a two-day refresher course.

The FAW course prepares first aiders to handle more complex emergencies, ensuring that they can stabilize casualties until professional help arrives.

Key Differences Between EFAW and FAW

Although both qualifications are at Level 3 and meet HSE standards, they differ in depth and suitability:

• EFAW (1 Day):
• Best for low-risk workplaces.
• Covers common emergencies and life-saving skills.
• Quicker and more cost-effective training option.
• FAW (3 Days):
• Designed for medium to high-risk environments.
• Covers a wider range of injuries and illnesses.
• Provides advanced skills for serious workplace incidents.

Employers are advised to carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine which training is most appropriate for their staff.

Why First Aid Training is Essential

1. Legal Compliance: UK law (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated regulations) requires employers to provide adequate first aid cover.
2. Life-Saving Skills: Trained first aiders can prevent minor injuries from becoming major incidents and provide vital care during life-threatening situations.
3. Workplace Confidence: Employees feel safer and more valued when they know trained first aiders are present.
4. Professional Development: First aid qualifications enhance an individual’s CV and career opportunities.

Both the Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course and the Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW) 3-Day course are invaluable in promoting workplace safety. The EFAW provides essential life-saving skills in just one day, making it ideal for low-risk environments. The FAW, on the other hand, delivers a deeper and broader knowledge base, preparing first aiders to manage more serious and complex medical situations in higher-risk workplaces.

By investing in the right training, employers not only comply with legal obligations but also create a safer, more prepared workplace. Whether you choose the EFAW or FAW, the knowledge gained can one day make a critical difference—saving lives when every second counts.