First Aid at Work (FAW)
The gold standard in workplace first aid — a comprehensive 3-day qualification delivered on-site at your premises across England and Wales.
About this course
The First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification is the HSE's comprehensive workplace first aid standard. Spanning three days, it provides appointed first aiders with the depth of knowledge and hands-on competence needed to manage a wide range of workplace medical emergencies — from cardiac arrest and stroke to fractures, burns and diabetic episodes.
For higher-risk industries — construction, manufacturing, care, and anywhere with larger workforces — the FAW is the appropriate qualification identified by most workplace risk assessments. Our on-site delivery means your team trains together in a familiar environment, without travel costs or operational disruption.
What you'll learn
- Managing an emergency scene safely
- Adult CPR and AED operation
- Recovery position and airway management
- Choking in adults
- Severe bleeding and wound care
- Shock — recognition and management
- Cardiac events including heart attack
- Stroke recognition and response
- Fractures, dislocations and spinal injuries
- Burns and scalds
- Diabetic emergencies
- Anaphylaxis recognition and management
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Head, eye and chest injuries
Who this course is for
The FAW is designed for appointed first aiders in workplaces where the risk assessment calls for the full qualification — typically higher-risk environments and larger organisations. It's the right choice for:
- Construction sites and trades
- Manufacturing and industrial settings
- Care homes and residential settings
- Warehouses and logistics operations
- Larger offices and workforces
- Any workplace whose risk assessment specifies FAW
Delivery & assessment
Three consecutive days (18 guided learning hours) at your premises, combining tutor-led instruction with continuous practical assessment and a short written knowledge check. Maximum class size is 12 learners per trainer.
Your certificate
Successful learners receive a Qualsafe Awards FAW certificate, Level 3 RQF, nationally recognised and valid for three years.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need FAW or EFAW?
It depends on your workplace risk assessment. Higher-risk environments — construction, manufacturing, care — typically require the full 3-day FAW, while lower-risk offices and retail may only need the 1-day EFAW. We're happy to advise based on your setting.
How long is the certificate valid?
Three years. We recommend booking a 2-day FAW Requalification before it expires to keep certificates current without repeating the full 3-day course.
Do learners need any prior experience?
No prior first aid experience is required. Our trainers build knowledge and confidence from the ground up across the three days.
What do we need to provide?
A suitable room with a clear floor area for practical exercises. Our trainer brings all equipment — manikins, AED trainers and first aid supplies.
Ready to book First Aid at Work training?
Tell us what you need and we'll send a fixed, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.