What level of first aid is required at my workplace? [FAQ]

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions, you can contact us if you would like to know more information.

As an employer, do I need qualified first aiders present at work?

According to The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, you need to ensure that there is an "adequate and appropriate"number of employees who are trained to administer first aid if an incident arises. This also applies for having the necessary equipment and facilities in order to carry out first aid.

What qualifications do they need?

If your workplace is low-risk (hazards commonly found in offices and shops) then the minimum provision is to have an appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements, this includes looking after first aid equipment and calling the emergency services when required, a first aid qualification is not needed, but recommended.

In more risky environments, a first aider is required: someone who holds a First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification which we offer here at Ice Blue Medical.

How many first aid personnel is required?​

For low risk environments, for fewer than 25 employees, at least one appointed person is required, beyond this, at least one first aid aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is required. With more than 50 personnel, at least one first-aider trained in First Aid at Work (FAW) is the minimum for every 100 employees.

Higher risk environments (assembly work, food processing, extensive work with machinery, construction and chemicals), one appointed person is required for fewer than 5 employees. If you have 5-50 employees, you are required to have at least one first aider trained in First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), depending on the type of injuries that might occur.

How long are FAW and EFAW courses?

First Aid at Work (FAW) qualifications are typically three days. Course content includes treating stroke, choking, shock, bleeding, spinal injuries, soft tissue injuries, diabetes and seizures and of course the aftermath, accident forms!

The Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification is 1 day and covers adult and child first aid as well as covering emergencies such as heart attack, head and spinal injury, asthma and acute allergic reactions, in addition to the full HSE syllabus.

Both qualifications are valid for three years, but don't worry, we also offer refresher and renewal courses too!

What do I need to have if I work with young children?

Newly qualified staff who hold a level 2 or 3 in childcare are required to take an Emergency Pediatric First Aid course or a full Pediatric First Aid certificate. This course is ideal for child minders, nannies, pre-school and primary school staff or uniformed clubs working with pre-pubescent children.

Want to know more information about our courses we run? Please head over to training academy.

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