What the HSE requires
The Health and Safety Executive oversees workplace first aid under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
There is no fixed course requirement.
Instead, you must provide:
Adequate and appropriate first aid provision
Based on a First Aid Needs Assessment
In practice, that means:
Assess your risks (injuries, environment, activities)
Consider how quickly emergency services can respond
Provide the right training, equipment, and people
Important:
EFAW and FAAW are common options — not legal requirements.
What the DfE requires (schools)
Schools follow the same principles, with added responsibilities set by the Department for Education.
They must:
Carry out a First Aid Needs Assessment
Ensure appropriate staff are trained
Consider:
Pupils (including medical needs)
Staff and visitors
School trips and outdoor activities
Does it have to be EFAW or FAAW?
No.
Both HSE and DfE guidance allow you to choose training that fits your actual risks.
Example:
Office environment → EFAW may be enough
School with trips / outdoor learning → broader training needed
Remote or rural activity → Outdoor First Aid may be more appropriate
The key test:
Can you justify that your training matches your risks?
If yes — you are compliant.
What is a First Aid Needs Assessment?
A needs assessment is a simple, written review of:
What could realistically go wrong
Who might be affected
How serious it could be
How long help might take to arrive
It ensures your first aid provision is:
Proportionate
Defensible
Fit for purpose
Download a blank First Aid Needss Assessment Here.
Where organisations go wrong
Choosing a course to tick a box
Not considering delayed response times
Ignoring real working environments (outdoors, animals, remote sites)
A better approach
Choose training that is fit for purpose.
Training matched to your environment
Scenario-based learning
Gives confidence to act when it matters
Quick checklist
You’re on the right track if you can answer:
Have we completed a needs assessment?
Does our training reflect our real risks?
Would our team cope before help arrives?
Final thought
Most organisations meet the minimum. Ticking a box.
Fewer prepare for reality.
That’s the difference when it counts.
“I attended a one day first aid course and Bruce was fantastic. He made the day very interesting, informative and entertaining! I now feel a lot more confident with my first aid. I will be recommending Bruce's services in the future to anyone looking to train in the many areas of first aid that Invenio cover.”
Joe
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