First Aid News

First Aid at Work - Recent changes to first-aid training requirements

Prior to October 2009 Regulations

First Aid at Work (FAW): This 4 day course covered the theory and practical skills needed by a first-aider to confidently administer first aid in the workplace.

FAW Requalification: This 2 day course was a Refresher and update of the 4 day FAW course. Successful completion of this course gave a FAW qualification for a further 3 years.

Appointed Persons: Responsible for taking charge in the event of illness or accident in the workplace.

After 1 October 2009

First Aid at Work (FAW): This is now a 3 day course that covers the theory and practical skills needed by a first-aider to confidently administer first aid in the workplace.

FAW Requalification: This course remains unchanged at 2 days, and successful completion of this course gives a further 3 years FAW qualification.

Emergency First Aider in the Workplace (EFAW): Where an employer needed an appointed person under the old regulations, after 1 October 2009 they may now need an Emergency First Aider in the Workplace (EFAW). This is a new course requiring one day of training and requalification every three years.

The HSE strongly recommends that FAW and EFAW students attend a three-hour annual refresher to maintain their skills.