About the course

The HSE one-day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Course is a practical, fast-paced training programme designed to equip learners with the essential skills needed to respond effectively to a wide range of workplace emergencies. This course follows the requirements set by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and provides participants with the knowledge and confidence to act quickly when someone becomes injured or unwell. Over the course of the day, learners cover the roles and responsibilities of a first aider, including assessing incidents, ensuring personal safety, and managing the situation calmly and effectively. They learn how to conduct a primary survey, assess levels of responsiveness, and take appropriate action while waiting for emergency services.

A central part of the course is basic life support (BLS). Students are taught how to deliver effective CPR on adults and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), including understanding when and how it should be applied. They also learn how to place a casualty into the recovery position and manage a variety of common medical emergencies such as choking, seizures, shock, and fainting. The course covers the recognition and first-aid treatment of severe bleeding, minor wounds, burns, scalds, fractures, sprains, and soft tissue injuries. Learners also explore first-aid responses to conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and anaphylaxis, including how to assist a casualty using an adrenaline auto-injector. Throughout the day, emphasis is placed on practical skills, scenario-based learning and developing the ability to remain calm and act decisively.

The HSE Emergency First Aid at Work Course is aimed at anyone who needs to meet the minimum statutory first-aid requirements in the workplace. It is particularly suited to employees in low-risk environments such as offices, retail, hospitality, schools, and small businesses. It is also widely taken by self-employed individuals, club volunteers, fitness instructors, community workers, and those who simply want to gain essential first-aid knowledge for everyday life. Employers frequently select this course as part of their risk-assessment process to ensure they have trained first aiders available during working hours.

Additionally, the course is valuable for individuals involved in outdoor, sport, or recreational activities who want a recognised, practical qualification. No prior experience is required, making it accessible to complete beginners as well as those looking to refresh or update their existing first-aid skills. Ultimately, the EFAW course provides learners with the competence, confidence, and reassurance needed to act quickly, responsibly, and effectively in an emergency situation.

We hold recognition from both Highfield Training (at Aboard Boat Coaching) and the Scottish Qualification Authority (‘SQA’) (at Powerboat Training UK) for these first aid courses and of course the RYA First Aid course is equivalent too. Courses can be dual certificated on request.

(Note: Students must be aged 16 or more to attend the HSE courses.)