What is Emergency First Aid at Work?

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is the HSE-aligned, one-day workplace first aid qualification. It trains designated workplace first aiders to manage life-threatening emergencies — unresponsive casualties, CPR, choking, severe bleeding, shock and minor injuries — until professional help arrives. If your team is based around the NEC and Resorts World or elsewhere in Birmingham, our trainers travel to your site for closed groups of 6+.

How long does Emergency First Aid at Work last?

The EFAW certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue. HSE strongly recommends an annual refresher (typically a half-day) to keep skills sharp between full requalification courses.

What does Emergency First Aid at Work cover?

The Birmingham EFAW course covers the role and responsibilities of a first aider, assessing an incident, the primary survey (DR ABC), CPR and AED use, the recovery position, choking, shock, external bleeding, minor burns, and small cuts and grazes — all delivered through HSE-aligned practical scenarios. Our Birmingham schedule runs alongside cohorts in nearby West Midlands towns, so you can pick whichever date suits your shift pattern around the NEC and Resorts World.

How long is the Birmingham EFAW course?

EFAW is a single full day — typically 09:00 to roughly 16:30 with breaks — delivered at the British Red Cross Eastside Rooms on Woodcock Street (B7 4BL). It is the HSE-recommended minimum contact time of six hours of tuition, assessment and practical exercises.

Who should attend EFAW in Birmingham?

EFAW is aimed at appointed workplace first aiders in lower-risk environments — offices, retail, hospitality, professional services and small workshops. For higher-risk Birmingham employers (manufacturing along the M6/M42, logistics at Hams Hall, construction) we recommend the 3-day First Aid at Work qualification instead.

What qualification do I receive after the 1-day course?

On successful completion you receive a Emergency First Aid at Work course, valid for three years. A digital certificate is issued on the day and a printed certificate is posted within five working days.

What level is Emergency First Aid at Work?

EFAW is a course on the courses Framework — the same recognised level as the longer First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification. The difference is duration: EFAW is one day, FAW is three days and covers more advanced injury and illness management. Most of our emergency first aid at work learners in Birmingham come from teams around the NEC and Resorts World — book here and we'll run the session at a venue close by.

EFAW vs First Aid at Work — which do I need?

EFAW (1 day) suits lower-risk Birmingham workplaces such as offices in Colmore Row or Brindleyplace, retail, and small hospitality teams. First Aid at Work (3 days) is recommended for higher-risk sites including JLR-supplier manufacturing along the M42, logistics at Hams Hall, construction and large kitchens. Your HSE needs assessment determines which is appropriate.

How many first aiders does my Birmingham business need?

HSE does not set fixed numbers — you size cover from a written first aid needs assessment. As a rule of thumb, low-risk workplaces typically need one EFAW-trained first aider per 25 staff, scaling up for shift patterns, lone workers and higher-risk activities common across Birmingham's manufacturing and logistics sectors.

Is EFAW a legal requirement?

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require every employer to provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel. EFAW is the qualification most commonly used by Birmingham employers to meet that duty in lower-risk environments.

Is there a written test or exam?

There is no formal written exam. Assessment is continuous — trainers observe practical performance (CPR on a manikin, recovery position, bandaging, choking response) and ask short oral questions throughout the day. Pass rates on EFAW are very high when delegates engage with the practicals.

Does EFAW include CPR and AED training?

Yes. Adult CPR, use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and the recovery position are core practical elements assessed on every EFAW course. Each delegate completes hands-on CPR and AED drills using training manikins and trainer AEDs.

Can I do Emergency First Aid at Work online?

No — EFAW is a recognised workplace qualification that requires in-person practical assessment of CPR, AED use and casualty handling. Online-only "first aid" courses are not HSE-accepted for designated workplace first aiders. Our Birmingham course is fully classroom-based at Eastside Rooms.

What should I wear to the course?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing — you'll be kneeling on mats for CPR practice and moving casualties into the recovery position. Avoid skirts or restrictive trousers. Lunch and refreshments arrangements are confirmed in your booking email.

Who accredits the qualification?

Our EFAW course is a recognised course on the courses Framework, accepted by HSE and recognised by UK employers, insurers and Ofsted-registered settings. The certificate is awarded by a UK-regulated training provider and is fully portable between employers.

How much does EFAW cost in Birmingham?

Public EFAW seats in Birmingham are priced per delegate — see the upcoming dates above for live pricing including all materials, certification and refreshments. Group on-site delivery (6+ delegates at your premises) is normally significantly cheaper per head than booking individual seats; request a group quote for an exact figure.

We're a logistics firm near the M42 / Hams Hall — can you train on-site?

Yes. We regularly deliver on-site EFAW (and the 3-day FAW where appropriate) at logistics and distribution sites across Hams Hall, Birmingham Business Park, Coleshill and the wider M42 corridor. We bring all manikins, AEDs and consumables; you provide a room large enough for practical drills.

How often do you run public EFAW courses in Birmingham?

Public EFAW dates run regularly at the British Red Cross Eastside Rooms (B7 4BL). Live dates and remaining seats are listed above; if your preferred date is full, our trainers travel across the West Midlands and can usually arrange on-site delivery within two to three weeks for groups of six or more.

How do I book an EFAW course in Birmingham?

Choose a date from the upcoming courses list above and book online — you'll receive instant confirmation and joining instructions for Eastside Rooms. For 6+ delegates, request a group quote and we'll come back with on-site or block-booking pricing within one working day.

West Midlands · West Midlands

Emergency First Aid at Work Course in Birmingham

Obtain your recognised Emergency First Aid at Work course in Birmingham. We run regular open courses at a central training venue and also provide on-site training for groups at your organisation's premises.

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Meets HSE Requirements

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