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EFAW (emergency first aid at work)
What is EFAW (emergency first aid at work)?
EFAW, or Emergency First Aid at Work, refers to a regulated first aid qualification in the UK designed for individuals who need to act as an emergency first aider in their workplace. This training provides participants with the fundamental skills and knowledge to administer immediate, basic first aid in a range of common workplace scenarios. It is a one-day course that focuses on practical, life-saving techniques. The primary objective of EFAW is to enable a first aider to preserve life, prevent a condition from worsening, and promote recovery until more advanced medical assistance can be obtained. It covers essential topics such as managing unconscious casualties, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and treating minor injuries. This qualification is vital for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with health and safety regulations.
What you learn in EFAW training
Undertaking an EFAW course equips individuals with the essential knowledge and practical skills to provide immediate, life-saving care in a workplace emergency. This training covers critical areas such as assessing an incident, managing an unresponsive casualty, performing CPR, and addressing choking, bleeding, and shock. The focus is on rapid, effective intervention to stabilise a situation until professional medical help arrives. Beyond the immediate response, EFAW training also instils confidence and a sense of responsibility in participants. It ensures that designated first aiders can recognise various medical emergencies and act decisively, adhering to current first aid protocols. This proactive approach to workplace safety is fundamental for protecting employee well-being and fulfilling organisational health and safety obligations.
Legal requirements and certification
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 mandate that employers provide adequate and appropriate first aid provisions in the workplace. EFAW training is a key component of meeting these legal requirements, particularly for lower-risk environments or as a supplementary qualification in larger organisations. Employers must conduct a thorough first aid needs assessment to determine the appropriate level of training and the number of first aiders required. Maintaining valid EFAW certification is crucial, typically requiring requalification every three years to ensure skills remain current and effective. Regular refresher training is also recommended to keep first aiders proficient and up-to-date with any changes in first aid guidance. This continuous professional development ensures that emergency first aid provision remains robust and reliable.
