First Aid Qualifications
How do I work out which First Aid course is suitable for me?
Working out which first aid course is right for you comes down to where you work, your role, and the level of responsibility you have in an emergency.
Start by checking your workplace risk assessment, this usually specifies whether you need basic first aid skills or a higher level qualification.
What is the difference between First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)?
The difference between RLSS First Aid at Work (FAW) and RLSS Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is mainly the depth of training and level of responsibility. EFAW is a one-day course that focuses on essential emergency skills such as CPR, dealing with choking, controlling bleeding and managing an incident until further help arrives, making it suitable for low-risk workplaces. In contrast, FAW is a more comprehensive three-day qualification that covers all EFAW content plus a much wider range of injuries and medical conditions, including fractures, burns, head and spinal injuries, and serious illnesses. FAW is typically required in higher-risk environments or where first aiders are expected to take a more active role in ongoing casualty care. Both qualifications are valid for three years.
What is the difference between Paediatric First Aid (PFA) and Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA)?
The difference between RLSS Paediatric First Aid (PFA) and RLSS Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) lies in the depth of training and the childcare requirements they meet. EPFA is a shorter 1-day course and focuses on essential emergency skills such as CPR for infants and children, dealing with choking, shock and basic incident management, making it suitable for those who only need to respond to immediate emergencies. In contrast, PFA is a more in-depth 2-day course covering all EPFA content plus a wider range of childhood illnesses and injuries, including allergic reactions, asthma, fractures, burns. PFA is often required for those working in early years and childcare settings, as it meets Ofsted and EYFS requirements, while EPFA is more appropriate for lower-risk roles or support staff.
What is the Difference in the 3 Mental First Aid Courses?
The Level 1 Award in Introduction to Mental Health in the Workplace is a basic awareness course that helps learners understand what mental health is, challenge stigma, and recognise common conditions, making it suitable for anyone wanting a general introduction. The Level 2 Award in Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace goes a step further by exploring mental health conditions in more detail, the impact of work on mental wellbeing, and how employers and employees can support positive mental health, making it ideal for staff with additional responsibility or interest in wellbeing. The Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace is the most advanced qualification and equips learners to act as a Mental Health First Aider, providing practical skills to recognise mental ill health, offer initial support, and guide individuals towards professional help, making it suitable for supervisors, managers, or designated wellbeing leads.