First Aid Courses: Which One Do You Need?

Why First Aid Training Is Worth Doing

Accidents and medical emergencies don't warn you in advance — whether you're at home, work, school, or out in a public place. During those initial few minutes before the emergency services arrive, being able to act quickly can make all the difference.

First aid training is not reserved for paramedics or health professionals. It's quick, useful, life-saving skills that anyone can pick up. Confidence to act quickly and appropriately can prevent a situation from worsening, reduce someone's pain, or even save their life.

Whatever you're dealing with – whether it's a colleague who's fainted, a child who's choking, or a person who's in cardiac arrest – having the right knowledge puts you in the headspace when it counts most.

Types of First Aid Courses Offered

Not all courses teach the same things. The training best for you will depend upon where you work, whom you care for, and how much responsibility you'll have in an emergency.

This is a breakdown of the most frequent types:

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

This single-day course teaches the minimum basics and is aimed at low-risk environments like offices, shops, and schools. Subjects typically cover

• CPR and the operation of an AED (defibrillator)

• First aid for unconscious casualties

• Handling bleeding, burns, and choking

• Handling shock and minor injuries

It's perfect if your job requires basic first aid cover or you're seeking overall first aid skills to use in the home or public places.

First Aid at Work (FAW)

This is a more comprehensive three-day course, appropriate for medium to high-hazard environments like construction sites, factories, warehouses, or offices where employees work around machinery or hazardous substances.

It covers all the EFAW material, as well as some extra topics including:

• Head injuries and spinal injuries

• Eye injuries and chemical burns

• Asthma and allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

• Dealing with diabetes, strokes, and fits

• Observing and recording patient details

Employers are legally required to provide this level of cover in workplaces where the risk assessment identifies a higher likelihood of serious incidents.

Paediatric First Aid

This two-day course focuses on babies and children under the age of 16. It’s a legal requirement for registered childminders, early years staff, and anyone working in a nursery or primary school setting.

You’ll cover:

• CPR for infants and children

• Managing choking, fever, and febrile seizures

• Treating bumps, cuts, bruising and burning

• Identifying meningitis, asthma, and allergic reactions

• Making children safe in the event of emergencies

Grandparents, parents, and babysitters can also do this course — even if it's not a job need, it provides reassurance when looking after young children.

Outdoor or Sports First Aid

This course is designed for individuals who work or engage in activities in the wilderness, where assistance might not be readily available. It's especially helpful for:

• Hikers, mountaineers, and outdoor guides

• Physical education teachers and sports coaches

• Scouts, tour guides, and event planners

It covers the treatment of injuries when emergency assistance may be hours away, including broken bones, sprains, hypothermia, dehydration, and wound dressings. You'll also learn about planning for incidents and communication when off the grid.

How First Aid Training Is Delivered

The majority of courses are a combination of lectures and practice exercises. You'll observe demonstrations, participate in role-playing situations, and practice skills such as CPR on mannequins.

There's often a brief written or verbal test at the end, and successful participants are awarded a certificate that lasts for three years.

Blended learning is provided by some providers, where theory is undertaken online and practical training is carried out in person. This can be a convenient option for individuals with busy lifestyles or workplace limitations.

Courses are offered across the country through:

• St John Ambulance

• British Red Cross

• Local colleges and training centres

• Private first aid training companies

Some organisations organise on-site training, particularly for those in the retail, hospitality, construction or education sectors.

Legal and Workplace Requirements

There isn't a catch-all law that dictates the number of staff that need to be trained, but the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 do state that all employers must:

• Conduct a first aid needs assessment

• Have suitable and sufficient equipment, facilities, and people

• Ensure the appointed persons or trained first aiders are present where required

The quantity and classification of trained personnel vary according to workplace size, kind of work, and number of people present. A low-risk office might have just one EFAW-trained member of staff. A building site or factory floor might require several FAW-trained staff per shift. If you work in regulated childcare environments, Paediatric First Aid is typically statutory.

It's also advised that companies review their first aid arrangements regularly — particularly if numbers increase or the work nature changes.

Why First Aid Training Is Worth Updating

Even if you trained years ago, methods, equipment and official guidance evolve over time. Refresher training or renewing your skills every three years means you're applying the current best practices.

You may also consider renewing your training if:

• Your workplace has changed roles or structure

• You’ve taken on new responsibilities (e.g. working with children)

• You haven’t used your skills in a while and feel out of practice

Final Thoughts

First aid training is a time investment of mere minutes that can have a giant impact. It helps to make your home, community or workplace safer — and it may provide the knowledge to make a life-saving response when no other person can intervene.

Whether you're an employer, parent, volunteer or simply someone who wants to be ready, there's a Newcastle FIrst Aid Courses to suit your needs — and loads of good reasons to get trained.

I am a passionate freelance writer and dedicated blogger with a deep love for the written word. With 10 years of experience in the world of writing, I have honed my craft to craft engaging, informative, and thought-provoking content.