The difference between EFAW and FAW?

Understanding the Difference between EFAW and FAW: Your Guide to Essential First Aid Training

At Get Licensed, we understand that aspiring security professionals and employers in the UK seek clear and accessible information to sort out complex processes. You must understand the difference between FAW and EFAW. Both Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW) are essential first aid qualifications in the UK. However, they’re not just two ways to say the same thing. While they share a common goal of equipping individuals with lifesaving skills, they are designed for different scenarios, cover varied content, and come with their own specific training duration. Whether you’re an employer determining what kind of first aid cover you need for your workplace or someone looking to up-skill, understanding the difference between these two is crucial. In this blog, we will provide a detailed overview of the difference between Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW). Let’s learn!

EFAW, short for Emergency First Aid at Work 

It is a comprehensive training program designed to equip individuals with the necessary first aid skills to respond effectively in emergency situations. This emergency aid course suits low-risk workplaces, such as offices, retail environments, and other settings. In one day, EFAW covers essential topics like assessing an incident, CPR, choking, bleeding control, and managing minor injuries. Upon completion, participants receive a valid certificate, indicating their competency in providing emergency first aid.

FAW, or First Aid at Work

On the other hand, FAW is a more extensive training course specifically tailored to high-risk workplaces. Such environments may include construction sites, manufacturing facilities, or workplaces with more significant hazards. FAW gives individuals a deeper understanding of first aid techniques and enables them to handle various injuries and illnesses. The course typically takes three days, covering topics such as fractures, head injuries, burns, heart attacks, and more. Upon successful completion, participants receive a full FAW certificate valid for three years.

It’s important to note that both EFAW training and FAW courses provide crucial knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in the workplace. On the other hand, the level of training and the scope of topics covered differ between the two.

Key differences between EFAW and FAW

1. Course Duration:

• EFAW: This is a one-day training course.
• FAW: This course lasts three days.

2. Workplace Suitability:

• EFAW: It’s suitable for low-risk workplaces or workplaces with fewer employees. It’s also beneficial for people who just want to learn the basics of first aid for personal reasons.
• FAW: This is designed for workplaces that have a higher level of risk or where a workplace risk assessment identifies a need for more trained first-aiders due to the number of employees, type of work being done, or other related conditions.

3. Topics Covered:

• EFAW: The content is more basic and covers essential first aid skills, including CPR, helping someone choking, and dealing with minor injuries.
• FAW: This course is more comprehensive. In addition to covering everything in the EFAW, it also covers a wider range of first aid situations that might arise in the workplace, such as fractures, burns, poisonings, and eye injuries. 

      4. Certificate Validity:

• Both EFAW and FAW certifications are valid for three years. After this period, a re-qualification course is necessary.

Choose the right level of first aid training for your workplace:

By selecting the appropriate course, you ensure that you and your employees are properly prepared to handle emergency situations effectively. This not only promotes safety and compliance but also provides confidence in your ability to respond swiftly and appropriately in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, knowing the difference between EFAW and FAW is vital for those in the UK’s security sector. We’ve broken down the emergency first aid at work training course simply, helping you decide what’s best for your workplace. Whether it’s the full FAW, Get Licensed is here to guide you in ensuring safety. Remember, the right training not only boosts your professional credentials but also makes a real difference in emergency situations.

Remember, at Get Licensed, we prioritise your safety, compliance, and convenience. Choose the right first aid training in London, equip yourself with essential skills, and make a significant difference in any emergency situation.