First Aid at Work (3-Day)
Course Overview
Our First Aid at Work (FAW) course is a comprehensive three-day qualification designed to meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. Delivery is fully in-line with the Approved Code of Practice L74.
It is the gold-standard workplace first aid qualification for higher-risk environments and larger organisations, and it gives designated first aiders the knowledge, confidence and practical competence to respond to a wide range of emergencies.
To increase flexibility, we also offer a blended learning option. This approach combines guided online learning with face-to-face practical training, allowing learners to complete theory at their own pace before developing hands-on skills with a qualified instructor.
Delivered by experienced instructors at Prima Cura Training, this course goes beyond “ticking a box.” We focus on clear decision-making, calm leadership and understanding the why behind first aid actions, so learners leave ready to act, not just pass an assessment.
This course follows current Resuscitation Council UK and HSE guidance.
Course Details
Duration: 3 days (18 hours)
Delivery: Face-to-face, practical and scenario-based
Certificate: Accredited First Aid at Work (FAW) Certificate
Validity: 3 years (annual refresher recommended)
Group Size: Up to 12 learners per course
Who the Course Is For
This course is suitable for:
- Higher-risk workplaces such as construction, manufacturing, engineering and logistics
- Schools, colleges and nurseries
- Care providers and healthcare settings
- Warehousing and distribution
- Hospitality and large event environments
- Organisations where risk assessment identifies the need for fully qualified first aiders
If you are unsure how many first aiders your organisation needs, we can guide you in line with HSE first aid needs assessment recommendations.
Why This Training Is Important
Accidents and sudden illness do not wait for convenience.
In higher-risk workplaces, injuries can be serious and fast-moving. Cardiac arrest, major bleeding, head injury, crush injuries, burns, seizures, asthma attacks or diabetic emergencies can happen without warning.
The right training means:
- Faster response times
- Reduced the severity of injury
- Increased survival chances in cardiac arrest
- Stronger legal compliance
- Greater staff confidence
Under the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations, employers must provide “adequate and appropriate” first aid provision. This course ensures your nominated first aiders meet that standard.
But beyond compliance, it is about protecting your people.
Three days off the job is small compared to the impact of being able to save a life.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Conduct a structured primary survey
- Assess and manage an unresponsive casualty
- Perform effective CPR on adults
- Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) safely
- Manage choking
- Control catastrophic and severe bleeding
- Recognise and treat shock
- Manage burns and scalds
- Fractures, dislocations and soft tissue injuries
- Recognise head, spinal and chest injuries
- Support a casualty experiencing a seizure
- Manage asthma and diabetic emergencies
- Recognise the signs of a heart attack and stroke
- Record and report incidents appropriately
- Understand their legal role and responsibilities as a workplace first aider
We teach decision-making, not just techniques. Learners practice realistic scenarios so they understand how to prioritise under pressure.
Course Content
Core modules include:
- The role and responsibilities of a first aider
- Incident management and scene safety
- Primary survey and recovery position
- Adult CPR and AED use
- Choking
- Wounds and bleeding (including severe bleeding)
- Shock
- Minor injuries (cuts, grazes, splinters)
- Burns and scalds
- Eye injuries
- Fractures and musculoskeletal injuries
- Head and spinal injury
- Chest injuries
- Seizures
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Poisoning
- Heart attack and stroke
- Anaphylaxis awareness
- Accident reporting and RIDDOR awareness
All practical elements are assessed to ensure competence.
How the Course Is Delivered
We deliver engaging, structured sessions that balance theory with hands-on practical learning.
Expect:
- Practical demonstrations
- Scenario-based learning
- Realistic casualty simulations
- Guided discussion
- Continuous assessment
We keep group sizes manageable so every learner receives individual feedback and hands-on practice.
All training aligns with current UK guidance, including Resuscitation Council UK guidelines and HSE recommendations.
Certification & Validity
Upon successful completion, learners receive a First Aid at Work certificate valid for three years.
We work with various Awarding Organisations, such as WorkSafe, FAIB, Nuco, RLSS, and others. If you have a prefence we will be happy to accommodate.
The HSE recommends annual refresher training to maintain confidence and competence. We offer an annual refresher option to support ongoing compliance.
Requalification is required every three years to maintain FAW status.
In-House & Bespoke Training
We specialise in delivering tailored, in-house first aid training.
Your course can include:
- Workplace-specific scenarios
- Industry-relevant injury focus
- Review of your accident reporting process
- Integration with your health and safety policy
For construction environments, care providers, schools or high-risk sectors, we adapt scenarios to reflect real-world risks your team may face.
Course Location & Service Areas
We deliver in-house training at your workplace or chosen venue, tailored to your needs and schedule. This flexible approach removes the need to send staff off-site for essential learning. Our experienced trainers deliver courses across Manchester and Greater Manchester, supporting organisations throughout the North West. We also provide on-site training throughout England, covering major cities, towns, and regions nationwide, including North England, South England, London, and Surrey. Wherever and however the training is delivered, all sessions are led by experienced Prima Cura Training instructors and meet the same high standards.
FAQs
Is this course HSE compliant?
Yes. This course meets the requirements of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
How many first aiders do we need?
This depends on your risk assessment, workforce size and nature of hazards. We are happy to provide guidance.
Is there an exam?
Yes. There is a multiple-choice assessment on day 3. Practical assessment is continuous throughout the three days, including demonstrations and knowledge checks.
What happens if someone fails?
We support learners throughout the course. If required, additional guidance and reassessment opportunities are discussed in line with awarding body standards.
Do you provide AED training within this course?
Yes. AED use is fully integrated into the FAW qualification.
Related Courses
- Emergency First Aid at Work (1 Day)
- First Aid at Work Requalification (2 Day)
- Paediatric First Aid (2 Day)
- Emergency First Aid with Life-Threatening Bleeding
- Annual First Aid Refresher Training
Book or Enquire
If you need fully compliant, practical and confidence-building first aid training for your team, get in touch.
We will help you determine the right level of provision based on your workplace risk profile and ensure your organisation meets its legal responsibilities while genuinely protecting staff wellbeing.
Because first aid is not just a certificate on a wall.
It is the difference between standing back and stepping forward when it matters most.