First Aid at Work (Blended)

Course Overview

The First Aid at Work qualification is the right qualification for higher-risk workplaces, larger organisations, and settings where a full first aid competency is required following a first aid needs assessment. The challenge for many organisations is not whether their staff need it. It is finding a way to deliver it without pulling key people out of operation for three consecutive days.

The First Aid at Work Blended course solves that problem. It combines approximately six hours of structured online theory, completed at each learner’s own pace before attending, with two days of face-to-face practical training and assessment. The two face-to-face days do not need to be consecutive, giving organisations an additional layer of scheduling flexibility that the traditional three-day course cannot offer. The qualification at the end is identical.

For care providers, construction firms, schools, and any organisation where operational cover is a genuine constraint, this route makes the full First Aid at Work qualification achievable without the disruption of three consecutive days away from the floor.

The online element is not a shortcut. It includes multiple-choice assessments within the learning platform, and learners must complete it in full before attending the face-to-face sessions. They arrive having already demonstrated understanding of the theory, which means the two practical days can focus entirely on hands-on skill development, scenario work, and competency assessment, where the learning that saves lives actually happens.

This course meets the requirements of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and the HSE Approved Code of Practice L74. It reflects the Resuscitation Council UK 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines.

Course Details

  • Duration: Approximately 6 hours online theory, completed before attending, plus 2 days face-to-face practical training and assessment
  • The two face-to-face days do not need to be consecutive
  • Delivery: Blended. Online theory via a learning platform, face-to-face practical at your venue
  • Certificate: Accredited First Aid at Work certificate
  • Awarding organisations: Worksafe, FAIB. Highfield and Nuco are available on request
  • Validity: 3 years. Annual refresher strongly recommended
  • Group size: Up to 12 learners per trainer

Who This Course Is For

This course is right for organisations whose first aid needs assessment identifies the requirement for fully qualified workplace first aiders, but where releasing staff for three consecutive days creates operational difficulty. That includes:

  • Care providers and healthcare settings where shift patterns and staffing ratios make three consecutive days away from the floor difficult to manage
  • Construction, manufacturing, engineering, and logistics environments where operational cover cannot be maintained with key staff absent
  • Schools, colleges, and nurseries working around term timetables and staffing constraints
  • Hospitality, retail, and event venues where peak periods or rota patterns restrict availability
  • Office-based and professional services organisations that want scheduling flexibility without compromising the qualification standard

The blended route is not a lighter version of the qualification. It is a more flexible route to the same outcome. If your workplace needs First Aid at Work, this course delivers it.

Why This First Aid at Work (Blended) Training Matters

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, every employer has a legal duty to make adequate and appropriate first aid provision for their employees. The HSE Approved Code of Practice L74 requires employers to carry out a first aid needs assessment and appoint suitably trained first aiders based on the outcome. For higher-risk environments or larger workforces, that means first aiders holding the full First Aid at Work qualification.

The Resuscitation Council UK 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines reflect the most current international evidence on basic life support, defibrillation, and first aid. Every element of this course is built around them. A workplace first aider working to outdated guidance, or one whose practical skills have not been properly assessed, is not meeting the standard the law and their employer require.

One question buyers ask directly about the blended route is whether it genuinely meets HSE requirements. It does, and the reason is straightforward. The HSE’s position is clear that practical first aid competencies must be physically assessed. Online-only training does not meet that requirement, regardless of how thorough the theory content is. This course is not online-only. The face-to-face practical element is mandatory, runs across two full days, and includes continuous competency assessment by a qualified instructor. Learners who have not completed the online module cannot attend the face-to-face sessions. The qualification is awarded only when both elements have been completed, and all practical competencies have been assessed and passed. That is what makes this route compliant, where online-only is not.

For further details on the HSE’s compliance position on first aid training formats, our blog on why online-only first aid training is not compliant covers it in full.

Do You Need FAW or EFAW?

Before booking any first aid course, employers must carry out a first aid needs assessment. This is a legal requirement, and it determines which level of qualification is appropriate for your workplace.

First Aid at Work is appropriate for higher-risk environments, larger workforces, and settings where the hazard profile demands a wider clinical range and greater competence. Emergency First Aid at Work is appropriate for lower to medium risk environments.

Our Workplace First Aid UK Guide covers the needs assessment process in detail. Our EFAW vs FAW comparison explains the specific differences between the two qualifications. You can also read our guide on how to verify a first aid training provider before booking with anyone.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

  • Conduct a structured primary survey and systematically assess a casualty
  • Manage an unresponsive casualty
  • Perform adult CPR to the current standard
  • Use an Automated External Defibrillator safely and confidently, including correct pad placement
  • Recognise the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack and respond appropriately
  • Manage choking in adults
  • Control severe and catastrophic bleeding and manage shock
  • Provide first aid for burns, scalds, and eye injuries
  • Assess and manage fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries
  • Recognise and respond to head, spinal, and chest injuries
  • Respond to seizures, asthma attacks, and diabetic emergencies
  • Recognise signs of stroke and anaphylaxis and respond appropriately
  • Manage poisoning and minor injuries
  • Record and report incidents accurately, including awareness of RIDDOR reporting obligations
  • Understand the legal role and responsibilities of a designated workplace first aider

Course Content

Online theory module (completed before attending):

  • The role and legal responsibilities of a workplace first aider
  • Incident management and scene safety
  • How the body responds to illness and injury
  • Medical emergencies: heart attack, stroke, seizures, asthma, diabetic emergencies, anaphylaxis, and poisoning
  • Trauma: bleeding, shock, burns, fractures, head and spinal injuries
  • Accident reporting, documentation, and RIDDOR awareness
  • Multiple-choice assessment within the learning platform

Face-to-face practical sessions (two days):

  • Primary survey and recovery position
  • Adult CPR: technique, rate, depth, and ratio
  • AED use, including correct pad placement
  • Choking: partial and complete obstruction
  • Severe bleeding and wound management
  • Shock management
  • Burns, scalds, and minor injuries
  • Fractures and soft tissue injuries
  • Head, spinal, and chest injury management
  • Scenario-based casualty simulations
  • Continuous practical competency assessment throughout both days
  • Written multiple-choice assessment

How the Course Is Delivered

Step 1: Online theory Learners access the online module through our learning platform and complete approximately six hours of theory at their own pace. The module includes multiple-choice assessments throughout. Completion of the online element is mandatory before learners can attend the face-to-face sessions. This is not a formality. It ensures every learner arrives at the practical days with the theoretical foundation they need to get the most from hands-on training.

Step 2: Face-to-face practical training Two days of instructor-led, practical, scenario-based training and assessment delivered at your workplace or chosen venue. Group sizes are capped at 12 to ensure every learner receives sufficient hands-on time and individual feedback. The two days do not need to be consecutive, giving organisations additional flexibility to work around operational demands.

Step 3: Assessment and certification. Assessment is continuous throughout the practical days, covering technique, decision-making, and scenario response. A written multiple-choice exam is also completed during the face-to-face element. The First Aid at Work certificate is awarded on successful completion of both the online and practical elements.

All content is delivered by experienced Prima Cura Training instructors whose practice is regularly reviewed. Every trainer holds an Enhanced DBS certificate.

Certification and Validity

On successful completion, learners receive an accredited First Aid at Work certificate valid for 3 years, delivered through Worksafe or FAIB. Highfield and Nuco are available on request.

Annual refresher training is strongly recommended by the HSE to maintain practical confidence and skill retention between full qualification cycles. Our Basic Life Support and AED Training course provides a focused annual skills update for FAW-qualified staff.

Requalification is required before the certificate expires to maintain FAW status. See our First Aid at Work Requalification course for details.

In-House and Bespoke Training

Every course is built around your organisation, your risk profile, and the specific emergencies your first aiders are most likely to face.

We can tailor delivery to include:

  • Workplace-specific scenarios reflecting the real hazards and emergencies most relevant to your sector
  • Your internal accident reporting systems and RIDDOR obligations
  • Industry-specific injury focus relevant to your environment
  • Integration with your health and safety policy and emergency response documentation
  • Scheduling of the two face-to-face days to suit your operational requirements, including non-consecutive delivery

Further Reading

Before booking, these resources will help you make the right decision:

Course Location and Service Areas

We deliver in-house training at your workplace or chosen venue across Manchester, Greater Manchester, and the wider North West. We also deliver nationally across England, including North England, South England, London, and Surrey.

All sessions are led by experienced Prima Cura Training instructors. Group sizes are capped at 12 per trainer. Every trainer holds an Enhanced DBS certificate.

FAQs

Is blended First Aid at Work training HSE compliant?

Yes. When delivered correctly, blended learning meets the requirements of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and HSE L74. The key requirement is that practical competencies must be physically assessed by a qualified instructor. This course meets that requirement. The face-to-face element is mandatory, runs across two full days, and includes continuous practical assessment. Learners who have not completed the online module cannot attend. The certificate is awarded only when both elements have been completed and all practical competencies have been passed. That is what distinguishes this route from online-only training, which does not meet HSE requirements.

Is the qualification the same as the three-day course?

Yes. Learners receive the same accredited First Aid at Work certificate, valid for three years, regardless of whether they completed the standard three-day course or the blended route. The qualification is identical. The route is different.

Do the two face-to-face days need to be consecutive?

No. The two practical days can be scheduled on separate dates to suit your operational requirements. This gives organisations significantly more flexibility than the traditional three-day format, which must be delivered consecutively. If you have specific scheduling constraints, discuss them with us when you enquire, and we will work out a practical approach.

Must learners complete the online module before attending?

Yes, without exception. The online module, including the multiple-choice assessments within the learning platform, must be completed in full before learners can attend the face-to-face sessions. This is not optional, and it is not a formality. Learners who have not completed the online element will not be admitted to the practical training.

Is there a written exam?

Yes. Assessment combines a written multiple-choice exam during the face-to-face element with continuous competency-based practical assessment across both days. Both must be passed for the certificate to be awarded.

Related Courses

Book or Enquire

To book the First Aid at Work Blended course or request a quote for your team, use the enquiry form on this page or contact us directly. If you want to discuss scheduling the two face-to-face days around your operational requirements, or whether the blended or standard route is the better fit for your organisation, get in touch, and we will help you work it out.

Our Commitment to Quality and Compliance

At Prima Cura Training, all courses reflect current UK guidance and best practice.

All trainers are experienced professionals with relevant qualifications and ongoing CPD. Because many of the organisations we support work with vulnerable individuals, all trainers hold Enhanced DBS checks.

This course is reviewed against updates from the Resuscitation Council UK, the Health and Safety Executive, and current UK health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. All content reflects the Resuscitation Council UK 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines.

You can read more on our Quality Assurance and Compliance page.

Reviewed by Stephanie Austin, Owner and Lead Trainer, Prima Cura Training | 25+ years in health and social care | 15+ years as a trainer | Last reviewed: April 2026 | Next review: April 2027

This page is for general guidance only and reflects current UK health and safety legislation, HSE guidance, and Resuscitation Council UK 2025 guidelines at the date of review. It does not constitute legal advice. Employers remain legally responsible for carrying out a first aid needs assessment, determining the appropriate level of first aid provision for their workplace, and ensuring their arrangements comply with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and the Approved Code of Practice L74. The First Aid at Work Blended qualification is appropriate where a first aid needs assessment determines that the full First Aid at Work qualification is required. The online component of this course does not constitute standalone first aid training and does not independently satisfy any legal first aid obligation.

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