Essential Emergency Skills: QualCert Level 3 EFAW Award
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a specialized certification designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to handle workplace medical emergencies effectively. This course focuses on essential first aid techniques, including CPR, treatment of choking, bleeding control, burns, and other common workplace injuries. By combining theory with hands-on practical sessions, learners develop the confidence to respond quickly and efficiently in critical situations, ensuring the safety of colleagues and maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations.
This qualification is ideal for workplace first aiders, supervisors, safety officers, and employees responsible for emergency response within their organization. Participants gain a thorough understanding of emergency procedures, risk assessment, and how to manage incidents until professional medical help arrives. The training emphasizes real-life simulations and practical exercises, allowing learners to apply their skills in realistic scenarios and build the competence required for effective workplace emergency management.
By completing the QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), participants enhance their ability to save lives and reduce the severity of injuries in workplace emergencies. This certification not only improves personal confidence but also contributes to a safer and more prepared work environment, meeting international standards for workplace first aid.
Program Framework
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), offers 6 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 30 hours, including 18 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC14017-1 | Roles and Responsibilities of an Emergency First Aider | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14017-2 | Assessing Incidents and Ensuring Scene Safety | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14017-3 | Managing Unresponsive Casualties and CPR | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14017-4 | Dealing with Choking, Seizures and Shock | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14017-5 | Controlling Bleeding and Managing Minor Injuries | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14017-6 | Use of AED, Record Keeping and Post-Incident Procedures | 1 | 3 | 5 |
Eligibility Criteria
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is designed for individuals who want to gain essential first aid skills and confidently handle workplace emergencies. To ensure participants are fully prepared, the following entry requirements apply:
- Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 16 years old (or meet local workplace training regulations).
- Educational Background: Basic literacy and comprehension skills are required to understand course materials and complete assessments.
- Experience: No prior first aid experience is mandatory, although familiarity with workplace safety procedures is advantageous.
- Language Proficiency: Candidates should have sufficient English proficiency to follow instructions, read course content, and actively engage in practical sessions.
Proficiency Targets
Roles and Responsibilities of an Emergency First Aider
- Understand legal duties under UK Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
- Maintain confidentiality and act within competence limits
- Understand infection prevention, personal safety, and consent principles
- Effective communication in emergency situations
Assessing Incidents and Ensuring Scene Safety
- Conduct primary assessments using the DRABC model
- Identify hazards, assess risks, and prioritise casualties
- Evaluate the situation and summon appropriate help
- Maintain scene safety for self, casualty, and others
Managing Unresponsive Casualties and CPR
- Assess and manage breathing and non-breathing casualties
- Place a breathing casualty in the recovery position
- Deliver CPR for adults following Resuscitation Council UK guidelines
- Recognise signs of cardiac arrest and sudden collapse
Dealing with Choking, Seizures and Shock
- Identify and treat mild and severe choking in adults
- Recognise and manage seizures (epileptic and non-epileptic)
- Understand hypovolaemic and anaphylactic shock
- Administer first aid for responsive and unresponsive casualties
Controlling Bleeding and Managing Minor Injuries
- Identify types of external bleeding and apply pressure effectively
- Recognise internal bleeding indicators
- Treat cuts, grazes, bruises, burns and scalds
- Understand first aid for nosebleeds, splinters, and eye injuries
Use of AED, Record Keeping and Post-Incident Procedures
- Understand and demonstrate safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Know when and how to deploy AED with CPR
- Record incident details accurately and report to designated persons
- Post-incident responsibilities: emotional support, equipment checks, and restocking
Ideal Participants
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is designed for individuals who require practical and effective first aid skills to respond to workplace emergencies. This course is particularly suitable for:
- Employees in low-risk work environments such as offices, retail stores, schools, and hospitality venues where minimal first aid cover is needed
- Employers and managers seeking to meet Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements for workplace first aid provision
- Self-employed individuals who are responsible for their own health and safety and wish to be prepared for emergencies
- Volunteers and community workers involved in events or activities where first aid may be required
- New starters and existing staff who want to develop or refresh their emergency first aid knowledge and skills
- Anyone interested in gaining essential life-saving skills to respond confidently in an emergency until professional help arrives
This qualification is ideal for those seeking a practical, accessible, and nationally recognised first aid qualification that can be completed within one or two days, providing a solid foundation in emergency first aid.
Assessment and Verification
Assessment Framework :
The qualification is assessed through a structured Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ)–based examination, designed to measure both theoretical understanding and practical application of knowledge. Key features of the assessment framework include:
- Evidence-Based Assessment:
MCQs are developed using industry-aligned standards to ensure the assessment reflects real-world competencies and current professional practices. - Structured Examination Format:
The exam consists of scenario-based and knowledge-based MCQs, requiring learners to demonstrate critical thinking and subject mastery. - Performance Threshold:
Learners must obtain a minimum score of 70% to successfully complete the qualification. This benchmark ensures that every certified learner meets QualCert’s required level of competence. - Assessment Integrity:
All assessments are conducted under controlled, secure conditions at approved training centres to maintain fairness, consistency, and integrity.
Quality Assurance & Verification :
QualCert applies a comprehensive, multi-layered quality assurance system to uphold international standards and ensure the reliability of all assessment outcomes.
1. Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
Conducted by the approved training centre:
- Assessment Review:
Centre-approved Assessors and Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) review learner evidence, scoring accuracy, and compliance with assessment criteria. - Standardisation Activities:
Regular standardisation meetings are conducted within centres to ensure consistent marking practices across all assessors. - Continuous Improvement:
IQAs provide feedback to Assessors to enhance assessment delivery, marking reliability, and learner support.
2. External Quality Assurance (EQA)
Conducted by QualCert:
- Independent Verification:
QualCert External Quality Assurers review a sample of learner assessments to confirm accuracy, consistency, and compliance with QualCert and regulatory standards. - Centre Compliance Audits:
EQAs examine centre procedures, assessor qualifications, assessment environments, and record-keeping to ensure full adherence to quality assurance policies. - Quality and Standards Validation:
EQAs verify that assessment decisions are fair, valid, reliable, and aligned with national and international benchmarks. - Final Approval:
Once the EQA is satisfied that all quality standards have been met, the centre’s results are approved, and QualCert officially releases the certification to the learner.
QualCert delivers all qualifications exclusively through its global network of officially approved training centres.
For registration, guidance, or programme details, please contact your nearest approved training centre.