In any workplace, accidents and health emergencies can occur without warning. Having trained staff who can respond swiftly and competently in those critical first moments is not only a legal requirement in many sectors, but also a vital part of maintaining a safe and responsible working environment. The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a practical, recognised qualification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to deal with a range of common first aid situations.
This one-day course is suitable for low-risk workplaces or for individuals seeking essential first aid knowledge to meet health and safety requirements. It meets the standards outlined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and is ideal for employers who need to ensure compliance while empowering staff with lifesaving capabilities.
The Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work is a regulated qualification developed by QualCert, designed to equip learners with the basic skills required to respond effectively in emergency medical situations in the workplace.
It focuses on critical interventions such as CPR, handling unconscious casualties, managing wounds or bleeding, and recognising the signs of potentially life-threatening conditions. The qualification is recognised across the UK and is compliant with both national health and safety legislation and industry best practice.
QualCert is a UK-based awarding organisation known for delivering robust, regulated qualifications across the safety and compliance sectors. Their Emergency First Aid at Work course meets national standards and is delivered by approved training providers using high-quality resources and up-to-date curriculum content.
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work is an essential training solution that supports safer workplaces and saves lives. In just one day, learners gain the confidence and competence to handle real emergencies with professionalism and care. Whether you are an employer, team leader, or individual, this course is a straightforward yet powerful way to meet health and safety responsibilities while promoting a proactive safety culture in any setting.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW):
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 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW):
To enroll in the QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), following are requirement:
Minimum Age
- Candidates must be 16 years of age or older on the day of assessment.
- There is no upper age limit, provided the individual is physically capable of completing the required practical tasks.
Educational Background
- No formal academic qualifications are required for entry.
- A basic understanding of written and spoken English is recommended to support engagement with course materials and assessments.
Experience
- No prior first aid experience is required.
- The course is designed to suit both complete beginners and those refreshing or updating their skills.
- Learners must be physically able to:
- Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a manikin positioned on the floor
- Place a casualty into the recovery position
- Engage in practical first aid scenarios, including bandaging and wound management
Language Proficiency
- Learners must have a sufficient level of English to:
- Understand verbal and written instructions
- Communicate clearly in an emergency
- Complete written or oral assessments where applicable
- Accurately record incident details in first aid reports
Where English is not the learner’s first language, reasonable support may be provided by the training centre. However, the learner must still demonstrate effective communication skills essential for working in a health and safety critical role.
These requirements help ensure that all participants can meet the practical and theoretical demands of the course while maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Learning Outcomes of QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW):
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
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.