Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): The Complete Glasgow Guide

When entering the workforce in Glasgow, particularly in public-facing roles like security, hospitality, or retail, ensuring the safety of those around you is a legal and moral responsibility. The Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate is the foundation of workplace safety.

This guide breaks down exactly what the EFAW qualification is, who needs it, and what you can expect when taking the course in Glasgow.

1. What is the EFAW Certificate?

The Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification is a 1-day, nationally recognized training program designed to equip individuals with the skills to handle emergency situations in low-risk workplace environments.

It ensures that your workplace complies with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, which mandates that employers must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.

2. Who Legally Requires This Training in Glasgow?

While many individuals take the course to boost their employability, for certain sectors, the EFAW certificate is a strict legal requirement.

Security Professionals (SIA Requirement)

If you are applying for a new Door Supervisor or Security Guard licence—or renewing an existing one—the Security Industry Authority (SIA) now mandates that you must hold a valid EFAW certificate before you can attend your security training. This is a non-negotiable requirement across the UK.

Low-Risk Businesses

For businesses operating in low-risk environments such as offices, retail shops on Buchanan Street, or cafes in the West End, the HSE requires a designated number of staff to be EFAW trained. The exact number depends on the size of your workforce, but having at least one certified first aider is the standard baseline for small teams.

Construction and High-Risk Sites

While high-risk environments like construction sites usually require the more comprehensive 3-day First Aid at Work (FAW) certificate, many subcontractors and site visitors are still required to hold a basic EFAW qualification to gain site access.

3. What Does the 1-Day Course Cover?

Our Highfield-accredited EFAW course at Instant Services is designed to be highly practical. You won't just sit in a classroom reading a textbook; you will participate in hands-on scenarios using modern training equipment.

The syllabus covers:

• Understanding the role of the first aider: Legal frameworks, reporting (RIDDOR), and equipment safety.
• Assessing an incident: Safely approaching a casualty and assessing for danger.
• Managing an unresponsive casualty: CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) techniques and the safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
• Choking: How to respond to partial and complete airway obstructions.
• Wounds and Bleeding: Techniques for controlling severe bleeding and managing shock.
• Minor Injuries: Treating small cuts, grazes, bruises, minor burns, and scalds.

4. Validity and Renewal

Once you successfully complete the multiple-choice exam and practical assessments, your EFAW certificate is valid for 3 years.

However, because first aid protocols are periodically updated by medical bodies, the HSE strongly recommends that first aiders complete an annual refresher course to keep their skills sharp.

Before your 3-year certificate expires, you must retake the 1-day EFAW course to remain legally qualified. If you are an SIA licence holder, you must ensure your first aid certificate is valid before booking your mandatory SIA Top-Up Refresher training.