When it comes to safeguarding the well-being of employees and creating a secure workplace, first aid training plays a pivotal role. However, navigating the array of available courses can be confusing. So let us clarify the difference between Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) courses and First Aid at Work (FAW) courses, helping you make an informed decision that suits your organisation’s needs and legal requirements.
Understanding Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Courses
The Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course is designed to provide essential life-saving skills for employees in low-risk work environments. This one-day training equips participants to handle basic emergency situations until professional medical help arrives. EFAW courses typically cover the following topics:
- First Aid Basics: Recognising emergency situations, prioritising actions, and ensuring personal safety.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Learning how to perform CPR on adults, including chest compressions and rescue breaths.
- Choking Management: Techniques to assist a choking victim and clear their airway.
- Treating Wounds and Bleeding: Proper wound cleaning, dressing, and controlling bleeding.
- Dealing with Unconscious Casualties: Stabilising unconscious individuals and placing them in the recovery position.
Understanding First Aid at Work (FAW) Courses
The First Aid at Work (FAW) course is a more comprehensive training program tailored for higher-risk workplaces or those with a larger number of employees. FAW courses are usually conducted over three days, providing participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills for a wide range of medical emergencies. The FAW course includes everything covered in the EFAW course and adds:
- Fracture Management: Recognising fractures and providing appropriate support and immobilisation.
- Medical Conditions: Understanding common medical conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and seizures, and responding appropriately.
- Sudden Illness Management: Dealing with sudden illnesses such as diabetes-related emergencies.
- Additional CPR Techniques: Extending CPR knowledge to include child and infant CPR.
- Extended Practical Exercises: More hands-on practice in realistic scenarios, enhancing confidence in handling emergencies.
Choosing the Right Course for Your Workplace
Selecting the appropriate course depends on various factors, including the level of risk present in your workplace and the number of employees. Here’s a simple guide:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): Ideal for low-risk workplaces with a smaller staff size.
- First Aid at Work (FAW): Suitable for higher-risk environments and workplaces with a larger workforce.
Both Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW) courses are essential in promoting safety and preparedness. While EFAW provides basic life-saving skills, FAW offers a more comprehensive approach to handling a broader range of emergencies. By choosing the right course for your workplace, you ensure your employees are well-prepared to respond confidently in times of need.
At DBC Solutions LTD we offer tailored first aid training solutions to meet the specific needs of your organisation. Empower your workforce with the right training, and together, let’s create a safer and more resilient workplace.
See all of our up coming course here or contact us for more information.