Accidents and medical emergencies can happen in any workplace, from offices and shops to warehouses, schools, construction sites and manufacturing environments. When they do, having the right people trained in first aid can make a real difference.
One of the most common questions employers ask is:
Who needs first aid training at work?
The answer is not always “everyone”, and it is not always “just one person”. Employers should assess their workplace, consider the risks involved and make suitable first aid arrangements for their team.
In this guide, we explain who may need first aid training, how a first aid needs assessment helps employers decide, and how to choose between Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work training.
Table of Contents
Is First Aid Training a Legal Requirement?
What Is a First Aid Needs Assessment?
Who Should Receive First Aid Training at Work?
How Many First Aiders Does a Business Need?
Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work?
Do Appointed Persons Need First Aid Training?
Can You Train More First Aiders Than Required?
When Should First Aid Provision Be Reviewed?
About Ouch Learning & Development
Is First Aid Training a Legal Requirement?
UK employers have duties under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 to make appropriate first aid arrangements for employees.
In practical terms, this means employers should consider:
- Suitable first aid equipment
- An appointed person or trained first aider
- Information for employees about first aid arrangements
- First aid provision that reflects the risks in the workplace
- Cover for different shifts, sites and working patterns
There is no fixed number of first aiders that applies to every business. A small office, a busy kitchen and a construction site will all have different first aid needs.
That is why employers should use a first aid needs assessment to decide what level of first aid provision is appropriate.
What Is a First Aid Needs Assessment?
A first aid needs assessment helps employers decide what first aid arrangements are suitable for their workplace.
It should consider factors such as:
- The type of work being carried out
- The hazards and level of risk involved
- The number of employees
- Shift patterns and working hours
- Lone workers, remote workers or travelling employees
- Previous accident history
- The size and layout of the workplace
- How close the site is to emergency medical services
- Visitors, customers or members of the public who may be affected
For example, a low-risk office with a small team will usually need different arrangements from a manufacturing business with machinery, shift work and multiple departments.
Employers should also review their first aid arrangements when circumstances change, such as taking on more staff, moving premises, introducing new equipment or changing working patterns.
Who Should Receive First Aid Training at Work?
Not every employee needs to become a qualified first aider. However, employers should make sure there are enough suitable people available to provide first aid support whenever employees are working.
Common people selected for first aid training include:
Designated First Aiders
Designated first aiders are employees chosen to provide first aid support in the workplace.
They should complete training that is appropriate for the risks identified in the employer’s first aid needs assessment. This may include Emergency First Aid at Work, First Aid at Work or another suitable level of training.
Supervisors and Managers
Supervisors and managers are often involved in coordinating workplace incidents, communicating with employees and supporting emergency procedures.
They may not always need to be first aiders, but in some workplaces it can be useful for managers or supervisors to receive first aid training, especially if they are regularly responsible for teams, shifts or higher-risk activities.
Health and Safety Representatives
Employees involved in health and safety often benefit from first aid training because it supports their wider understanding of risk, emergency planning and workplace safety.
This can be particularly useful in businesses where one person looks after several areas of compliance or site safety.
Employees in Higher-Risk Roles
Some workplaces have a greater likelihood of injury because of the nature of the work.
Examples may include:
- Construction
- Warehousing
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Maintenance work
- Hospitality kitchens
- Outdoor or remote work
Where risks are higher, employers may need more trained first aiders or a more comprehensive level of first aid training.
Employees Working Across Different Shifts
First aid cover should not only be available during standard office hours.
If your business operates evenings, weekends, early mornings or night shifts, you should consider whether trained first aiders or appointed persons are available whenever employees are working.
It is also sensible to plan for sickness absence, annual leave and busy periods so your first aid arrangements do not rely too heavily on one person.
How Many First Aiders Does a Business Need?
There is no universal answer.
The number of first aiders a business needs depends on the findings of its first aid needs assessment.
Factors that may affect the number include:
- How many people work in the business
- The level of workplace risk
- Whether work takes place across multiple sites
- Whether staff work alone or remotely
- Shift patterns and opening hours
- The layout of the building
- How quickly emergency services can access the site
- Whether customers, visitors or the public are present
A small low-risk office may only need basic first aid arrangements, while a larger or higher-risk workplace may need several trained first aiders to provide suitable cover.
Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work?
Once you know who needs training, the next step is choosing the right course.
The right option depends on your first aid needs assessment, the level of risk in your workplace and the responsibilities you expect your first aiders to take on.
Emergency First Aid at Work
Emergency First Aid at Work, often called EFAW, is usually suitable for many lower-risk workplaces.
It is designed to give learners the essential skills to respond to common workplace emergencies until professional medical help arrives.
This may include topics such as:
- The role of a first aider
- Assessing an incident
- CPR
- Recovery position
- Choking
- External bleeding
- Shock
- Burns and scalds
- Minor injuries
For many offices, shops and smaller lower-risk workplaces, Emergency First Aid at Work may be an appropriate starting point.
First Aid at Work
First Aid at Work, often called FAW, is a more comprehensive qualification.
It is generally more suitable for higher-risk workplaces, larger teams or organisations with more complex first aid needs.
First Aid at Work usually covers a wider range of injuries and illnesses, such as:
- Injuries to bones, muscles and joints
- Head, chest and spinal injuries
- Eye injuries
- Poisoning
- Anaphylaxis
- Major illnesses such as heart attack and stroke
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
If your workplace has higher risks, more employees or greater first aid responsibilities, First Aid at Work may be more appropriate than Emergency First Aid at Work.
Do Appointed Persons Need First Aid Training?
An appointed person is someone responsible for taking charge of first aid arrangements. This can include looking after first aid equipment and calling the emergency services when required.
An appointed person is not the same as a trained first aider and should not provide first aid beyond their training and competence.
In some lower-risk workplaces, an appointed person may be enough if the first aid needs assessment shows a trained first aider is not required. However, many employers still choose to arrange Emergency First Aid at Work training for extra confidence and resilience.
Can You Train More First Aiders Than Required?
Yes. Many employers choose to train more people than the minimum suggested by their assessment.
This can help provide better cover during:
- Annual leave
- Sickness absence
- Shift changes
- Busy periods
- Staff turnover
- Work across multiple areas or departments
Training additional first aiders can also improve confidence across the team and reduce the risk of disruption if one person is unavailable.
When Should First Aid Provision Be Reviewed?
First aid provision should not be treated as a one-off task.
Employers should review their arrangements when there are significant changes, such as:
- Recruiting more employees
- Moving or expanding premises
- Introducing new equipment or machinery
- Changing working hours or shift patterns
- Taking on higher-risk work
- Increasing visitor or customer numbers
- Following a serious incident or near miss
Regular reviews help make sure your first aid arrangements remain suitable as your business changes.
About Ouch Learning & Development
Ouch Learning & Development helps Dorset businesses arrange practical, accredited first aid training with minimal disruption to the working day.
Our first aid courses include:
We support busy teams with clear course information, straightforward booking and local training options designed around real workplace pressures.
Whether you are training your first workplace first aider or renewing existing qualifications, Ouch can help you choose a suitable course based on your first aid needs assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs first aid training at work?
Employers should decide who needs first aid training by completing a first aid needs assessment. The right people and level of training will depend on workplace risks, staff numbers, working patterns and the type of work being carried out.
Does every employee need first aid training?
No. Not every employee needs to become a qualified first aider. Employers should make sure they have suitable first aid arrangements and enough trained people or appointed persons available when employees are working.
How many first aiders should a business have?
There is no fixed number that applies to every workplace. The number of first aiders should be based on the employer’s first aid needs assessment.
What is the difference between Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work?
Emergency First Aid at Work is usually suitable for many lower-risk workplaces and covers essential emergency response skills. First Aid at Work is more comprehensive and is often more suitable for higher-risk workplaces or organisations with more complex first aid needs.
Do appointed persons need first aid training?
Appointed persons do not need formal first aid training to carry out their appointed person role. However, they are not first aiders and should not provide first aid beyond their training and competence.
How often should first aiders renew their training?
First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work certificates are typically valid for three years. Employers should arrange requalification before certificates expire, and regular refresher training is recommended to help first aiders maintain confidence and skills.
Need Help Choosing the Right First Aid Course?
Not sure whether your Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole or Wimborne team needs Emergency First Aid at Work, First Aid at Work or requalification training?
Contact Ouch Learning & Development and we’ll help you choose a suitable training option for your workplace, team size and level of risk.