It’s Not Just a Certificate. It’s Insurance.
Imagine this: A colleague collapses in the breakroom. Or a patron at your venue suffers a deep glass cut. The panic sets in. Everyone freezes. They look around for someone who knows what to do.
Are they looking at you?
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, every workplace in the UK—from a small coffee shop to a massive construction site—must have adequate first aid provision. But for you, it’s more than just a legal tick-box.
- For SIA Door Supervisors, it’s a mandatory license requirement.
- For Office Managers, it’s HSE compliance.
- For Parents, it’s peace of mind.
But with so many acronyms (EFAW, FAW, Paediatric), it’s easy to book the wrong one.
National Training GB offers a full suite of Ofqual-regulated Level 3 First Aid Courses. Whether you need the 1-Day emergency basics or the full 3-Day advanced qualification, we strip away the medical jargon and give you the practical skills to save a life when the clock is ticking.
Which Level 3 First Aid Course Do You Need?
The choice of the Level 3 First Aid course depends on your workplace risk level.
The “Risk Matrix”: Make the Right Choice
Booking the wrong course can leave your business non-compliant or your SIA license application rejected. Use this table to decide:
| Course Name | Duration | Best For… | SIA License Valid? |
| Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) | 1 Day | Offices, Retail, Security Guards, Low-risk sites. | ✅ Yes (Standard) |
| First Aid at Work (FAW) | 3 Days | Construction, Factories, Rail, Large Events. | ✅ Yes (Gold Standard) |
| Paediatric First Aid | 2 Days | Schools, Nurseries, Nannies, Childminders. | ❌ No |
Pro Tip: If you are an SIA Door Supervisor, the 1-Day EFAW is the minimum requirement. However, holding the 3-Day FAW makes you more attractive to premium employers (like Corporate Security or Close Protection) who pay higher rates.
1. Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – Level 3
The “Essential” Package
This is our most popular course. In just 6 hours, we transform you from a bystander into a First Responder. It covers the primary survey and immediate life-saving interventions.
What You Will Learn:
- The DRABC Protocol: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
- CPR & Defibrillator (AED): How to restart a heart. (Note: AED training is now standard in all our courses).
- Wounds & Bleeding: Treating minor cuts to severe bleeds.
- Choking: The Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts).
Perfect for: Renewal of SIA licenses, office staff, and shop workers.
2. First Aid at Work (FAW) – Level 3
The “Professional” Standard
This is for the “Chief First Aider.” If you work where accidents are likely (machinery, heights, chemicals), the HSE requires this deeper level of training. It covers everything in EFAW, plus the “Secondary Survey” (diagnosis).
Advanced Modules:
- Major Illness: Recognizing Heart Attacks, Strokes, Diabetes, and Epilepsy.
- Trauma: Managing Spinal injuries, Fractures (broken bones), and Chest injuries.
- Anaphylaxis: Managing severe allergic reactions.
- Eye Injuries: Irrigation and protection.
Perfect for: Construction site supervisors, factory floor managers, and Close Protection officers.
3. Paediatric First Aid – Level 3
The “Childcare” Requirement
Children aren’t just “small adults.” Their physiology is different.If you work with kids (or are a parent), you need specific training.This course meets Ofsted and EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) requirements.
Key Differences:
- CPR for Infants/Children: It’s different from adult CPR.
- Childhood Illnesses: Meningitis, Febrile Convulsions, and Sickle Cell.
- Choking: Techniques for babies vs. toddlers.
Perfect for: Nursery staff, teachers, and nannies.
The 2024/25 HSE Updates: Are You Up to Date?
First Aid changes. Techniques evolve.
At National Training GB, we teach the latest protocols including:
- Catastrophic Bleeding: New emphasis on using tourniquets and haemostatic dressings (crucial for security roles).
- Mental Health Awareness: Recognizing stress and trauma in the workplace (now a recommended part of the First Aid Needs Assessment).
Why Choose National Training GB?
We don’t just “play videos.” We make it real.
- SIA Bundle Deals: Need your Door Supervisor or Top-Up course too? Book them together with your First Aid and save money.
- No “Death by PowerPoint”: Our courses are 60% practical. You will be on the floor doing CPR, bandaging fake wounds, and using training AEDs.
- Instant Certification: We know you need that certificate to apply for your badge or satisfy an inspector. We process results immediately.
- Nationwide Venues: From London to Manchester, we have a training center near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the certificate last?
All Level 3 First Aid certificates (EFAW, FAW, Paediatric) are valid for 3 years. The HSE recommends an annual refresher, but legally you must requalify every 3 years.
Do I need a First Aid certificate for the SIA Top-Up?
Yes. You strictly cannot take the SIA Top-Up training without a valid First Aid certificate that has at least 12 months remaining. If yours is expiring, book our EFAW course first.
Is the course difficult?
Assessment is continuous. There is a short multiple-choice test, but mostly the instructor watches you perform the skills (like CPR) to ensure you are competent. We support you until you pass.
Be Ready When It Matters
First Aid is the only qualification you hope you never have to use.
But on the day you do need it, it will be the most valuable thing you possess.
Don’t wait for an accident to realize you are unprepared. Get qualified, stay legal, and be the person who knows what to do.
[View All First Aid Courses & Book Your Seat with National Training GB]
More information
Book a first aid course with the British Red Cross
First Aid Courses | St John Ambulance
Workplace First Aid | Online Accredited Training
What is Conflict Pro? | Conflict International
Conflict Management: Examples for the Workplace
CIPD Conflict Management Support & Resources | CIPD
Read the specifications for SIA licence-linked training – GOV.UK
