First Aid Training Courses Bristol
From one-day Emergency First Aid at Work to paediatric, mental health and advanced FREC courses, we’ve delivered practical, accredited first aid training across Bristol, Bath and the South West for more than 20 years.
Not sure which course you need? Call 0117 958 2070
Two ways to train with us
Open courses in WarmleyBook individual places online at our training centre near Bristol and Bath.
In-house at your venueWe bring the trainer and kit to you, anywhere in the UK – usually best value for groups.
Help choosingOur team can advise, or our consultants can carry out a first aid needs assessment.
How would you like to train?
Booking a few people, or training a whole team? Choose the option that suits you.
Open courses at our training centre
Ideal for individuals, or organisations releasing one or two staff at a time. Courses run regularly throughout the year at our purpose-built centre in Warmley, Bristol.
- See live dates and availability, and book online
- Clear per-person prices, from £105 + VAT
- Approved company managers can book on account
- Certificates and course history through the Acorn Portal
In-house training at your venue
The most cost-effective option if you have several staff to train. Courses can be adapted to your policies, procedures and the incidents most relevant to your workplace.
- At your premises anywhere in the UK, or hire our training centre
- Up to 12 delegates per trainer, with extra trainers for larger groups
- Two half-day courses on the same day at a reduced day rate
- Trusted by schools, councils, care providers and the University of Bristol
Our first aid courses
Courses marked Open course can be booked online at our Warmley centre. Every course is also available in-house at your venue.
First aid at work
For employers meeting the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. Which level you need depends on your first aid needs assessment. Compare first aid at work courses →
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
For lower-risk workplaces such as offices and shops, or to complement other first aid provision.
First Aid at Work (FAW)
For higher-risk workplaces such as construction, manufacturing and care. Includes tourniquet and haemostatic dressing use.
First Aid at Work Re-Qualification
Renew a 3-day First Aid at Work certificate before it expires, or within 28 days of expiry.
First Aid at Work Annual Refresher
Keeps first aiders’ skills current between qualifications, as recommended by the HSE.
Paediatric first aid
For nurseries, childminders, schools and anyone caring for babies and children. Paediatric first aid covers infants (up to 1 year) and children up to puberty.
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid
The full paediatric qualification for childminders, nurseries and early years staff who need to meet Ofsted and EYFS requirements.
16-Hour Outdoor Paediatric First Aid
Paediatric first aid for outdoor settings, including the Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid. Ideal for forest school leaders and outdoor instructors.
First Aid for Infants and Children
For teachers, teaching assistants, lunchtime supervisors and nursery staff who may need to give first aid to children.
First Aid for Adults and Children
For school and setting staff who may need to give first aid to both adults and children.
Infant and Child Resuscitation
Focused CPR and choking training for those caring for babies and young children.
Life support, advanced & specialist
Short life support updates for healthcare and care settings, advanced pre-hospital care, and courses built around your needs.
First Response Emergency Care Level 3 (FREC 3)
Advanced pre-hospital care for event medics, security staff and those working in higher-risk or remote environments.
Basic Life Support for Adults
For staff with a professional responsibility to regularly update adult basic life support skills.
Basic Life Support – Paediatric
Regular basic life support updates for those working with infants and children.
Adult & Paediatric Basic Life Support
Combined adult, child and infant basic life support update in one session.
Anaphylaxis Training
For staff who may need to give adrenaline and other medicines to treat an anaphylactic reaction.
AED Trainer Training
Become confident and competent to train others to use an automated external defibrillator.
Bespoke First Aid Training
Tailored first aid built around your workplace, risks, policies and the incidents most relevant to you.
Mental health first aid
The HSE recommends mental health forms part of every health and safety strategy.
Mental Health First Aid
Gives staff the skills, knowledge and confidence to recognise and support colleagues experiencing mental health issues or distress.
Mental Health First Aid Refresher
Keeps existing Mental Health First Aiders’ knowledge and confidence up to date.
Not sure which course you need?
Our consultants can carry out a first aid needs assessment, or read our guide: Which first aid course does my workplace legally need?
Why choose Acorn for first aid training?
Irrespective of who you are and what you do, we believe the ability to save someone’s life makes you pretty special. Our courses are relaxed, practical and hands-on, so delegates leave confident to act.
20+ years’ experience
Accredited first aid training across Bristol, Bath and the South West, from school INSET days for 120 staff to childminders.
Real-world trainers
Our trainers come from nursing, the armed forces, emergency services, hospitality and voluntary aid societies.
Plenty of kit
Training manikins, choking vests, AED trainers and a dressings pack for every delegate, plus up-to-date course books.
Support after the course
Certificates on completion, an automatic reminder before expiry, and our team on hand for questions.
We train organisations of every kind, including:
What our delegates say
“It has been a great experience overall, Amanda (trainer) has a wealth of knowledge and the course was fantastic! 10/10”SP3 Day First Aid at Work, BANES, March 2024
“The whole course has been excellent. The pace was just right, the content was very comprehensive and the training materials were all that was needed. I would not change anything, it has been a well rounded course. 10/10”PH3 Day First Aid at Work, BANES, March 2024
“Amanda (trainer) was able to hold my attention the whole time (not usually easy) and encouraged me to think about many possible scenarios. 10/10”MC3 Day First Aid at Work, BANES, March 2024
“Course was excellent. Amanda (trainer) made sure everyone was involved, related injuries to real life examples which helps and went at a pace everyone could follow. 10/10”GR3 Day First Aid at Work, BANES, March 2024
First aid FAQs
Which first aid course does my workplace need?
It depends on the number of staff, the nature of your business and your own policy. Lower-risk workplaces often need Emergency First Aid at Work (1 day); higher-risk workplaces usually need First Aid at Work (3 days). A first aid needs assessment will confirm this, and our consultants can carry one out for you.
Do I need to do a full course again when my certificate expires?
When an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate expires, you renew it by completing the same 1-day course. When a 3-day First Aid at Work certificate expires, you can complete the 2-day First Aid at Work Re-Qualification instead, provided you do so no later than 28 days after it expired.
Does my company only need one first aider?
It’s best practice to have enough first aiders to cover your business when your usual first aider is off sick, on a different shift or on holiday. Our consultancy team can carry out a first aid needs assessment for you.
What first aid cover do schools and nurseries need?
Nurseries and pre-schools need at least one person on the premises with a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification, and may also need a First Aid at Work qualification if there are more than 25 staff. Primary schools need a qualified first aider with a Paediatric First Aid qualification, and may also need First Aid at Work if there are more than 25 staff. Secondary schools, depending on staff numbers (between 25 and 50), may need a first aider with Emergency First Aid at Work. Remember to have back-up first aiders for sickness and holidays.
What age range does paediatric first aid cover?
Paediatric first aid covers infants (up to 1 year old) and children up to puberty.
Does a first aid course qualify me to give out medicine?
No. The courses cover asthma, anaphylaxis and diabetes, but don’t qualify you to administer medicines. We offer separate Administration of Medication courses.
Is there a minimum age to learn first aid?
Most general first aid skills can be learned by any age group, though some require a certain level of physical ability. The minimum age for Qualsafe accredited courses is 16.
Do I have to give first aid outside of work?
No, there’s no legal obligation to provide first aid outside of work.
What if I’m worried about giving the wrong treatment?
That’s a common concern. Our training is designed to give you simple, practical skills so you can confidently act as the first point of contact in an emergency.
Ready to book?
Book an open course online, or call 0117 958 2070 or email [email protected] for an in-house quote.