First Aid at Work Training

Which first aid course at work does your workplace need?

The right course depends on the size of your business and the risks in your workplace, which you can establish through a first aid needs assessment (we can help with this). As a general guide:

Not sure which you need? Our team will help you choose based on your workplace and your needs assessment. 

First aid at work and the law

Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, every employer must provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and trained people, so staff who are injured or taken ill at work can be helped. How many first aiders you need, and at what level, comes from your first aid needs assessment. Our courses are designed to meet these requirements and keep you compliant.

Also available: in-house training at your premises, anywhere in the UK

If you have several staff to train, the most cost-effective option is usually for us to come to you. We deliver first aid at work training in-house at your own premises anywhere in the UK, tailored to your workplace and the incidents most relevant to it. We already deliver in-house for organisations such as Accolade Wines and the University of Bristol.

Our portfolio of first aid at work courses includes:

• Emergency First Aid at Work – FA01
• First Aid at Work – FA02
• First Aid at Work Re-Qualification – FA03
• First Aid at Work Annual Refresher – FA04

Key Takeaways

Basic Life Support training gives you the confidence to respond quickly during a medical emergency, helping you recognise cardiac arrest, perform CPR correctly, and use an AED safely. The course is designed for both workplace and everyday situations, making it valuable for anyone responsible for others. Learning these practical skills can improve emergency response times, support casualty survival, and help you stay calm and effective until professional medical help arrives.

Why do our customers choose us?

Having successfully gained what was previously referred to ‘HSE accreditation’ for the provision of first aid at work training many years ago, and with over 20 years’ experience of teaching and advising on first aid in the workplace to a wide range of organisations, we’ve a proven track record in this specialist area.

We provide our own open courses for local businesses, deliver first aid at work training in-house for organisations such as Accolade Wines and the University of Bristol, and work in partnership with training providers delivering a variety of programmes on their behalf.

Our trainers gained their hands-on first aid experience from a variety of different backgrounds over many years including nursing, armed forces, emergency services, hospitality, Voluntary Aid Societies, as well as other industry sectors before becoming qualified instructors.

Our administration team and health and safety consultants will advise you on the specific requirements for your business / organisation, taking into consideration legal duties, published guidance and the types of accident / incident that may occur.

We provide the most up to date, easy to read, first aid books relevant to the course and ensure there is plenty of training aids appropriate for the individual course to allow everyone participating to practice their skills.  These include; training manikins, choking training vest, defibrillators, and a training pack of dressings for each individual

How do we approach first aid at work training?

We provide courses delivered in a relaxed and informative style, many of which are nationally accredited, designed to meet specific industry requirements or a tailor-made to individual and organisations specific and varied needs.

The emphasis on every course is to allow delegates to become confident in their skills through a range of theory and practical sessions as well as continuing assessment and feedback from the trainer.

What should you expect from Acorn Health & Safety?

Our first aid courses will provide the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical hands on skills, ensuring confidence when dealing with an emergency situation as well as ensuring compliance with any regulatory first aid requirements. Our trainers use their experience to provide practical lifesaving skills that can be used in the street, at work, or within any organisation.

We’ll provide delegates with a variety of printed course materials including workbooks and handouts and on completion of learning, delegates will receive an appropriate certificate.

Post course our team of consultants and trainers are available to answer any questions you might have.  You’ll also receive an automatic reminder prior to course expiry.

Our ‘first aid at work course’ portfolio is just one group of over 60 courses we offer. Acorn Health & Safety provides training and consultancy in first aid, fire safety, food safety and manual handling, healthcare training and health and safety.

Our ‘in-house’ course programmes are the most cost effective option if you’ve a number of staff requiring training, and in many cases can be adapted to include reference to local policy, practice and documentation.  These courses can be delivered either at any suitable venue or you can hire our purpose-built training centre located in Warmley, Bristol, whichever is best suited to your needs.

We also run a rolling programme of ‘open courses’ which are particularly suited for individuals, organisations that only have a few delegates or those looking to release small groups of staff at a time.

Please contact us to discuss all of your training needs so we can advise the most suitable and cost effective solution.

First aid at work training: your questions answered

How long is a first aid at work course?

It depends which course you need. Emergency First Aid at Work is a one-day course. The full First Aid at Work qualification is three days. We also run a two-day re-qualification course and a half-day annual refresher for people renewing or maintaining existing certificates.

How long does a first aid at work certificate last?

A first aid at work certificate is valid for three years. We recommend an annual refresher each year in between to keep skills current, and a re-qualification course before the three years are up to renew the certificate.

Which first aid course does my workplace need?

Lower-risk workplaces often need the one-day Emergency First Aid at Work, while higher-risk workplaces usually need the three-day First Aid at Work qualification. The right answer comes from a first aid needs assessment, which considers your workplace, your risks and how many people are present. Our team can help you carry this out and advise accordingly.

Are your first aid courses HSE compliant?

Yes. Our first aid at work courses are designed to meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, so they satisfy your workplace first aid obligations. We held what was previously referred to as HSE accreditation for first aid at work training, and have over 20 years’ experience in this specialist area.

Do you come to our workplace?

Yes. As well as open courses at our Warmley centre, we deliver first aid at work training in-house at your premises anywhere in the UK. This is usually the most cost-effective option when you have several staff to train, and we already do this for organisations such as Accolade Wines and the University of Bristol.

Who are your trainers?

Our trainers gained their hands-on first aid experience over many years from backgrounds including nursing, the armed forces, emergency services, hospitality and Voluntary Aid Societies before becoming qualified instructors, so the training is grounded in our experience and knowledge.