If you run or manage a small business in London, you may be unsure whether emergency first aid at work training is legally required. After all, many small teams operate in low-risk environments, so is a trained first aider still necessary?
The short answer is yes: most businesses, regardless of size, have a legal obligation to provide appropriate first aid cover. In this guide, we’ll cover who needs emergency first aid training in London, what the course involves, and how to get certified.
What is emergency first aid at work training?
Emergency first aid at work (EFAW) is a 1-day training course designed to equip staff with the basic knowledge and confidence to deal with common first aid situations.
It covers essential topics like:
- Assessing incidents and managing a casualty
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
- Using an AED (automated external defibrillator)
- Treating bleeding, burns, choking, and shock
- Dealing with unconscious casualties
The course is practical, hands-on, and nationally recognised. Upon successful completion, attendees receive an emergency first aid at work certificate valid for three years.
Who needs emergency first aid at work in London?
UK law requires all employers to make sure their workplace has adequate first aid provision. This applies whether you have 2 employees or 200.
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 state that employers must:
- Assess workplace risks and hazards
- Appoint a person to take charge of first aid arrangements
- Provide trained first aiders where needed
- Ensure first aid equipment is available and accessible
So, who needs emergency first aid at work in London? You’re likely to need it if:
- Your workplace has more than one employee
- There is any level of physical risk (e.g. kitchens, tools, warehouse tasks)
- You welcome members of the public on-site
- You work in hospitality, retail, education, trades, or events
- You want to ensure legal and moral duty of care to staff and clients
If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Even in an office environment, emergencies like cardiac arrest, choking, or fainting can happen without warning.For expert support, you can explore our certified emergency first aid at work London courses tailored to small businesses.
Is first aid training legally required for small businesses?
While there’s no fixed rule on how many first aiders you must have, you do have a legal duty to assess your needs and ensure someone is available to handle emergencies.
For small businesses, the 1 day emergency first aid at work course London is often the perfect solution. It’s affordable, time-efficient, and gives one or more employees the skills needed to manage emergencies until help arrives.
Failing to meet your first aid responsibilities could result in enforcement action from the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), especially if an incident occurs and no one is properly trained.
What does the emergency first aid certificate allow you to do?
With a valid certificate, your trained employee is recognised as a workplace first aider. They can:
- Respond to emergencies confidently and legally
- Use an AED and perform CPR
- Support injured colleagues or customers until professional help arrives
- Contribute to your company’s safety compliance
- Fulfil insurance and audit requirements
The certificate lasts for three years, and a shorter refresher course is available if you want to renew before it expires.
Where can you book emergency first aid training in London?
Look for accredited providers that offer:
- HSE-compliant 1-day courses
- Trainers with real-world experience
- Convenient London locations or on-site training
- Certification upon successful completion
At emergency first aid at work London, we offer flexible, fully certified courses ideal for small businesses across all sectors. Whether you’re training one team member or your entire staff, we make the process simple and cost-effective.
Small businesses may not face the same risks as larger firms, but the responsibility for workplace safety is the same. Having at least one trained first aider on your team shows that you care, not just about compliance, but about your people.
If you’re in doubt, booking a 1 day emergency first aid at work course London is a smart step. It equips your team with essential life-saving skills, improves workplace confidence, and fulfils your legal obligations in one simple day.
Book your course today
Get fully certified in just one day. We provide HSE-compliant emergency first aid at work London training tailored for small business owners and teams.
