Let’s face it. Accidents don’t wait for the “right” moment. They happen at work, in schools, and at home. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is clear: employers must provide proper first aid arrangements. But regulation is only part of the story.
Introduction: Why First Aid Cannot Wait
Think about this. A worker in Manchester collapsed on site. His colleague – who had trained just weeks earlier – used CPR and the site’s AED. The paramedics later said those first three minutes made the difference. Without training, the outcome could have been tragic.
So here’s the thing: first aid is not just a legal box to tick. It’s about people, lives, and confidence. In this guide we’ll look at the most common courses in the UK, who they’re for, how long certificates last, and why Construction and Plant Training Services (CPTS LTD) is trusted by so many learners.
Who Needs First Aid Training?
The short answer? Almost everyone.
Every workplace must appoint trained first aiders. Parents want peace of mind. Teachers need to protect their pupils. Coaches, carers, and community leaders often step up too.
Would you know what to do if a colleague collapsed? Could you help a choking child? Training gives you the answer.
First Aid Courses in the UK
First Aid at Work (FAW)
This is the gold standard for higher-risk environments. Construction, factories, warehouses – places where serious incidents are more likely.
- Duration: 3 days.
- Content: CPR, AED, fractures, burns, heart attacks, strokes, and more.
- Validity: 3 years.
One trainee told us: “I never thought I’d use it. But two months later, I helped a driver after a crash. I just acted. The training kicked in.”
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
Not every job carries the same risks. For offices, shops, and small businesses, this one-day course is often enough.
It focuses on life-threatening situations. Quick CPR, stopping bleeding, and keeping someone alive until help arrives.
Paediatric First Aid
Children are not small adults. They need special care in emergencies. That’s why paediatric training exists.
- You’ll learn infant and child CPR.
- How to handle choking, burns, allergies, and anaphylaxis.
- Formats include standard two-day courses, blended training (online + practical), and evening sessions for busy parents and teachers.
During a school trip in Kent, a teacher who had taken paediatric training used her skills when a pupil fainted. The confidence she gained made the difference.
AED Training
Using a defibrillator can double survival chances during cardiac arrest. But only if someone knows what to do.
This one-day course shows you how to:
- Recognise cardiac arrest,
- Perform effective CPR,
- Operate AED step by step,
- Work with emergency services.
It’s simple equipment. But training makes the difference between panic and action.
First Aid for Appointed Persons
Some workplaces don’t need a full first aider. But they do need someone in charge of first aid arrangements. This course covers assessing emergencies, calling help, basic care, and record keeping.
Requalification and Refreshers
Certificates don’t last forever. Most expire after three years.
HSE recommends annual refreshers to keep confidence high. If your FAW certificate is about to expire, you can take a 2-day requalification instead of repeating the full course.
Certificates, Compliance and Responsibility
How long is your certificate valid? Three years in most cases. But here’s a reality check: if your qualification lapses, you’re no longer a first aider. That matters for both you and your employer.
Employers who ignore this risk fines, liability, and loss of trust. More importantly, untrained staff means lives could be lost.
Why First Aid Training Is Worth It
For Individuals
- Confidence when others panic.
- Transferable life skills.
- Improved job prospects.
For Employers
- Compliance with HSE law.
- Safer workplaces.
- Stronger reputation.
For Families
- Peace of mind for parents and carers.
- Protection for children and vulnerable relatives.
One mother who completed a Paediatric Evening Course in Birmingham said: “When my son choked on food, I didn’t freeze. I knew what to do.”
Why Choose CPTS LTD?
Not all providers are equal. CPTS LTD offers:
- Trainers with real experience.
- Flexible formats: classroom, blended, and evening options.
- Support for different communities, with courses also delivered in Polish.
- Trusted by employers in construction, healthcare, and education.
Learn more and book your course here: https://www.cpcs-training-courses.co.uk/first-aid/
Practical Tips Before Training
- Wear clothes you can move in – CPR is physical.
- Expect hands-on practice, not just theory.
- Ask questions. Trainers are there to help.
- Bring ID if required by your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my certificate last?
Usually three years. But take a yearly refresher if you can.
Which course should I choose?
High-risk jobs need FAW. Offices often need EFAW. Parents and teachers should choose paediatric.
Can I requalify without doing the full course again?
Yes, if you renew before expiry. The requalification course is two days.
Can I train outside working hours?
Absolutely. Evening and blended formats are available.
Is training available in other languages?
Yes. CPTS delivers in English and Polish, supporting diverse workplaces.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait
First aid training is not about ticking a box. It’s about real people and real lives.
So ask yourself: if an emergency happened today, would you know what to do? If the answer is no, now is the time to change that.
Take the next step with Construction and Plant Training Services (CPTS LTD) and gain the skills that could save a life.
