Employees being injured from a workplace accident or becoming unwell at work is a reality, which makes first aid arrangements a priority for every business. With proper protocols, injured or ill employees can receive immediate care before professional assistance arrives.  

What is a first aid needs analysis and why is it important for businesses? 

A first aid needs analysis, also known as a first aid needs assessment, is a review covering the following:  

• Number of first aiders: It looks at how many trained personnel your business will need, ensuring there’s a qualified first aider during all working hours. 

• First aid training: Ensures staff are equipped with relevant training and have a First Aid at Work certification.  

• Equipment and facilities: Makes sure first aid kit supplies are regularly replenished and where appropriate space is provided, such as a first aid room.  

Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, it’s a legal duty for employer to carry out the process. Aside from being an obligation, a first aid needs analysis considers: 

• Workplace hazards: Establishes the level of risk at a work premises.  

• Volume of employees: Total number of employees, shift patterns, employees who work alone, and includes non-employees like visitors or the public.  

• Accident recordings: Identifies common injuries recorded within your workplace.  

How to get a first aid certificate  

To achieve a first aid certificate, you must attend and complete a first aid training course. The two main recognised qualifications are as follows: 

1. First Aid at Work (FAW): This 3-day first aid course is typically used for higher-risk workplaces. It covers how to treat serious injuries and illness associated with environments with increases risk.  

2. Emergency First Aid at Work course (EFAW): Usually used for lower-risk places, this shorter first aid course lasts 1 day and concentrates on common injuries and illnesses.  

Certificates issued upon completion of our first aid courses are aligned with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, and offer lifesaving skills like: 

• Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)  

• Managing anaphylaxis, heart attacks, asthma and diabetes  

• Infection control and managing incidents such as burns, scalds and wounds  

• Managing injuries to the bones, muscles and joints   

• Managing chest and head injuries  

Additional benefits are: 

• Learning how to report accidents and keep records 

• Understanding how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) 

• Support on how to manage the role of a first aider  

How long is a first aid course? 

As mentioned above, the length of first aid training depends on the chosen course—this is generally determined by the level of risk within the respective workplace.  

For example, workplaces with elevated risk may need a more detailed first aid course, such as First Aid at Work, which lasts 18 hours across 3 days.  
 
Conversely, where lower risk exists, a shorter course like Emergency First Aid at Work may be suitable—this lasts 6 hours and can be completed in a day.  

How long does a first aid certificate last?  

Following completion of first aid training, a certificate of competence that’s valid for 3 years is awarded for the respective course.  

When it comes certification renewal, refresher first aid training must be attended 3 months before or within 1 month of the certificate expiring.  

What should be in a first aid kit?  

Several first aid supplies will be found in a standard kit. Let’s take a look at essential first aid kit contents that should be included:  

• Plasters and sterile dressing pads: Necessary for cuts and grazes. May also include medical adhesive tape.  

• Bandages and safety pins: These are used to create slings to support injured limbs.  

• Disposable non-latex gloves: Used to protect against contamination.  

The above is not an exhaustive list of first aid supplies, and the contents may vary depending on circumstances.  

Find first aid expertise with Peninsula  

If your business needs a first aid course, we offer three, so we’re certain to have one that suits your needs:  

• First Aid at Work  

• Emergency First Aid at Work course 

• Ofsted approved paediatric first aid  

Clients also benefit from 24/7 Health & Safety guidance, unlimited documentation reviews, and risk assessment support.  

Contact us today and discover how we can help you.