FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Get instant answers to the common questions in your mind.
A First Aid Course teaches practical skills to recognise and respond to common emergencies, like CPR, use of an AED, choking, severe bleeding, shock, burns and basic life-support until professional help arrives. Courses range from short awareness modules to certificated workplace qualifications (EFAW, FAW) and specialist paediatric courses.
It depends on the setting:
Workplace (low risk) - Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is usually sufficient.
Workplace (medium/high risk) - First Aid at Work (FAW) (3 days) is recommended.
Childcare / early years - Paediatric First Aid (PFA) (usually 12 hours / 1–2 days) to meet Ofsted/EYFS requirements.
Public / community - short awareness sessions or CPR/AED training may be enough. Always follow HSE, employer or sector guidance when choosing a course.
Yes - many providers offer blended learning: online theory/e-learning followed by mandatory face-to-face practical assessment (especially for certificated EFAW/FAW). There are also free online awareness modules (CPR basics) but fully certificated first-aid qualifications require in-person practical training.
Costs vary by provider and course type. Typical 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) courses commonly range from about £80–£200+, while full 3-day First Aid at Work (FAW) courses and specialist paediatric or blended courses can be more. Always check the provider for current prices
A standard 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course typically meets the HSE requirement of about 6 hours of learning (not including registration/breaks) - most providers run a full day. The full First Aid at Work qualification is usually 3 days.
The "best" first aid level depends entirely on your needs.
For the workplace: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW)
- For personal use: Basic course that covers CPR and choking is an excellent choice. Usual duration is 3 hours
Kneeling down on the floor to perform CPR is a must, in order to gain the full qualification. If that is not possible, a certificate of attendance will be given, instead. The certificate of attendance does not meet the requirements for first aid training in the workplace.
With Practical First Aid, we are carrying out lots of exercises, especially floor exercises. Please wear comfortable clothing, as not all venues are able to ensure clean floors.
Please bring your ID/Driving licence/Passport so the trainer can check your legal name and picture. Bring water and lunch with you, as not all venues can provide them. We will provide manuals and pens for all learners.
Basic Life Support (BLS) training teaches the essential actions to keep someone alive during cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest: prompt recognition, CPR (compressions ± rescue breaths), early defibrillation (AED use), recovery position and calling emergency services. BLS courses follow Resuscitation Council / national guidelines and are tailored for public or healthcare audiences.
A commonly used 7-step mnemonic is DRS-A-B-C-D:
Danger - make scene safe
Response - check if person responds
Send for help - call 999 / ask for an AED
Airway - open airway
Breathing - look/listen/feel for normal breathing
CPR - start chest compressions and rescue breaths (30:2) or hands-only if untrained
Defibrillation - apply an AED as soon as available.
This is the standard emergency sequence used across UK guidance.
The NHS follows Resuscitation Council UK guidelines. NHS/healthcare BLS courses deliver hands-on training in adult/paediatric CPR, use of AEDs, airway and breathing support and the local procedures for escalating care. For healthcare staff there are specific BLS/advanced life support pathways; for the public shorter NHS/charity-run BLS sessions and online resources are available.
Yes, a BLS certification is absolutely worth it. It equips you with the fundamental, life-saving skills needed to respond to a wide range of medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, choking, and breathing difficulties. Having a BLS certification can not only be a requirement for many healthcare professions but is also highly beneficial for anyone who wants to be prepared to help in a critical situation. It provides you with the knowledge and confidence to act effectively until professional medical help arrives. In the UK, being certified by a recognised body like the Resuscitation Council (UK) is a key indicator of your competence.
No, BLS training is not considered hard to pass. The courses are designed for both laypeople and healthcare professionals, focusing on practical, easy-to-learn techniques. While you'll need to demonstrate your proficiency in skills like CPR and using an AED, the emphasis is on gaining the confidence to act rather than memorising complex medical theory. Trainers are there to guide and support you, and the practical nature of the course means you get to practice the skills hands-on with a manikin. The core skills are straightforward and are drilled into you until they become second nature.
The time it takes to complete a BLS course can vary, but generally, it's a short, focused training session. Many providers in the UK offer courses that last between 2 to 3 hours. Some courses may be delivered in a blended format, combining online learning with a practical, in-person session. This allows for flexibility and can make the learning process more efficient. The key is to find a course that aligns with the Resuscitation Council (UK) guidelines to ensure you receive high-quality, up-to-date training.
BLS is not the same as CPR, but CPR is a critical component of BLS. * CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a specific technique that involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen circulating to a person's vital organs when their heart has stopped.
