Find out more & book online at 3btraining.com
First aid in the workplace is a skill we all hope never to need, yet it’s invaluable when the moment arises.
You may think the reason to learn first aid is obvious—it saves lives. While that is the most important benefit, there are many other compelling reasons to consider taking a first aid course.
In this blog, we’ll explore the many reasons to take a first aid course, no matter your role.
Since we spend a large proportion of our time at work, it can be a common environment for accidents and injuries. Workplace first aid is the immediate care given to someone who is injured or suddenly becomes ill at work.
Performing workplace first aid requires a combination of different skills to help someone in an emergency, tailored to the work environment.
Even if you think your workplace is safe and doesn’t have many or any injuries, there can still be instances that can occur. Some instances that can occur at work could include cuts, choking, sudden illness, allergic reaction or slips and falls.
In more high-risk or specific sectors, there might be some less common injuries. These can include chemical burns, exposure to hazardous materials or machinery injuries. You might need more specific training for this, such as the NEBOSH Construction Certificate, an asbestos course, and sharps/spills training.
A First Aid at Work course will provide you with comprehensive, life-saving knowledge that is transferable across all industries. Understand the importance of First Aid training by watching our video below about First Aid training.
BOOK A FIRST AID COURSE
Every workplace should have a fully stocked first aid kit. Qualified first aiders will complete regular stock checks on the first aid kit to ensure the kit is complete.
A first aid kit that is low on stock is not prepared for potential accidents and can hinder an immediate response in emergencies. First aiders will learn what to include in a first aid kit and how much of each item to provide.
Something many people don’t consider, which is an important asset in any workplace, is signage. There should be appropriate signage indicating the appointed first aiders for easy identification, as well as the location of the defibrillator (AED) for quick access.
A workplace should have designated first aiders so employees in need can be assisted immediately. This also makes other employees assured that there’s an individual on-site who is qualified to use the first aid equipment properly.
Accidents in the workplace must be recorded by an accident form to report on the incident that took place. This is to ensure proper documentation for legal compliance, identify hazards, prevent future incidents, and provide a record for insurance or medical purposes.
Knowing first aid is a vital life skill that you can apply in a number of emergency situations. If you’re still on the fence about whether to book a first aid course, take a look below at our top reasons to learn workplace first aid.
Preparedness and confidence go hand in hand. Being prepared and knowing the right actions to take naturally builds confidence, because you know exactly what steps to follow.
This is important when faced with challenging situations, as we can all react differently when faced with unexpected crises. Having a plan in place will give you the know-how to take control of an emergency and treat casualties.
Not all crises should be handled in the same way, which can be confusing if you’re unsure of how to approach each situation. This is why first aid courses are effective, as they break down all the different problems you can be faced with and the correct steps on how to handle them.
By having this knowledge, you will feel much more willing to help when an accident occurs, without the fear of becoming a hindrance or misapplying first aid.
There are legal requirements surrounding accidents and injuries at work to help protect both employees and employers in the workplace; one of these is the well-known Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA).
HASAWA is a good example of legal requirements at work, as it outlines everyone’s responsibilities in the workplace.
“It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”— Section 2(1), Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Every workplace must have appointed First Aiders and, depending on the size of the business, they might require more than one appointed individual. There must be an appointed First Aider on-site at all times, ensuring that immediate assistance is available.
Employers are also responsible for providing adequate first aid facilities, maintaining well-stocked first aid kits, and ensuring that employees are aware of who the designated First Aiders are. Regular training and refresher courses are essential to keep skills up to date and to comply with health and safety regulations. Complying with these responsibilities helps to create a safer work environment for everyone.
If an organisation isn’t compliant with the legal requirements surrounding first aid, they could be fined, face legal action, or be held liable if an employee is harmed due to a lack of proper provision.
Once you’ve learnt the skills from a first aid course, you carry that knowledge for life; you can now administer a vital life skill whenever an emergency may occur.
The great thing about a first aid course is that it applies to any work environment, as the knowledge covers all the general accidents and injuries; it is transferable and valuable in any work setting and is equally valuable outside of work!
The main goal of taking a first aid course is to reduce injuries and save lives. Everyone in the workplace wants to feel as though they are protected, and having trained first aiders provides reassurance that help will be available if something goes wrong.
The faster you can attend to a casualty in a critical condition, the greater the chance you can save them, which is why it is so important to be correctly trained. Having the correct training ensures that you know how to approach a variety of situations and that there’s a plan in place so there are no delays.
By attending to someone who is choking, unresponsive or critically bleeding early, the effects of your treatment will be much more effective. First Aid Courses teach you how to administer CPR and how to use an AED or defibrillator; knowing how to do this helps you keep the casualty alive until the emergency services arrive.
“I’ve recently seen a post on LinkedIn about a person having a heart attack onsite, and the construction workers had recently done a first aid course. They realised what was happening and called an ambulance. He received prompt treatment that saved his life thanks to the staff being first aid trained.” – Cathryn Shean, 3B Training First Aid Trainer
Although our first aid courses are suitable for everyone, some qualities might make you more suitable for the role of being your workplace’s First Aider.
Acts quickly and decisively: Rapid action can prevent a minor injury from becoming serious or even save a life.
Communicates clearly and effectively: Clear instructions help keep the injured person calm and ensure others know how to assist.
Makes sound decisions under pressure: Choosing the right course of action quickly ensures the best outcome in emergencies.
Reliable and reassuring: Being dependable gives confidence to both the injured person and colleagues.
Remains calm in stressful situations: Staying composed helps manage the situation efficiently and prevents panic from spreading.
The Emergency First Aid and the First Aid at Work are both fundamental courses for first aiders, and we understand that, without knowing the differences between the two courses, it can be difficult to understand which course you require.
The First Aid at Work course is a three-day course covering all the injuries and illnesses that can take place in the workplace and how to manage them. This course is suitable for individuals taking a first aid course for the first time, with no prior knowledge required or for those who are a part of a larger business.
There are two units to the First Aid at Work course. The first unit covers what the First Aiders’ responsibilities are, assessing incidents, administering first aid to an unresponsive casualty, identifying and responding to a casualty who is choking, bleeding and in shock and also shows you how to correctly deal with minor injuries.
The second unit consists of conducting a secondary survey, managing major injuries such as heart attacks, strokes and more. You’ll also learn to administer first aid to the following injuries:
The Emergency First Aid at Work is a shorter course, taking just one day to complete (approximately six to eight hours). This course is ideal for smaller workplaces, low-risk environments, or for employees who need a refresher on essential techniques.
This course covers first aider responsibilities, assessing incidents, and providing first aid to a casualty who is unresponsive, choking, shocked or suffering from external bleeding or minor injuries.
Both of these courses are Highfield-accredited and include a practical section to allow you to gain hands-on experience. First aid certifications expire after three years. After this date, you are required to take the First Aid Requalification to renew your certificate.
BOOK A FIRST AID COURSE NOW
While our first aid courses typically include a practical component, we also offer some courses as interactive eLearning. Take a look at what First Aid eLearning we offer. There are benefits to taking the first aid as an eLearning course. You can complete this at your own pace and cut additional costs such as travel and time away from work.
Overall, you shouldn’t wait until an accident occurs to become trained in first aid. First Aid training is an essential skill that equips us to act decisively and confidently in emergencies.
You should take proactive steps to gain this knowledge so you can respond quickly, confidently, and effectively in any emergency. By doing so, you can potentially save lives and minimise injuries.
In this edition of “Ask the Expert”, our specialist trainer goes into who needs asbestos training, the dangers of it, and the main types of asbestos training.
Monitoring health and safety in the workplace is more than a routine task. It is a critical part of keeping people safe, meeting legal duties, and ensuring projects run smoothly. As a health and safety professional, you’re expected to show that you can identify risks, monitor controls, and improve standards. This is where workplace safety […]
The Building Safety Remediation data release is crucial for monitoring remediation of unsafe cladding on residential buildings over 11 metres. 3B Training look at where things stand as of 31st July 2025.
