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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking first aid training for your business or organisation.
What's the difference between an open session and an on-site course?
Open sessions are scheduled courses held at our training venue in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire — ideal for individuals or small groups who want to book a specific date without arranging a private group. On-site courses are delivered at your workplace or a venue of your choice, and are priced per group — better value when training a team of four or more.
How do I book an individual place on a course?
Browse available dates on each course page and book your place directly through our online booking system. You’ll receive a confirmation email with everything you need ahead of the session.
Do you come to our workplace?
Yes. All our courses can be delivered on-site at your workplace or a venue of your choice across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. Alternatively, you can book an individual place at one of our open sessions held at our training venue in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.
How long are the certificates valid for?
EFAW, FAW, EPFA and PFA certificates are valid for 3 years. BLS & AED and BLS for Dental Practices certificates are valid for 1 year. Annual refresher training is strongly recommended for all courses to maintain practical skills between requalifications.
What's the difference between EFAW and FAW?
EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) is a one-day course covering the essentials — CPR, AED, choking, bleeding and shock. It’s suitable for low-risk workplaces with smaller teams. FAW (First Aid at Work) is a three-day qualification that covers everything in EFAW plus complex trauma, burns, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries, eye injuries, strokes, heart attacks, diabetic emergencies and more. FAW is required for higher-risk environments and larger workforces. If you’re unsure which applies to your business, the For Businesses page has a sector-by-sector guide.
Is Paediatric First Aid mandatory for nurseries and childminders?
Yes. Registered childcare settings in England are required by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to have at least one qualified Paediatric First Aider on the premises at all times. Our PFA course meets EYFS requirements and is fully recognised by Ofsted.
What does FAIB-approved mean?
FAIB (First Aid Industry Body) is one of the UK’s leading awarding organisations for first aid training. FAIB-approved courses meet the standards required under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. All First Aid Doctor courses are FAIB-accredited, and certificates are nationally recognised.
Do I need to carry out a first aid needs assessment before booking?
Legally, yes — the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to assess their first aid needs before deciding what provision to put in place. In practice, most businesses already have a sense of their risk level and workforce size. If you’re unsure where to start, our For Businesses page outlines what different types of workplace typically need, or you can get in touch and we’ll help you work it out.
What happens if someone doesn't pass the practical assessment?
Learners are assessed continuously throughout every course, so there are no unexpected end-of-day practical tests. All courses include a practical assessment, and the trainer will provide guidance and additional coaching throughout the day to help learners achieve the required standard.
All courses, except Basic Life Support (BLS) & AED and Medical Emergencies & CPR for Dental Practices, also include a multiple-choice question (MCQ) assessment at the end of the course. Learners who do not achieve the required pass mark on their first attempt are given a second opportunity to retake the assessment.
If, after the available opportunities, a learner is still unable to demonstrate the required knowledge or practical skills, a certificate cannot be issued. In these circumstances, we will discuss the most appropriate next steps with both the learner and, where applicable, their employer.
Are your courses suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. No previous first aid experience is required for any of our courses. They are designed to be accessible and practical for people with no medical background, as well as for those refreshing existing skills.
Can you accommodate smaller groups or bespoke requirements?
Yes. If you have a small group, you may find it more cost-effective to book individual places at one of our open sessions rather than arranging a private group course. For larger or bespoke requirements, contact us and we’ll put together a tailored quote.