First Aid Refresher Course FAQs for UK Workplaces
First aid skills are a bit like muscle memory, if you do not use them, they quietly fade into the background therefore that is why the annual first aid refresher course exists. It keeps workplace first aiders sharp, confident and ready to act when it matters most.
Below is a clear, practical FAQ guide to help UK employers and employees understand how First Aid at Work refresher training works, what it covers and why it is strongly recommended.
Is a first aid refresher course legally required?
The Health and Safety Executive does not legally require annual refresher training however, it strongly recommends that qualified first aiders complete an annual refresher during the three year certification period.
Why? Because studies consistently show that CPR technique, emergency response confidence and recall of procedures decline within 12 months without practice.
So while it is not mandatory, it is considered best practice for workplace safety and risk management.
What is a First Aid at Work refresher course?
A First Aid at Work (FAW) refresher course is typically a half day training session designed to:
- Revisit CPR techniques
- Practise AED use
- Refresh knowledge of managing unconscious casualties
- Review bleeding control and shock treatment
- Update first aiders on current protocols
It is not a requalification course instead it is a skills update to maintain competence between full certifications.
Does the annual first aid refresher renew my certificate?
No. An annual first aid refresher course does not extend or renew your three year FAW or EFAW certificate.
To renew your qualification before it expires, you must complete a First Aid at Work requalification course, which is longer and reassesses full competency.
Think of the refresher as maintenance rather than renewal, it keeps the engine running smoothly.
Who should take a first aid refresher course?
A first aid refresher course is suitable for:
- Current FAW certificate holders
- Current EFAW certificate holders
- Workplace first aiders within their three year certification period
Employers who prioritise health and safety often schedule refresher training annually to ensure their teams remain confident and capable.
If your certificate is due to expire soon, you may need a requalification course instead.
Please click here if that is the case FAW Requalification or for the EFAW Requalification
How long does a first aid refresher course take?
Most annual refresher courses are delivered over half a day. This makes it easier for employers to maintain compliance without significant disruption to operations.
Short, focused and practical sessions are designed to refresh critical emergency skills efficiently.
What are the benefits of annual first aid refresher training?
Regular refresher training:
- Improves confidence in real emergencies
- Reinforces correct CPR compression depth and rhythm
- Reduces hesitation in high pressure situations
- Demonstrates commitment to workplace safety
- Supports compliance with HSE best practice guidance
In an emergency, confidence is currency. Refresher training keeps it in circulation.
Where can I book an annual first aid refresher course?
If you are looking for practical, hands on First Aid at Work refresher training, we, DAC Education, offer half day (1300-1600) annual refresher courses designed to keep workplace first aiders competent and confident.
When choosing a provider, look for:
- Experienced instructors
- Practical scenario based training
- Up to date course content
- Clear guidance on requalification timelines
Final Thoughts
A first aid refresher course may not be legally mandatory, but it is a powerful step towards maintaining a safe and prepared workplace.
Emergencies do not come with rehearsal time and annual refresher training ensures your team is not relying on distant memory when seconds matter.
If your workplace first aiders have not trained in the past year, now is the ideal time to schedule an update and strengthen your safety culture.
