Emergency First Aid at Work vs Paediatric First Aid – Which Course Do I Need?
Emergency First Aid at Work vs Emergency Paediatric First Aid: What’s the Difference?
If you’re looking to complete a first aid course, you may have come across Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA).
Both courses teach essential emergency skills, but they are designed for different environments and different casualties.
At Elite Lifesaving Skills, we deliver both courses, so here’s a simple guide to help you decide which training is right for you.
What is Emergency First Aid at Work?
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is designed primarily for adults who may need to respond to an emergency in the workplace.
It is a great option for businesses that need trained emergency first aiders and for individuals who want practical first aid knowledge for their job.
Training covers important emergency skills including:
- Assessing an emergency situation
- CPR and use of an AED
- Recovery position
- Choking
- Unconscious casualties
- Seizures
- Wounds and bleeding
- Shock
- Responding safely and confidently to workplace emergencies
EFAW can be suitable for people working in offices, leisure facilities, hospitality, retail, construction, sports, community organisations and many other workplaces.
Who should take EFAW?
EFAW may be the better choice if you're an employee, manager, coach, volunteer or someone who has been nominated as an emergency first aider within the workplace.
Employers should select appropriate first aid provision based on their workplace first aid needs assessment.
What is Emergency Paediatric First Aid?
Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) focuses specifically on emergencies involving babies and children.
Although some principles are similar to adult first aid, treating a baby or child can require different techniques.
The course covers areas such as:
- Assessing an emergency involving a baby or child
- Paediatric CPR
- Using an AED appropriately
- Choking in babies and children
- Unconscious casualties
- Recovery position
- Seizures
- Bleeding and shock
- Recognising when emergency medical help is required
It is particularly relevant for people working with or caring for children.
Who should take EPFA?
EPFA can be useful for nursery and early-years staff, childcare workers, teachers, sports coaches, activity leaders, parents and anyone regularly responsible for children.
For people working within regulated childcare or early-years settings, it's important to check exactly which paediatric first aid qualification their role requires. Some roles may require the longer full Paediatric First Aid course rather than EPFA alone.
EFAW vs EPFA – which one do I need?
The easiest way to think about it is:
EFAW = workplace emergency first aid
EPFA = emergency first aid for babies and children
If you primarily work with adults, EFAW will normally be the more relevant course.
If your responsibility involves babies or children, paediatric first aid training may be more appropriate.
Some people can benefit from completing both, particularly those working in environments where they may be responsible for adults and children.
If you're unsure, Elite Lifesaving Skills can help you identify the most appropriate training for your role or organisation.
November First Aid Courses in Chigwell
Elite Lifesaving Skills is running two open first aid courses at Ashtons Playing Fields, Chigwell Road, IG8 8AA.
Emergency Paediatric First Aid
Wednesday 18 November 2026
09:30 – 17:30
Early Bird: £50 per person – first 6 places
Standard price: £65 per person
Ideal for people working with babies and children or anyone wanting to develop their paediatric emergency first aid skills.
Emergency First Aid at Work
📅 Wednesday 25 November 2026
🕤 09:30 – 17:30
Early Bird: £50 per person – first 6 places
Standard price: £65 per person
Ideal for individuals and organisations looking for practical workplace emergency first aid training.
Book Your Place
Places are limited, and the £50 early-bird price is available for the first six bookings on each course.
Whether you're booking for yourself or arranging training for members of your team, get in touch with Elite Lifesaving Skills to reserve your place.
Elite Lifesaving Skills — practical training for real emergencies.