First aid in the workplace has and will always be a legal requirement. The health and safety executive have reviewed the current legislation on First aid in the workplace and come up with some quite significant changes. These changes take effect from the 1st October 2009. Main Changes: • The first aid at work (FAW) course has now been shortened to three days instead of the four days it was originally. The FAW re-qualification remains unchanged at two days. (FAW) is designed for first aiders in higher risk environments. • A NEW one day Emergency first aid at work course has been created (EFAW) that will cover common first aid risks. EFAW is designed for first aiders in lower risk environments. • The HSE have also recommended a refresher course to be given to those who have taken both (EFAW) and (FAW). This is a three hour course that should be taken annually in between qualification to ensure skills are fresh and up to date. • The HSE is also expected to update the rules on how many first aiders are required in the workplace.