How long does the CTQ Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work last?

The qualification is valid for 3 years, after which you must take a refresher course to remain certified. It is recommended that first aiders undertake annual refresher training to keep their skills up to date, though this is not mandatory.

Do I need to renew my first aid certificate before it expires?

Yes, it is strongly advised to renew before expiry. If your certificate lapses, you may need to retake the full course rather than a shorter refresher. Employers often require a valid certificate to comply with health and safety regulations.

What is the difference between Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW)?

EFAW is a 1-day course covering essential life-saving skills for lower-risk workplaces. FAW is a 3-day course that includes additional topics like fractures, spinal injuries, and more in-depth training. Your employer will determine which is needed based on your workplace risk assessment.

Can I use an AED on someone with a pacemaker?

Yes, you can. If the casualty has a pacemaker, you may see a lump under the skin on the chest. Place the AED pads at least 2-3 cm away from the pacemaker site. The AED will still analyse the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if needed.

What should I do if someone is choking and becomes unconscious?

If a choking casualty becomes unconscious, lower them to the ground, call 999, and start CPR. Even if you think the airway is blocked, chest compressions can help dislodge the object. Check the mouth for the object before giving rescue breaths.

Is the recovery position the same for all casualties?

The recovery position is generally the same for adults and children, but for infants (under 1 year), you should hold them in a head-down, face-down position to maintain an open airway. Always ensure the airway is clear and monitor breathing.

CTQ Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work

CERTIFY-TRAINING-QUALIFICATIONS

vocational

This element focuses on the practical skills and knowledge required to assess emergency situations and deliver immediate, lifesaving first aid in the workplace. Learners will develop the ability to respond calmly and confidently to a range of common emergencies, including cardiac arrest, choking, severe bleeding, and shock, while understanding their legal and ethical responsibilities. Mastery of these skills ensures compliance with health and safety legislation and promotes a safer working environment.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Delivering Emergency First Aid at Work

Topic Overview

The CTQ Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work is a regulated qualification designed to equip learners with the essential skills and knowledge to provide immediate, life-saving care in a workplace setting. This course covers a range of emergency scenarios, from unconscious casualties and cardiac arrest to bleeding, shock, and minor injuries. It is a mandatory requirement for many workplaces under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, ensuring that designated first aiders can respond effectively until professional medical help arrives.

In the context of Health & Social Care, this qualification is particularly vital as it prepares individuals to handle emergencies in care environments, such as care homes, hospitals, or community settings. The training emphasises the importance of rapid assessment, prioritisation of care, and maintaining the safety of both the casualty and the first aider. By mastering these techniques, students not only meet legal obligations but also develop confidence and competence in managing critical incidents, which is fundamental to providing high-quality care.

This award is vocationally related, meaning it directly applies to real-world work situations. It covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including CPR, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and managing choking, seizures, and anaphylaxis. Successful completion demonstrates a learner's ability to act decisively and calmly under pressure, making them an invaluable asset in any health and social care setting.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→The primary survey (DRABC): Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation – a systematic approach to assessing an emergency situation.
→Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) for adults, including correct compression depth and rate.
→Management of an unconscious casualty who is breathing (recovery position) and not breathing (CPR).
→Control of bleeding using direct pressure, elevation, and dressings, as well as recognition and treatment of shock.
→Recognition and first aid for common workplace emergencies: choking, seizures, anaphylaxis, and minor injuries like cuts, burns, and sprains.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Demonstrate a systematic primary survey using the DRABC approach (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) when assessing a casualty.
Provide clear and accurate information to emergency services, including location, number of casualties, and nature of injuries.
Perform effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an adult manikin, achieving correct depth and rate of chest compressions.
Manage a conscious choking casualty with back blows and abdominal thrusts, following current UK resuscitation guidelines.
Control severe bleeding using direct pressure and appropriate dressings, while minimising risk of infection.

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Demonstrate a systematic primary survey using the DRABC approach (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) when assessing a casualty.
Provide clear and accurate information to emergency services, including location, number of casualties, and nature of injuries.
Perform effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an adult manikin, achieving correct depth and rate of chest compressions.
Manage a conscious choking casualty with back blows and abdominal thrusts, following current UK resuscitation guidelines.
Control severe bleeding using direct pressure and appropriate dressings, while minimising risk of infection.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡During practical assessments, verbalise every step of the primary survey to demonstrate your assessment process, even if the situation seems obvious.
💡Always prioritise calling for an ambulance before starting first aid if you are alone and the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
💡When demonstrating first aid, use the barrier devices provided (e.g., gloves, face shield) and explain why infection control is vital.
💡For written assignments, refer to the latest UK Resuscitation Council guidelines to support your answers.
💡When answering questions about the primary survey, always start with 'Danger' – check for hazards to yourself and others before approaching the casualty. Examiners look for this safety-first approach.
💡For practical assessments, remember to 'call for help' early. In a real emergency, you would not manage alone; demonstrating when to summon emergency services is key.
💡Use the acronym 'DRSABCD' (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation) to structure your answers. This is a common framework that examiners expect.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Learners often forget to check for danger before approaching the casualty, compromising personal safety.
A frequent error is not calling for emergency medical help early enough, delaying advanced care.
Incorrect hand placement during chest compressions can reduce effectiveness and cause injury.
Some learners fail to tilt the head sufficiently to open the airway during rescue breaths.
Misconception: You should always put an unconscious person in the recovery position immediately. Correction: Only place them in the recovery position if they are breathing normally. If they are not breathing, start CPR immediately.
Misconception: If someone is having a seizure, you should put something in their mouth to prevent them biting their tongue. Correction: Never put anything in their mouth; this can cause choking or injury. Instead, clear the area of hazards and protect their head.
Misconception: For severe bleeding, you should apply a tourniquet as a first step. Correction: Tourniquets are only used as a last resort when direct pressure fails. Always apply firm, direct pressure to the wound first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Learners should have basic literacy and numeracy skills to understand course materials and complete assessments.
•It is helpful to have a general awareness of health and safety in the workplace, though no formal first aid knowledge is required.
•Physical ability to perform CPR and other practical skills is recommended, but reasonable adjustments can be made for those with disabilities.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

1. Understand the role of the first aider 2. Assess a range of first aid situations in order to provide emergency first aid 3. Provide appropriate first aid for a range of emergency situations and people

Ready to learn?

AI-powered learning tailored to this unit

CTQ Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to learn?

Related Topics in CERTIFY-TRAINING-QUALIFICATIONS vocational Health & Social Care

CTQ Level 3 Award in Teaching and Assessing First Aid Qualifications

CTQ Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work

CTQ Level 3 Award in First Aid for Schools

CTQ Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid

How to Revise CTQ Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work — Certify Training Qualifications Vocationally-Related Qualification Health & Social Care

Examiner Tips for CTQ Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work

Common Mistakes in CTQ Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work

Key Marking Points

CTQ Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the CTQ Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work last?

Do I need to renew my first aid certificate before it expires?

What is the difference between Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW)?

Can I use an AED on someone with a pacemaker?

What should I do if someone is choking and becomes unconscious?

Is the recovery position the same for all casualties?

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to learn?

Related Topics in CERTIFY-TRAINING-QUALIFICATIONS vocational Health & Social Care

CTQ Level 3 Award in Teaching and Assessing First Aid Qualifications

CTQ Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work

CTQ Level 3 Award in First Aid for Schools

CTQ Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid