Description

NLTC Approved First Aid at Work Training in Scotland

If you’re responsible for workplace safety in Scotland, you’ll know that having trained first aiders isn’t optional: it’s a legal requirement. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 make it clear that every workplace needs adequate first-aid provision. But what does “adequate” actually mean? And which qualification do you need?

Let’s break down your options for First Aid at Work training in Scotland, specifically our NLTC-approved courses available right here in Central Scotland.

Why NLTC-Approved Training Matters

NLTC is one of the UK’s respected awarding bodies for professional training qualifications. When you choose an NLTC-approved First Aid at Work course, you’re getting a nationally recognised qualification that meets all statutory requirements.

This means your certificate is accepted across Scotland (and the rest of the UK) by HSE inspectors, insurance companies, and industry regulators. It’s not just a piece of paper: it’s proof that you’ve been trained to recognised standards by qualified instructors.

All our First Aid at Work courses are delivered by NLTC-approved instructors right here in Central Scotland, so you’re learning from professionals who know the regulations inside out.

Understanding Your First Aid Training Options

You’ve got two main routes when it comes to First Aid at Work training: the 1-day Emergency course or the comprehensive 3-day course. Which one you need depends entirely on your workplace risk assessment.

Let’s look at both options so you can make an informed decision.

1-Day Emergency First Aid at Work Course

What Does It Cover?

The Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course is designed for lower-risk environments where basic life-saving skills are sufficient. Over the course of one intensive day, you’ll learn:

• Primary survey and scene assessment – How to approach an emergency safely
• CPR techniques – Adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation using current guidelines
• Defibrillator use – Practical training with an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Recovery position – When and how to use it correctly
• Choking – Managing both conscious and unconscious casualties
• Bleeding control – Dealing with minor and serious wounds
• Shock management – Recognition and treatment
• Minor injuries – Burns, scalds, and other common workplace incidents

The course runs for approximately 6-7 hours and includes both theory and hands-on practice. You’ll work with training manikins, practice bandaging techniques, and get comfortable using a defibrillator in a safe environment.

Who Should Take the 1-Day Course?

This course suits you if:

• Your workplace is classified as low-risk (offices, retail, small warehouses)
• You need to top up the existing first aid provision
• You work in a small team with fewer than 25 employees on one site
• Your risk assessment indicates that emergency first aid is adequate

3-Day First Aid at Work Course

What’s Included?

The full First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification is the gold standard for workplace first aiders. This comprehensive 3-day course covers everything from the 1-day course, plus significantly more:

Day One:

• Role and responsibilities of a first aider
• Scene assessment and incident management
• Communication and casualty assessment
• CPR and defibrillator use
• Choking procedures
• Recovery position
• Shock management

Day Two:

• Wounds and bleeding control
• Burns and scalds
• Eye injuries
• Bone, muscle and joint injuries
• Chest injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Head injuries
• Crush injuries

Day Three:

• Anaphylaxis recognition and treatment
• Heart attack management
• Stroke recognition
• Asthma attacks
• Diabetes emergencies
• Seizures
• Poisoning
• Record keeping and incident reporting

You’ll spend three full days building your skills and confidence. By the end, you’ll be equipped to handle serious medical emergencies until professional help arrives.

Who Needs the 3-Day Course?

The comprehensive FAW course is right for you if:

• Your workplace is higher-risk (construction, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture)
• You have more than 25 employees on site
• You’ll be designated as the main first aider for your workplace
• Your risk assessment identifies hazards requiring comprehensive first aid cover
• You work in remote locations where emergency services may take longer to arrive

The Driver CPC Connection

Do you hold an LGV or PCV Licence?

Here’s something many professional drivers don’t realise: both our First Aid at Work courses count toward your Driver CPC periodic training requirements.

Whether you take the 1-day or 3-day course, you’ll earn 7 hours of Driver CPC credit. This means you’re not just learning life-saving skills: you’re also ticking off part of your mandatory 35 hours of training.

For professional drivers, this is a smart way to combine essential safety training with regulatory compliance. You’re meeting your obligations while gaining skills that could genuinely save a life on the road or at work.

What Happens During Assessment?

Both courses include continuous assessment throughout the training. There’s no formal written exam, but your instructor will observe your practical skills and check your understanding as you go.

You’ll need to demonstrate that you can:

• Perform CPR effectively
• Use a defibrillator correctly
• Manage various emergency scenarios
• Apply bandages and dressings properly
• Make appropriate decisions about casualty care

Don’t worry if you’ve never done anything like this before. Our instructors are patient, experienced, and skilled at bringing everyone up to speed, regardless of their starting point.

How Long Are the Qualifications Valid?

Both NLTC First Aid at Work qualifications are valid for three years from the date of issue. Before your certificate expires, you’ll need to complete a refresher course to maintain your status as a qualified first aider.

We recommend annual refresher training to keep your skills sharp, even though it’s not legally required. First aid techniques do change as medical guidance evolves, and skills can fade if you don’t use them regularly.

Why Choose Open Road Training?

We’re based in Central Scotland and have been delivering professional training for years using our “Training for Tomorrow” approach. When you book with us, you get:

• NLTC-approved instructors – All our trainers are qualified and regularly updated
• Convenient Central Scotland locations – Easy to reach from across the region
• Driver CPC integration – Perfect for professional drivers needing periodic training
• Small group sizes – More hands-on practice and individual attention
• Practical focus – We emphasise real-world scenarios, not just textbook theory

Our instructors don’t just read from a manual. They bring practical experience, making the training engaging and relevant to your actual workplace situations.

Making Your Decision

Still not sure which course you need? Here’s a quick comparison:

Choose the 1-Day Emergency First Aid at Work if:

• You work in a low-risk environment
• You need basic life-saving skills
• You’re supplementing existing first aid provision
• Time is limited

Choose the 3-Day First Aid at Work if:

• You’re in a higher-risk workplace
• You’ll be the designated first aider
• You need comprehensive emergency response skills
• You want the most thorough qualification available

Your employer’s risk assessment should ultimately guide this decision. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to discuss your specific situation and point you in the right direction.

Getting Started

First Aid at Work training isn’t just about compliance: though that’s certainly important. It’s about having the confidence and skills to help when someone needs it most. Whether that’s a colleague who’s collapsed, a customer who’s choking, or a pedestrian injured near your workplace, being trained could make all the difference.

Both our NLTC-approved courses offer nationally recognised qualifications that last for three years. Both contribute toward Driver CPC hours if you’re a professional driver. And both are delivered by experienced instructors who genuinely care about preparing you for real emergencies.

Ready to book your First Aid at Work training in Central Scotland? Check our available course dates or get in touch to discuss which option suits your needs. We’re here to help you meet your legal obligations while gaining skills that genuinely matter.