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    How many first aiders do I need?

    Use this free calculator to see the suggested minimum first-aid cover for your workplace, based on HSE guidance, then check the factors that mean you might need more.

    What kind of work do you do?
    Do any of these apply?

    Based on the HSE’s suggested numbers of first-aid personnel. Your first aid needs assessment decides what you actually need.

    HSE suggested numbers of first aiders

    These suggestions come from HSE guidance on the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. They are a starting point: your first aid needs assessment may show you need more.

    WorkplaceNumber of peopleSuggested minimum
    Low hazard
    Offices, shops, libraries and similar    		Fewer than 25At least one appointed person
    25 to 50At least one first aider trained in EFAW
    More than 50At least one FAW-trained first aider for every 100 people, or part of 100
    Higher hazard
    Light engineering and assembly, food processing, warehousing, dangerous machinery or sharp instruments, construction, chemical manufacture    		Fewer than 5At least one appointed person
    5 to 50At least one first aider trained in EFAW or FAW, depending on the likely injuries
    More than 50At least one FAW-trained first aider for every 50 people, or part of 50

    What should be in a workplace first-aid kit?

    HSE suggests that, where there is no special risk, a minimum first-aid kit might contain:

    • A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid
    • 20 individually wrapped sterile plasters, in assorted sizes
    • 2 sterile eye pads
    • 2 individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile
    • 6 safety pins
    • 2 large sterile, individually wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings
    • 6 medium-sized sterile, individually wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings
    • At least 3 pairs of disposable gloves

    Your needs assessment may show you need more, and tablets or medicines should not be kept in the kit.

    Carry out a first aid needs assessment

    Use our free first aid needs assessment template to record your decisions, and read the First Aid at Work Regulations explained.

    Record first aid given

    Every time first aid is given, record it. Injuries should also go in your accident book, which helps you spot patterns and meet your RIDDOR duties.

    Let first aiders record injuries in seconds

    With Accident Book, first aiders scan a QR code to record the injury and the treatment given, and managers are alerted straight away. £9.99 per site per month, with a 7-day free trial.

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    Frequently asked questions

    How many first aiders do I need per employee?+
    There is no fixed ratio in law. HSE suggests that low-hazard workplaces with more than 50 employees have at least one first aider trained in first aid at work (FAW) for every 100 employees, and higher-hazard workplaces with more than 50 employees have one for every 50. Smaller workplaces may only need an appointed person or one emergency first aider.
    What is an appointed person for first aid?+
    An appointed person takes charge of first-aid arrangements, such as looking after the first-aid kit and calling the emergency services. They do not need first-aid training. HSE suggests an appointed person is the minimum for small, low-risk workplaces.
    What is the difference between EFAW and FAW?+
    Emergency first aid at work (EFAW) is usually a one-day course covering emergency first aid. First aid at work (FAW) is usually a three-day course covering a wider range of injuries and illnesses. Both certificates last three years.
    Is a first aid needs assessment a legal requirement?+
    The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and people. Assessing your first-aid needs is how you decide what is adequate and appropriate, so HSE expects you to do one.
    Do first aiders need to record first aid given?+
    It is good practice to record every time first aid is given, including the date, time, place, the person treated, the injury and the treatment. Injuries should also be recorded in your accident book.

    First aid and accident recording

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