Last updated: July 2025
How many first aiders do I need?
If you’re a business owner or manager, this question has probably kept you awake at night. Get it wrong, and you could face hefty fines, insurance issues, or worse – a preventable tragedy.
Get it right, and you’ve got peace of mind plus a team that’s genuinely prepared for emergencies. When determining how many first aiders you need, the answer depends on your workplace size, risk level, and specific circumstances. But don’t worry – we’ll break down exactly what you need to know.
How Many First Aiders Do I Need? The Complete HSE Breakdown
The Health and Safety Executive doesn’t mess about when it comes to first aid provision. Here’s what they mandate under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. At least one paragraph is too long. Consider using short paragraphs.
Low-Risk Workplaces (offices, shops, libraries)
- 1-25 employees: At least one appointed person
- 26-50 employees: At least one first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
- 51+ employees: At least one first aider trained in First Aid at Work (FAW) for every 50 worker
Higher-Risk Workplaces (construction, manufacturing, agriculture)
- 1-5 employees: At least one appointed person
- 6-50 employees: At least one first aider trained in First Aid at Work (FAW)
- 51+ employees: One additional FAW-trained first aider for every 50 workers
But here’s the thing – these are minimum requirements. Most businesses asking “how many first aiders do I need” are surprised to learn they actually need more.
Why the HSE Minimums Aren’t Enough for Real Workplaces
We’ve been training first aiders across Herefordshire and beyond for years, and here’s what we’ve learned: the HSE minimums assume your first aiders are always available. In reality:
- People take holidays (shocking, we know!)
- Staff get sick
- Shift patterns mean coverage gaps
- Different locations need their own provision
Our recommendation when clients ask “how many first aiders do I need”? Plan for at least one additional first aider per shift beyond the minimum requirements.
Special Considerations That Change Your First Aider Numbers
Multiple Locations or Floors
Each separate location needs its own first aid provision. That includes:
- Different floors in multi-storey buildings
- Separate warehouses or workshops
- Remote sites or satellite offices
Shift Work
Night shifts, weekend work, or rotating patterns? The question “how many first aiders do I need” becomes more complex. You need first aiders available during all working hours. One day-shift first aider won’t help your night security team.
High-Risk Activities
Some work activities bump up your requirements:
- Construction sites: Often need FAW-trained first aiders regardless of team size
- Agriculture: Machinery, chemicals, and remote locations increase risk
- Hospitality: Hot kitchens, busy service areas, and public interaction
- Manufacturing: Heavy machinery and industrial processes
Remote or Isolated Work
If your team works more than 20 minutes from emergency services, the answer to “how many first aiders do I need” changes dramatically. You’ll likely need:
- Additional first aiders
- Enhanced first aid training (like our FREC courses)
- Comprehensive first aid equipment
The Real Cost of Getting Your First Aider Numbers Wrong
We’ve seen businesses learn this the hard way:
- HSE fines can reach £20,000+ for inadequate first aid provision
- Insurance claims get complicated without proper coverage
- Staff confidence plummets after preventable incidents
- Recruitment suffers when word gets out about poor safety standards
But the biggest cost? A preventable tragedy because help wasn’t available when seconds counted.
How to Calculate How Many First Aiders You Need
Step 1: Assess Your Risk Level
Honestly evaluate your workplace hazards. When in doubt, assume higher risk – it’s better to be over-prepared.
Step 2: Map Your Coverage
- How many shifts do you run?
- Are there separate locations or floors?
- What’s your typical absence rate?
Step 3: Plan for Reality
Add buffer capacity for holidays, sickness, and staff turnover. We typically recommend 20-30% additional coverage when answering “how many first aiders do I need.”
Step 4: Choose the Right Training
- EFAW (1 day): Suitable for low-risk environments
- FAW (3 days): Required for higher-risk workplaces
- Specialist courses: For specific industries or remote locations
Get Expert Help With Your First Aid Requirements
Still wondering “how many first aiders do I need” for your specific situation? Getting your first aid provision right isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about creating a genuinely safe workplace where your team feels protected and confident.
Need help working out your specific requirements? Our health and safety consultants can assess your workplace and provide a detailed first aid needs analysis. We’ll consider your unique risks, layout, and working patterns to give you a clear action plan.
Ready to get your team trained? Our first aid courses are delivered by experienced professionals with real emergency services backgrounds. No boring PowerPoints – just practical, confidence-building training that your team will actually remember when it matters.
Want ongoing support? Our health and safety packages include regular reviews of your first aid provision, ensuring you stay compliant as your business grows and changes.
Still have questions about how many first aiders you need? Try our free handy calculator, or get in touch with our team at [email protected] or call 01568 605 110. We’re here to help you get this right – because when emergencies happen, you want to be ready.
Remember: This guidance covers general HSE requirements, but specific industries may have additional regulations. Always check sector-specific guidance or consult with a qualified health and safety professional.
