A recent study published in Personnel Today finds that 34% of UK workers feel anxious about the shortage of trained first aiders at their workplace. The finding signals a significant gap between employer expectations and employee perceptions of emergency preparedness — and it has real implications for wellbeing, business continuity and legal compliance.
The finding in context
Feeling that a workplace is inadequately prepared for medical emergencies undermines staff confidence and can increase anxiety, reduce engagement and slow recovery after incidents. First-aid anxiety is not just a comfort issue; it affects how people behave in risk situations, how quickly help is given, and ultimately how severe incident outcomes become.
Why this matters
Employers have a duty to provide adequate first-aid arrangements. Beyond legal obligations, robust first-aid provision contributes to psychological safety and resilience. When more than a third of staff report anxiety about first aid cover, organisations risk reduced morale, potential reputational damage and avoidable harm following workplace incidents.
Practical steps for employers
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Assess coverage — map locations, shifts and lone-working patterns to confirm where trained first aiders are needed.
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Train more people — expand basic and emergency first-aid training beyond the minimum required; consider blended courses and brief refreshers for wider reach.
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Visible readiness — publish first-aider rosters, locations of kits and defibrillators, and procedures so everyone knows who to call and where to go.
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Drills and scenarios — run short tabletop exercises and practical drills to build confidence and muscle memory without heavy operational impact.
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Integrate wellbeing — link first-aid readiness with mental-health support and return-to-work plans; ensure staff know how to access professional help after traumatic incidents.
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Monitor and report — treat first-aid provision as a measurable safety KPI and include it in regular safety audits and board reporting.
Conclusion
First-aid anxiety is a practical problem with simple, measurable solutions. By expanding training, improving visibility, and embedding first-aid into broader wellbeing strategies, employers can reduce worker anxiety, improve emergency response and strengthen overall workplace resilience.
Source: Personnel Today (workplace wellbeing and health & safety coverage).
