Burns First Aid
Burns and scalds are among the most common household and kitchen injuries. The first 20 minutes matter most: cooling the burn properly reduces pain, depth and scarring. Here is the approach taught on our first aid course.
What to do
Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 10 minutes. Remove rings, watches and clothing near the burn unless stuck to it. Cover loosely with cling film or a clean non-fluffy dressing. Call 998 for large burns, burns to the face, hands, feet or genitals, electrical and chemical burns, and burns in young children.
Cool running tap water, for at least 10 minutes and longer if possible. Not ice or iced water, which can damage the skin further. Keep the rest of the person warm, especially children, who can become cold quickly.
No butter, oil, toothpaste, egg, yoghurt or creams. They trap heat and make the wound harder to assess. Do not burst blisters.
Lay cling film along the burn rather than wrapping it tightly around a limb, which can restrict swelling. A clean plastic bag works for a hand.
Brush off dry powder, then rinse with plenty of running water, protecting yourself with gloves. Remove contaminated clothing. Bring the product or its label for the medical team. For chemicals in the eye, see eye injury first aid.
Always need medical assessment because the damage inside can be far worse than the marks on the skin — see electric shock first aid.
Common in the UAE. Move out of the sun, cool with water, drink fluids, and seek medical help for blistering over large areas or for a child who seems unwell — which may also be heat illness.
This guide summarises first aid for the public and does not replace training or medical advice. In an emergency in the UAE call 998 for an ambulance.
Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · PALS Course · Training calendar
Under cool running water for at least 10 minutes.
No, ice can damage the skin further.
No.
No.
Large burns, burns to the face, hands, feet or genitals, chemical and electrical burns, and burns in young children.
Cling film laid loosely over it, or a clean non-fluffy dressing.
Reading helps; practising makes it automatic. The AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course at our Al Reem Island centre covers every emergency on this page with hands-on practice, and we train companies and schools on site across the UAE.
See first aid dates and register First aid course overview All first aid guides
What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.
Last reviewed by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.