Eye Injury First Aid: Chemicals, Dust and Objects in the Eye

Grinding, cutting, cleaning chemicals and sand make eye injuries common on UAE worksites and at home. Quick rinsing can save sight. Eye injuries are part of the first aid course.

Chemicals

Rinse first, ask questions later. Tilt the head so the water runs away from the other eye, hold the lids apart, and keep rinsing for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if they come out easily. Take the chemical’s label to hospital.

Dust and grit

Do not rub. Blink, then rinse with clean water or saline. If it will not come out, or the eye stays painful or red, get it checked.

Embedded objects

Do not try to remove anything stuck in the eye. Cover it loosely — a paper cup taped over it works — and ask the person to keep both eyes still, because the eyes move together.

Blows to the eye

A cold pack wrapped in cloth, without pressure on the eye itself. Blurred or double vision, blood in the eye or severe pain need hospital.

Eye wash stations

Workplaces handling chemicals need eye wash stations or bottles close to where the chemicals are used — see site first aid and the kit checklist.

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.

More First Aid guides: Emergency-by-emergency first aid

• First Aid Course in Abu Dhabi — dates, format and booking
• Severe Bleeding First Aid: Pressure, Tourniquets and Packing
• Burns First Aid: Cool, Cover, and When a Burn Needs Hospital
• Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion: First Aid for UAE Summers
• Anaphylaxis First Aid: Recognising a Severe Allergic Reaction
• Asthma Attack First Aid: Helping With a Reliever Inhaler
• Heart Attack First Aid: Warning Signs and What to Do
• Stroke First Aid: The FAST Test and Why Time Matters
• Seizure First Aid: Keep Them Safe, Time It, and When to Call 998
• Low Blood Sugar First Aid: Helping in a Diabetic Emergency
• Fainting First Aid: What to Do Before and After Someone Faints
• Fractures and Sprains First Aid: Support, Cold and When to Call
• Head Injury and Concussion First Aid: Danger Signs to Watch For
• Poisoning First Aid: Swallowed, Inhaled and Skin Exposures
• Bites and Stings First Aid: Scorpions, Snakes, Bees and Jellyfish
• Drowning First Aid: Safe Rescue, Breathing and Pool Safety
• Electric Shock First Aid: Make It Safe Before You Touch
• First Aid Kit Checklist for Home, Car and Workplace
• All First Aid guides, by topic

Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · PALS Course · Training calendar

Frequently asked questions

How long should you rinse a chemical from the eye?

At least 15 minutes with clean running water or eye wash.

Should you remove an object stuck in the eye?

No, cover it loosely and get urgent help.

Should you rub an eye with dust in it?

No, blink and rinse.

When does an eye injury need hospital?

Chemicals, embedded objects, changes in vision, blood in the eye or severe pain.

Why cover both eyes?

Because the eyes move together; keeping both still protects the injured one.

Sources and further reading

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.

• Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED — American Heart Association
• CPR and ECC Guidelines — American Heart Association

Last reviewed 21 September 2026 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.