First Aid for Parents and Nannies in the UAE

Most childhood accidents happen at home, and the adult nearby is a parent, grandparent or nanny. The pediatric first aid course is the version of the first aid course built for them.

Home risks for young children

• Falls from sofas, beds and balconies — head injuries.
• Hot drinks and kettles — burns.
• Cleaning products, medicines and button batteries — poisoning.
• Villa and compound pools — drowning.
• Food allergies at parties — anaphylaxis.
• High temperature and seizures.

Prevention first

Locks on cleaning cupboards, a fence and gate around pools, window restrictors, and hot drinks out of reach prevent far more harm than any first aid. The course reinforces these habits.

When to call 998 for a child

• Difficulty breathing, blue lips, or a child who is floppy or very drowsy.
• A seizure, especially a first one.
• A burn larger than the child’s palm, or on the face, hands or genitals.
• Any swallowed battery, magnet or unknown medicine.
• After being pulled from water, even if the child seems fine.

When in doubt, call. Paramedics would much rather see a child who turns out to be fine than arrive too late.

Numbers by the phone

Keep 998, your paediatrician and your full address written by the door and saved in every carer’s phone, in the language they are most comfortable with.

Training nannies

Families often book a nanny onto the course; it is also reassuring to have the nanny’s first aid card on file. Make sure your nanny knows your full address to give to 998.

Should both parents go?

Ideally yes — whoever is home when something happens needs the skills.

Booking

Book a date at our centre. For a group of parents, a nursery or a compound, ask about a private session — see how to book.

More First Aid guides: First aid by workplace

• First Aid Course in Abu Dhabi — dates, format and booking
• First Aid for Construction Sites in the UAE
• Office First Aid Training: What Office First Aiders Deal With
• First Aid for Hotels, Restaurants and Retail Staff in the UAE
• First Aid for Security Guards and Security Teams
• First Aid for Gyms, Coaches and Sports Clubs
• All First Aid guides, by topic

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

Frequently asked questions

Which first aid course is best for parents?

Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED.

Can nannies take the course?

Yes, many families book their nanny onto it.

Does it cover baby choking?

Yes, infant and child choking.

Can a group of parents book a private session?

Yes, contact us.

Do I need medical experience?

No.

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
• Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre — Abu Dhabi

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.