Honey, cling wrap and hair removal cream are everyday items you may never imagine needing in an emergency.
But according to Australian former paramedic Nikki Jurcutz, these three unexpected things could potentially save your child’s life.
The mum, who worked as a paramedic for eight years with Ambulance Victoria, said she will always keep a supply of honey, cling wrap and hair removal cream in her home ‘just in case’.
She explained how the essential items are great for treating serious injuries – including burns, button battery ingestion or a hair tourniquet on the spot before heading to the emergency department.
For burns, Jurcutz said cling wrap works wonders by protecting the injury until medical treatment can be received at the hospital.
‘After completing first aid on a burn, it should be covered to protect against further damage,’ she explained.
‘It’s important to use something that won’t stick to the burn, as this can cause further damage when you go to remove the cover.
‘Using something non-stick to cover the burn is so important. Something as simple as cling wrap does an excellent job.’
After cooling the burn with cool running water, loosely cover the area with cling wrap to help prevent infection and reduce pain by keeping air from the skin’s surface until your child is seen by a doctor.
Do not use ice to cool the burn as this may make the burn worse. Never apply any lotions, creams or food items – including toothpaste, egg whites, butter, or potato.
Jurcutz, who runs an Australian children’s safety page called Tiny Hearts Education, said hair removal cream can be used to treat tourniquet, a condition where hair becomes tightly wrapped around most commonly a toe or other body parts.
‘If the tourniquet doesn’t appear too deep and there isn’t damage to the skin, you can try this treatment,’ she advised.
‘Apply a small amount of hair removal cream to the area and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. If hair remains wrapped, take your child to the emergency department immediately.’
Finally, if you suspect your child has accidentally swallowed a button battery, Jurcutz urged parents them a spoonful of honey.
‘Honey can make a significant difference in the damage caused,’ she said.
‘However using honey as first aid treatment isn’t part of the guideline treatment in Australia (yet), but other countries such as America have implemented the guideline ’10ML of honey for every 10 minutes for children over one years old.
‘Do NOT delay getting to the hospital to give honey.’
Button battery ingestion is a serious medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. If showing any signs of respiratory distress, call 000.
If your child has no trouble breathing, call the poisons hotline on 13 11 26 and head to your nearest emergency department.
Her video has been viewed more than 600,000 times – with many parents thanking Jurcutz for sharing her helpful tips.
‘Thank you so much for these ideas and all that you do to raise awareness,’ one said.
‘Didn’t know about the cling film, thank you for sharing,’ another shared.
‘This is so incredibly smart and helpful, thankyou,’ one praised.
