I’m a paramedic and mum – here’s how a common car seat mistake could prove deadly
GETTING into a car accident with your little one is every parent’s worst nightmare.
And for most parents this happens to, their first instinct is to give them a big cuddle.
But according to Australian paramedic Nikki, removing your child from their car seat could actually make things a whole lot worse.
Earlier this week, the mum posted a warning video on her Instagram page Tiny Hearts Education which advised parents what to do instead.
“If you are in a car accident with your little one, leave them in the car seat,” Nikki explained.
“Paramedics will arrive on the scene, they’ll assess the speed that you are travelling, the direction of the collision and the potential injuries your little one has sustained.
“They will then decide whether it’s safe to move your child,” she added.
The impact of a car accident can be significant on a little body.
Serious spinal injuries and internal bleeding can be hard to recognise from the outside and can be made worse by moving.
“If it is safe to do so, hop into the back with your little one and keep them calm, distracted and comfortable until paramedics arrive.
“And if some reason it’s too dangerous to leave your child in the car seat, get some scissors and cut through the seatbelt and take them somewhere safe while still strapped in,” Nikki added.
If your child needs CPR, airway management or maybe is just thrashing around and potentially causing more harm, remove the child from the car seat carefully.
“If conscious, hold them still against your body until paramedics arrive,” the expert explained.
What’s more, Nikki said this advice recently helped a mum of two who was recently involved in a crash with her four and two-year-old kids in the back.
An anonymous mum said: “Great info I would never think to leave them in there.
“I would want to grab them out but now I see why it’s important to leave if can.”
Another said: “This is so good to know thank you for sharing”.