The three unexpected items an Aussie paramedic always keeps in her home. And they could save your life

Honey, cling film and depilatory cream are everyday items that you might never imagine needing in an emergency.

But according to former Australian paramedic Nikki Jurcutz, these three unexpected things could potentially save your child’s life.

The mother, who worked as a paramedic with Ambulance Victoria for eight years, said she will always keep a supply of honey, cling film and hair removal cream at home “just in case”.

She explained how the essential items are great for treating serious injuries including burns, swallowing button batteries or using a hair tourniquet on the spot before going to the emergency department.

For burns, Jurcutz says cling wrap works wonders by protecting the injury until medical treatment can be provided at the hospital.

“After completing first aid for a burn, it should be covered to prevent 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.

‘It’s so important to use something with a non-stick coating to cover the burn. Something as simple as cling film does a great job.”

After cooling the burn with cool running water, cover the area loosely with cling film to help prevent infection and reduce pain by keeping air off the skin’s surface until your child is seen by a doctor.

Do not use ice to cool the burn as this can make the burn worse. Never apply lotions, creams or food products, including toothpaste, egg whites, butter or potato.

Jurcutz, who runs an Australian child safety page called Tiny Hearts EducationThe mentioned hair removal cream can be used to treat tourniquet, a condition in which hair gets wrapped tightly around a toe or other body parts.

“If the tourniquet doesn’t seem too deep and there is no damage to the skin, you can try this treatment,” she advised.

‘Apply a small amount of depilatory cream to the area and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. If the hair remains wrapped, take your child to the emergency department immediately.”

Finally, if you suspect your child has accidentally swallowed a button cell battery, Jurcutz urges parents to drink a spoonful of honey.

“Honey can make a significant difference in the damage caused,” she said.

‘However, the use of honey as a first aid treatment is not (yet) part of the treatment guideline in Australia, but other countries, such as America, have implemented the ’10 ml of honey per 10 minutes’ guideline for children over one year of age.

‘DO NOT delay going to the hospital to give honey.’

The mother said she will always keep a supply of honey, cling film and depilatory cream at home ‘just in case’ of an emergency (file image)

Swallowing button batteries is a serious medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. If you show signs of respiratory distress, call 000.

If your child has no trouble breathing, call the poison hotline on 13 11 26 and go to the 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 you are doing to raise awareness,” said one.

“I didn’t know about the cling film, thanks for sharing,” said another.

“This is so incredibly smart and helpful, thank you,” one person praised.