A former paramedic has revealed what parents should do if their child gets lost in a crowded public place.
Nikki Jurcutz, Founder of First Aid Parenting Education Program, Education of little heartsHe said parents should avoid “wasting time” running around “silently” in a state of panic if they have lost sight of a young child.
The Australian mother of two said they should instead immediately shout out a description of her missing son so other people can help locate him quickly.
Nikki advised parents not to worry about how others look when they cry out that they have lost their child, as “every minute counts” and many members of the public will be more than willing to help.
“I promise you that if you start screaming that you’ve lost your son, I will stop immediately and help you find him,” she said on Instagram.
Nikki Jurcutz (pictured), founder of parenting first aid education program Tiny Hearts Education, revealed what parents should and shouldn’t do if their child goes missing in public.
Nikki, who spent eight years as a paramedic, said parents should fight the temptation to panic the moment they realize their child has gone missing in a public space.
“If a child goes missing, don’t do this: run silently and panicked, every minute counts, you’re wasting your time,” he said.
He explained that a better way to locate a little one quickly is to calmly and assertively shout out details about him so others can help.
“I have lost my son, he is four years old, he is wearing blue shorts and a white t-shirt, please help me find him,” he shouted as an example.
“He’s been gone for about two minutes, he’s got blonde hair, blue eyes, his name is Wolf, he’s four years old.”
Nikki said to announce the boy’s age, his name, what he is wearing, his hair and eye color, and how long he has been missing.
‘Who cares what you sound like? “I promise that parents will come together to help you find your little one,” he said.
‘I’ll go one step further and promise you if you or your child needs help: in a park, a shopping center or at the pool. I’ll stop and help you.
The Australian mother of two said they should instead immediately shout out a description of her missing son.
Nikki, who spent eight years as a paramedic, said parents should fight the temptation to panic the moment they realize their child has gone missing in a public space.
The Australian mother of two said mums and dads should immediately shout out a description of their missing child so other people can help locate them quickly. Image: Stock Image
Parents applauded the “surprising” advice and shared their own terrifying experiences of briefly losing their children in public.
I can confirm that this works wonders!! I’ve had to do it before,” said one woman.
‘This is so important! Such an effective method. I know I would stop immediately and help look,” another agreed.
“This is why it’s so important to dress your kids in something bright and unique,” a third suggested.
‘This works, my friend had to do this a couple of years ago at a busy Christmas market. “I found the little one very quickly,” someone added.
This isn’t the first time Nikki has shared some life-saving tips.
She previously revealed why parents should never take their children out of their car seat if they have an accident on the road.
‘Car accidents can cause serious internal or spinal injuries that are not visible. The impact can be significant and moving your little one can cause further damage,’ he warned.
The mother said it is important to leave her child in her car seat if she is involved in a high-speed accident over 60 km/h, if her car is in a side impact and if there is significant damage.
You should also refrain from moving them if your little one is injured and there are signs of injury to the head, neck, or spine.
She previously revealed why parents should never take their children out of their car seat if they have an accident on the road.
Additionally, Nikki urged parents to keep their children in their seats if airbags have deployed near them, if there is no immediate threat and if there is the possibility of further collisions.
“Call 000 and if possible leave the child in the car seat and wait for the instructions from the paramedics,” advises the health expert.
If you need to remove your child from the car because of a hazard, such as a traffic hazard, unlatch and remove the entire car seat with the child still in the harness or use scissors to cut the straps.
Nikki urged parents and caregivers not to worry about damage to the seat because most car seats will need to be replaced after an accident.
However, if the car is smoking, your child is unconscious, or needs CPR or airway management, carefully remove the child from the seat.
“If you’re conscious, keep them still against your body until paramedics arrive,” he said.
You should also follow the same steps if your child thrashes around and potentially causes more damage.