A former paramedic has revealed why you should never take your child out of the car seat if you’re in a car accident.
Educating tiny heartsLed by a mother, Nikki Jurcutz, who was a paramedic for eight years, she published a potentially life-saving tip for parents and caregivers who drive with children.
“Traffic accidents can cause serious internal or spinal injuries that are not visible. The impact can be significant and moving the child can cause further damage,” he warned.
Ms Jurcutz said it is important to leave your child in their car seat if you are in a high-speed accident over 60km/h, if there is a side impact on your car 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.
The paramedic also 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 a possibility of further collisions.
“Call 000 and, if possible, leave the child in the car seat and wait for instructions from the paramedics,” said the health expert.
If you need to remove your child from the car due to a hazard, such as a traffic hazard, unbuckle and remove the entire car seat with the child still in the harness or use scissors to cut the straps.
Tiny Hearts Education is run by mother Nikki Jurcutz, who was a paramedic for eight years.
Ms Jurcutz urged parents and carers 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 he’s conscious, hold him still against your body until paramedics arrive,” he said.
You should also follow the same steps if your child becomes agitated and potentially causes further harm.
When should I put my child in a car seat after a car accident?
- In a high-speed accident of more than 60 km/h
- Side impact
- Major damage to the vehicle
- It’s obvious that your little one is hurt or there is someone in the car.
- Signs of head, neck, or spine injury
- Airbags deployed near the child
- There is no immediate threat
- Possibility of further collisions