'I'm a former paramedic. I wish every parent knew about these 3 life-saving skills.'

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There's a moment that stays with every paramedic – that split second when you arrive at a scene and realise the outcome could have been different.

For Nikki Jurcutz, founder of Tiny Hearts, those moments became the driving force behind a mission that's now reached over 100,000 families and helped save thousands of little lives through education.

"Over and over, I arrived at scenes where parents were faced with their child in distress and were unsure what to do while waiting for help," Nikki told Mamamia.

"What always stayed with me was this: the actions parents take in those critical minutes before we arrive can make a world of difference."

Watch: The Transformative Joy of Babies on Well. Post continues below.

Now a mum of three herself, Nikki understands the overwhelming nature of keeping little ones safe. It's this unique perspective – both professional and personal – that led her to start Tiny Hearts over 12 years ago.

Recently, three of her safety posts went viral, reaching millions of parents worldwide. Each highlights a hidden danger that many families simply aren't aware of.

The three things Nikki wishes every parent knew.

1. Not all head bumps are created equal.

Kids and head bumps go together like toast and butter – it's practically inevitable. But knowing when to worry can be the difference between a cuddle and a trip to the emergency room.

"The challenge for parents is knowing when it's just a minor bump and when it might be more serious," Nikki explained. "One of the biggest risks is underestimating a head injury because symptoms aren't always immediate."

Watch for these warning signs:

• Vomiting more than twice

• Excessive drowsiness or difficulty waking

• Loss of consciousness

• Unusual behaviour or confusion

"If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention straight away," Nikki advised. It's not about panicking at every tumble, but rather knowing what to look for when things might be more serious.

2. Popcorn is more dangerous than you think.

This one surprises most parents. That innocent movie night snack? For children under five, it's actually one of the most dangerous choking hazards around.

"Popcorn might seem like a harmless snack, but for children under five it's incredibly risky," Nikki warned. "Its hard, uneven texture makes it difficult to chew properly. If inhaled, it can block the airway or even lodge in the lungs, leading to a delayed respiratory emergency."

The problem isn't just immediate choking – though that's scary enough. Young children don't have a strong enough cough reflex to clear popcorn pieces, and if they make it to the lungs, they can cause infections and long-term damage.

"It's safest to avoid giving popcorn to children under five," Nikki said simply. "I know it feels like you're being overly cautious, but trust me – it's not worth the risk."

3. The squish test could save your child's life.

When babies start solids, every parent becomes a texture detective. But there's a simple test that takes the guesswork out of food safety.

"Babies and toddlers are still learning to chew and don't yet have the molars to manage tougher foods," Nikki explained. "One of the biggest risks is offering food that's too firm or too dry."

Here's how the squish test works:

• Press the food between your fingers.

• If it squishes easily into a paste with gentle pressure, it's safe for babies.

• If it holds its shape or needs force to break down, it's too hard and poses a choking risk.

"Using this simple test can help you prepare food safely and reduce choking risks at mealtimes," Nikki said. "It's such a small thing, but it can make such a big difference."

Knowledge is power (and peace of mind).

For Nikki, sharing these lessons isn't about creating anxiety – it's about creating confidence.

"As a paramedic, I saw too many emergencies that could have been prevented with the right knowledge," she reflected.

"It was heartbreaking to see preventable tragedies unfold simply because parents didn't have the knowledge they needed."

That realisation lit a fire that's still burning strong today, to educate and empower other parents.

"The more knowledge parents have, the more empowered they feel," she said. "That confidence can make all the difference in protecting little ones when it matters most."

Because at the end of the day, being prepared isn't about expecting the worst – it's about being ready to handle whatever comes your way, with knowledge, confidence, and a clear head.

For more life-saving education and first aid courses, visit Tiny Hearts.

Feature Image: Supplied.