Australian paramedics have revealed which foods pose a greater risk of choking than any other.
Nikki Jurcutz, CEO of parenting organization Tiny Hearts Education, has warned parents across Australia about the dangers of hot dogs for kids and how to prepare them in a safe way.
Nikki said the shape of the hot dog is “perfect plug” into a child’s airway, making it extremely dangerous.
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Australian paramedics reveal hot dogs pose more choking risk than any other food
To reduce the risk of choking, Nikki said hot dogs shouldn’t be given to children whole or sliced horizontally into discs (left). , it must be sliced along its length (right).
“This is the food that causes more suffocation than any other food,” said the mother.
“When it comes to designing the perfect plug for a child’s airway, there is nothing much better than a hot dog,” she said, citing Gary Smith of the Center for Injury Research.
However, Nikki explained that preparing food in certain ways can reduce the risk of choking.
To reduce the risk of choking, Nikki said hot dogs should not be fed whole or sliced horizontally to children.
Instead, it should be sliced along the length so as not to block the child’s airway.
Her followers were very appreciative of the tip.
“Wow, I never thought of that! So smart,” said one woman.
Paramedics previously revealed another dangerous food for babies and children.
Nikki said round foods like grapes are dangerous because they are as big as a child’s esophagus and can completely block the airway.
She explained that reshaping the grapes, such as quartering them or crushing them, can reduce the risk.
Nikki has previously issued a warning against small, round foods she says pose a high risk of children choking on food. It is recommended to process by crushing.
Nikki uploaded a video showing how the shape and size of a small, round piece of food resembles a child’s esophagus.
“Not all foods are created equal. Some foods pose a greater choking hazard than others. Round foods are a greater choking hazard, and this is why.” she captioned the informative video.
Paramedics said the round hood could fit perfectly into the child’s esophagus and completely block the airway.
The solution is to change the shape of the food. This can be changed by quartering or flattening.
“Prevention is key,” Nikki said, explaining that even if genetically modified fruit gets stuck in a child’s airways, there’s still space for oxygen to reach the lungs.
“If your child is choking and the airway is completely blocked, you should give first aid for asphyxiation immediately.”