In this urgent safety video from First Aid for Life, Emma Hammett explains the serious danger posed by swallowed button batteries. When lodged in a child’s throat, these small batteries can react with saliva to produce a highly corrosive substance that burns tissue in a matter of minutes. The video highlights research showing that giving two spoonfuls of honey after suspected ingestion may help coat the battery and reduce some of the damage while on the way to hospital. However, parents are strongly advised to go immediately to the Emergency Department, avoid giving any other food or drink, and never attempt to make the child sick. The message is clear: rapid action can prevent life changing injuries and may save a life.
Emma Hammett is an experienced nurse and first aid trainer, she has worked in many areas including A&E, Children’s Ward, Burns Unit and Acute medical and surgical wards before becoming hospital manager of Hammersmith and Charing Cross Hospitals. In 2007, she founded First Aid for Life and is shortly going to publish her second book, Burns, Falls and Emergency Calls – The ultimate guide to the prevention and treatment of childhood accidents.
Emma is also the founder of First Aid for Pets offering first aid training courses for your pets https://firstaidforpets.net/
Emma is also the founder of First Aid for Pets offering first aid training courses for your pets https://firstaidforpets.net/
Latest posts by Emma Hammett (see all)
- What bit me? The ultimate guide - June 19, 2026
- How to survive the London marathon - April 24, 2026
- Meningitis & Sepsis – Spotting Early Warning Signs - March 20, 2026
