Brave kids save lives after calling for triple-0 for help

THE bravery and quick-thinking of these Victorian kids saved the lives of their dads, mums and siblings. Listen to their incredible calls to triple-0.

Triple-0 Hero sisters Ebony, 13, and Georgia, 11. The girls called 000 when a fire their dad started became out of control. Picture: Kylie Else

DOZENS of children who saved the lives of their mothers, fathers, siblings and friends have been recognised for their bravery at the Junior Triple Zero Heroes awards.

More than 50 Victorians aged between five and 16 who overcame fear in emergencies and called 000 to saved loved ones have been honoured at this morning’s event.

Among them were sisters Ebony, 13, and Georgia, 11, who saved their dad Denis Smith’s life when a fire he tried to start set him alight, causing severe burns.

MELBOURNE BOY HARRY CALLS TRIPLE-0 FOR BABY BROTHER

“We were playing Monopoly, and my dad decided to get petrol because we didn’t have anything to light a fire,” Ebony said.

“He poured a bit, and it kind of lit up, and exploded on to dad.

“He ran into the pool ... and then I rang the ambulance.

“It was really scary because we’d never had to call 000 before.”

The sisters helped their dad with first aid while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

Mr Smith said he was incredibly proud of his two daughters.

“I was very proud, very proud, they did so well that day,” Mr Smith said.

“They were tested that day, and they came through with flying colours.”

At just five years old, India was the youngest hero to accept her award this year.

India, now 6, saved her brother Harrison, 2, after he swallowed a five-cent coin, and started choking and struggling to breathe.

After learning how to call 000 at kindergarten, India quickly dialled for help.

She helped her mum Chloe Coleman, and waited at the front of the house for paramedics to arrive.

Leah Rogers 8, from Bell Post Hill called triple-0 when her mum passed out on the steps at home. Picture: Kylie Else

Harry Reynolds, 8, chipped in when his two year old brother Charlie fell at home in Elwood. Picture: Ian Currie

“India jumped up to call an ambulance, and grabbed my mobile phone, and rang the ambulance,” Ms Coleman said.

“She gave our address and phone number correctly, she packed a nappy bag for him, unlocked the doors and went down to greet the ambulance.

“She really did surprise me; she was calm through the whole thing.

“I was blown away; she made us very proud.”

Emergency Services Minister James Merlino said Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) operators take almost 7000 calls a day.

“Victoria’s brave Junior Triple Zero Heroes remained remarkably cool, calm and collected, and are shining examples of how preparing children for an emergency can save lives,” Mr Merlino said.

[e-mail]