Triple Zero Hero 2021: Archer recognised for calm response in an emergency

A Melbourne mum who fell unconscious was saved by her seven-year-old son’s calm response in a crisis. Listen to the incredible triple-0 call.

When seven-year-old Archer walked into his mum’s bedroom last year and found her unconscious, he was terrified.

Archer, who lives with autism, reached for his mum’s phone and knowing her PIN, called his grandmother out of instinct.

She told him to hang up and call triple-0 but he already knew what needed to be done.

Archer’s mum Anastasia Barros, 46, from Surrey Hills has diabetes and her blood sugar level dropped so low in the night that she began to suffer from hypoglycaemia.

“Archer woke up in the middle of the night and tried to wake me up but couldn’t,” Ms Barros said.

Archer, 9, from Surrey Hills helped save his diabetic mum Anastasia Barros. Picture: David Caird

“It was a pure coincidence that I spoke to him earlier that week about calling triple-0.

“He said he should call 911 but I said it would be better if he called triple-0.”

Now nine years old, Archer is not just his mum’s hero anymore, he is officially a Junior Triple Zero Hero for 2021.

While the formal ceremony last month was cancelled due to Covid, Archer will be receiving a medal and a certificate in the mail.

Archer said he was “really proud” to be receiving a medal for his bravery and clear-thinking in an emergency.

Archer will be receiving a medal and a certificate as recognition. Picture: David Caird

Ms Barros said upon hearing the audio of Archer on the phone with the triple-0 call-taker, she could tell he was “very stressed”.

“It’s just me and mum (at home),” Archer told the call-taker.

Listening carefully to their instructions, Archer tilted Anastasia’s head back, to open up her airways.

While unable to turn his mum onto her side, he was able to conduct a breathing test on her, saying the word “now” to the call-taker every time she took a breath.

Ms Barros said she was worried Archer would have been overwhelmed by all the strangers in their house when the emergency services arrived.

“But he had a great time hanging out with the police,” she said.

“He got to sit in their car.”

Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority CEO Marty Smyth said the awards highlight the importance of teaching children when and how to call triple-0.

“These young heroes have shown that by knowing how to get the right help in an emergency, a child might save the life of a loved one,” Mr Smyth said.

Archer agrees.

“It’s important (to know how to call triple-0) because other kids can help their mothers.”