By MIKE TZOUNIS
SPRINGVALE South is home to two Junior Triple Zero Heroes.
Hasan Aptulla and Alex Kim, both 10, were among 21 kids aged five to 15 to receive awards from the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) at a ceremony on 14 August.
They called triple-zero to help a young boy they found wandering around, described his communication difficulty and helped him reunite with his mother.
ESTA CEO Ken Shymanski said the awards demonstrated that teaching young people how and when to call triple-zero responsibly could save lives.
“It is important children know the number to call and where they live, as well as the nearest corner street or intersection, so we can pinpoint exactly where they are in an emergency,” he said.
Police and Emergency Services Minister Kim Wells presented the honours.
“These extraordinary young people have set an example of which they and their families should be very proud,” he said.
“These awards recognise the courage of young Victorians who helped their family, friends, colleagues and neighbours in life-threatening situations by calling triple-zero.
“The bravery of Victoria’s Triple Zero Heroes is remarkable, considering how emergency situations send most adults into a panic.”
Mr Wells reminded Victorians that hoax emergency services calls could clog the system and put lives in danger.
