Zeros make heroes of youngsters

THREE Greater Dandenong youngsters have been recognised for their heroic and life saving efforts by calling the 000 number.
The Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) has named its Junior Triple Zero Heroes, and among them are six-year-old Qali from Noble Park, nine-year-old Chantelle from Dandenong North, and nine-year-old Joshua from Keysborough.
ESTA said the youngsters were one of 14 it rewarded with a Junior Triple Zero Hero certificate in honour of their life saving efforts.
Qali rang for an ambulance after her mother collapsed unconscious, telling the calltaker where she lived and answering questions as best she could until the ambulance arrived.
Chantelle rang for an ambulance when her grandmother fell.
She looked after her unconscious grandmother until the ambulance arrived.
Joshua called for an ambulance when his father was having difficulty breathing.
He relayed the calltaker’s questions to his father and kept the calltaker updated on his dad’s condition.
ESTA CEO Neil Foster said the Junior Triple Zero Hero awards were to recognise and reward the youngsters’ initiative.
“This shows that it’s worth teaching your younger children the address they live at as well as the nearest cross street so we can pinpoint exactly where they are,” he said.
“In many cases they’ve been brave and resourceful enough to stay on the line with the operator who has talked them through giving basic assistance before help arrived.”