By NICOLE VALICEK
Young Liam’s quick thinking could have saved the life of his mother. 103984 Picture: NICOLE SULTANA
A 13-year-old Altona Meadows boy who dialled triple zero in an emergency has been praised as a hero.
Liam Buckle is among 21 young Victorians who have been praised by Minister for Police and Emergency Service Kim Wells for saving the lives of others by calling triple zero.
Liam, who was 12 when he made the call, carefully relayed excellent information to a triple zero call-taker while his mother, Susan was having a seizure and his dad, Stephen took care of her.
The modest hero said he was taught by his parents how to call triple zero in case of an emergency.
“I’m happy about it (the award). A bit embarrassed,” he said.
His advice to other young people who could find themselves in a similar situation is to “keep calm” and “ask for help if you need it”.
Susan said they were proud of how he reacted in a difficult situation.
“We’re very proud of him, he was very precise, very direct to the point, he was clear, he listened and he was calm. He didn’t panic at all.”
Mr Wells joined representatives from the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority
(ESTA) to present the 10th annual Junior Triple Zero Hero Awards last Wednesday.
“These awards recognise the courage of young Victorians who helped their family, friends,
colleagues and neighbours in life-threatening situations by calling triple zero,” Mr Wells said.
The awards recognise extraordinary acts of bravery by those under the age of 16 who dialled triple zero for help in an emergency.
“Each and every one of you are an example to all Victorians on how to use triple zero appropriately,” Mr Wells said.
“The bravery of Victoria’s Triple Zero Heroes is remarkable, considering how emergency situations send most adults into a panic.”
“These extraordinary young people have set an example of which they and their families should be very proud.”
