Meet Manor Lakes’ very own triple-0 hero.
Risini Gunawardane was one of 29 children and young people to receive an Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) award last week for calling triple-0 and remaining calm under pressure.
Earlier this year, the then 15 year-old called for an ambulance when her mum woke her up complaining of chest pain, shortness of breath and tingling in her hands.
Risini described the experience as “scary”.
“I watch [medical drama] Grey’s Anatomy, so the first thing I thought was that those were the signs of a heart attack,” Risini said.
“I called for an ambulance, because I didn’t want to take any chances, and I remember running around trying to gather any medicines she takes, and making sure the door was unlocked so paramedics could get in.
“It took about five minutes for the paramedics to arrive and, when they checked her out, there was nothing major [wrong], but they still took her to the hospital.”
Risini said she felt very privileged to receive a junior triple zero hero award.
“I didn’t expect anything like this; I just acted in the moment.”
ESTA chief executive Julia Oxley said the awards highlighted the importance of teaching children and young people when and how to call triple-0.
State emergency services minister Jane Garrett added: “Victoria’s brave triple-0 heroes remained remarkably cool, calm and collected in emergencies that would have rattled most adults.”
