A six-year-old girl who saved her brother from choking on a 5 cent piece was recognised for her bravery at an awards ceremony on Tuesday.
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India Coleman was the youngest of 51 Victorians to receive a Junior Triple Zero Hero award.
In March last year India, then aged five, was at home with her mum and one-year-old brother Harrison when they noticed he was having trouble breathing.
India picked up the phone and called triple zero while her mum attended to the baby.
“I called up the ambulance and then packed a nappy bag and locked all the animals up … and then I brought my blankie for having a cuddle,” India said.
India then opened the door and waited outside for the paramedics to arrive at the house.
She learnt how to call triple zero at kindergarten and by practicing with her mum at home.
“India saved her brother Harrison’s life,” India’s mum, Chloe Coleman said.
I called up the ambulance and then packed a nappy bag and locked all the animals up … and then I brought my blankie for having a cuddle.
- India Coleman, 6
“She did a fantastic job.
“I believe all parents need to teach their kids this vital information that could potentially save lives.”
Ms Coleman said they didn’t know what had lodged in Harrison’s throat until he vomited up the coin.
“At the time we weren’t sure what he was choking on. He had his sippy cup between his legs which had water in it so we assumed that’s what it was,” she said.
“It wasn’t until he vomited up the coin that we realised the coin was lodged in his throat.”
Emergency Services Minister James Merlino presented the awards at a ceremony in Melbourne on Tuesday.
This year’s heroes included seven-year-old Jamie, who called triple zero when his mother became unconscious after suffering a seizure.
Jamie cared for his mother and younger sister until paramedics arrived.
Melton sisters Georgia, 13, and Ebony, 11, saved their dad Denis Smith’s life after he was set alight by the fire he was trying to light.
Kane, 11, received an award for helping his grandfather after he fell and hit his head.
Kane called triple zero and gave his grandfather first aid to stop the bleeding.