By Derek Schlennstedt
Jamie Le Sueur from Montrose is among 51 children around the state who were honoured on 30 May 2017 for their bravery in making a lifesaving call to emergency services.
Jamie, who is seven years old, called triple-zero when his mother, Susan, began having a seizure.
Despite admitting to being scared, Jamie remained calm and cared for his mother and younger sister until paramedics arrived at their home. He also followed instructions from specialists who advised monitoring her breathing.
“I was a bit nervous and scared,” Jamie said.
At the time, Jamie was home with his younger sister, Sam, who he had to take care of and keep calm until emergency services arrived.
But, despite his best efforts, Sam who was five didn’t believe him when he said to her ‘that everything would be OK’.
“She wouldn’t believe me.”
“I was trying to keep her from being sad, but I couldn’t do that because she was crying too much,” Jamie said.
Both Jamie and Sam were outside at the time of the seizure, and it was Sam who heard a loud bang come from inside.
“Mum had it when me and Sam were outside riding our scooters. Sam heard a big bang, and we went in and saw mum having a fit, and then I called triple- zero,” Jamie said.
The young hero was nominated by the ESTA operator who took the emergency call.
Jamie’s mother, Susan, said she felt extremely proud that he was able to call triple-zero despite never having had a conversation about what to do in an emergency. She, however, noted that there was a triple-zero fridge magnet in their house.
“We’ve never sat down and discussed our address or what to do in an emergency, so I was very impressed and proud,” Susan said.
Jamie was thrilled about the medal he received at the awards ceremony.
“It’s my first medal,” he said proudly.
The Junior Triple Zero Hero Awards recognises young people for their bravery and clear thinking in emergencies.
