By Derek Schlennstedt
Charlotte Perry was among a distinguished group of Australians who received a Triple-Zero Hero Award this April for her ability to stay calm and collected in a crisis.
The Upwey four-year-old became one of the youngest recipients of the coveted awards for calling triple-zero when her mother, Tracey, fell and became pinned underneath a chair.
Tracey suffers from a chronic complex migraine condition which causes her to lose consciousness without warning, leaving her susceptible to falls and potentially significant injuries.
Thankfully for the entire Perry family, young Charlotte, an Upwey Primary School student, was able to help out when needed.
Charlotte explained to the operator what was happening, in addition to caring for her mother until the paramedics arrived.
Tracey said she was in awe of her daughter’s resilience and cool head.
“Because of my falls, my husband (Andrew) and I had spoken about what would happen if he wasn’t around,“ she said.
“So, we tried to teach her as best we could. But she really stepped up when we needed her. If she hadn’t have helped, I hate to think what may’ve happened.
“On that day, I didn’t completely lose consciousness. But I brought down a chair with me and it had pinned me down. I’ve had hip replacements and couldn’t move.“
Tracey said her condition had been hard for the family, but Charlotte had been brave throughout.
“We’ve all heard about the dangers around one-punch attacks and that it can kill. In my case, it’s similar, because it’s the fall that can get you, too,“ she said.
“I can’t warn anyone around me that it’s going to happen, because I don’t know when it will happen.
“It’s not so scary for me, because I only know about it when I come to. But for those around me, it can be hugely scary, including for my daughter.
“I’m incredibly proud of her achievement.”
