By Helena Adeloju
A Pakenham primary school girl who called triple zero and helped her mother until paramedics arrived has been awarded for her courageous effort.
Eleven-year-old Nichole Ibrahim was one of 51 Victorian children who were recognised for going above and beyond during the Junior Triple Zero Heroes awards ceremony at the Windsor Hotel on Tuesday 30 May.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino was on hand to make the presentations with comedian Dave Hughes.
“Victoria’s brave junior Triple Zero Heroes remained remarkably cool, calm and collected and are shining examples of how preparing children for an emergency can save lives,” Mr Merlino said.
In October last year, Nichole’s mother suddenly became faint while driving along the Princes Highway on her way to a doctor’s appointment.
Nicole said she remembers the incident very clearly.
“Mum said she wasn’t feeling well and pulled over to the side of the road,” she said.
“When we stopped, she fainted.”
Nicole’s mother Marianna has a rare condition called Neurally Mediated Hypotension which causes faulty brain signals to cause low blood pressure leading to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and fainting.
Ms Ibrahim said it was the first time she had ever had an episode while she was driving and is immensely proud of her daughter, who remained calm under pressure.
“She handled everything, because when I faint I can hear but I can’t move or respond,” she said.
Nicole said she at the time she wasn’t shocked that her mother had fainted, but that she couldn’t identify the area they where they were. She said her brother Patrick was a great help.
“Patrick helped a lot by recognising the street we were in,” Nicole said.
Six-year-old Patrick said he noticed that they were near one of their friends’ houses.
“I told Nicole that we were near Lakeside when she called triple zero,” Patrick said.
Nicole’s call taker instructed her make sure that her mother was lying as flat as possible and to check she was still breathing while the ambulance was on its way. It arrived less than 10 minutes later.
Marianna said she couldn’t be prouder.
“I was very happy and proud of Nicole and Patrick,” she said.
“The call taker was so helpful as well in keeping the kids calm.”
Nicole said she has one message for other children who find themselves in an emergency situation.
“When something goes wrong people are going to help you,” she said.
“There are so many kind people. We live in such a great world.”
