After a potential cannabis overdose at Van Nuys Middle School in the morning on Thursday, a total of 10 pupils were assessed.
Officials were not able to precisely determine what the kids ingested, although they indicated it might have been some form of marijuana.
As per an alert from authorities, Los Angeles firefighters arrived at the school at 5435 Vesper Ave. around 11:20 a.m.
A thorough search of the school by dozens of firefighters and police officers was conducted to look for any additional individuals in distress, but none were located.
Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles remained present at the school at 1 p.m. on Thursday, and the voices of kids were audible on campus.
As per an updated alert from the fire department, it was discovered that the students, aged 12 to 14, were experiencing mild-to-moderate discomfort.
Authorities noted that the students had a lethargic appearance and a disheveled demeanor.
Three patients received on-the-spot treatment, while seven others were transported to nearby pediatric hospitals.
LAFD Capt. Erik Scott indicated that the overdoses may have been caused by edible cannabis products, and detectives are trying to establish whether all ten children acquired the drugs from the same source.
The highly addictive and potentially lethal drug fentanyl was not linked to the substance, and paramedics did not administer the opioid overdose-reversing medication naloxone, according to authorities.
No further information was available, and the Los Angeles Unified School District did not respond to a request for comment.
‘Crews on scene confirmed that this was NOT fentanyl-related. Specifics of the medical complaints and possible substances used will be completed by hospital personnel,’ the Fire Department said in a statement.
A representative from the Los Angeles Unified School District stated that the campus was still secure and open for instruction.
‘Today, we were made aware of a group of students who suffered a medical incident at Van Nuys Middle School,’ the spokesperson said. ‘In an abundance of caution, we requested medical assistance.’
An email sent to the parent explained that their child would stay at school for the remainder of the day.
However, some parents insisted on taking their children home.
One school employee distributed blue slips while assuring parents that their children were safe in the classroom.
A little over an hour before the children were to be dismissed, Karla Rivera waited outside the school.
She mentioned that her 12-year-old son had called and the school did not promptly inform her of the medical situation.
Rivera said, ‘He told me something happened. He believed someone was attempting to break into the school.’
According to Rivera, the school automatically called her an hour later to inform her of the medical situation.
As the pupils were brought out and placed into ambulances, footage of the chaotic scene shows a substantial police and fire presence surrounding the middle school.
The LA Unified School District issued the following statement after the event: Today, we were made aware of a group of students who experienced a medical incident at Van Nuys Middle School.
‘We take our students’ health and safety very seriously. We make every effort to provide a secure environment for learning for our students.’
This article is concerning and alarming. It is distressing to hear about students overdosing at Van Nuys Middle School. It raises questions about the safety and supervision within the school premises. The lack of details regarding the incident leaves the reader curious about the nature of the overdose and the substances involved. It is crucial for the school and authorities to provide more information to ensure transparency and address any concerns parents and students may have. The well-being and health of students should always be a top priority, and this incident highlights the need for increased awareness and prevention measures in schools.