**17 Students Treated After Exposure to Unknown Substance at LA Middle School**
A group of 17 students at a Los Angeles-area middle school received treatment on Thursday after being exposed to an undisclosed substance. The incident occurred at Walter Reed Middle School in Studio City, where emergency responders were called following reports of potential overdoses.
According to Erik Scott, a captain with the Los Angeles Fire Department, the substance ingested by the students was described as resembling gummy bears, and there was no evidence of fentanyl-type drugs. The situation is currently under active investigation to determine the nature of the substance.
First responders arrived at the school around 11 am after the school nurse identified multiple students displaying abnormal signs and symptoms. The affected students exhibited symptoms such as lethargy, increased heart rate, and signs of anxiety.
Medical attention was provided to all 17 students on-site, with two students requiring hospitalisation in fair condition. Fortunately, none of the students were in critical condition, and all are expected to fully recover, as reported by KABC.
In a public bulletin, Principal Paul De Bonis acknowledged that a group of students may have consumed a banned substance. The school has mental health resources available for students affected by the incident, including counselling support. Parents of the students involved have been notified, and the school authorities encourage vigilance in reporting any concerning behaviour.
While the exact substance ingested remains unknown, officials have suggested it may be a controlled substance. It is emphasised that parents play a crucial role in educating their children about the dangers of drugs. Despite ruling out fentanyl in this instance, the potent opioid has previously been linked to tragedies in California schools, contributing to a significant portion of youth deaths in the state.
The incident at Walter Reed Middle School serves as a stark reminder of the importance of drug awareness and the need for prompt action in handling such emergencies to ensure the safety and well-being of students.