Probe launched after Dingwall Academy kids drink vape fluid
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
POLICE are “working closely” with teachers and the council to investigate an incident at a Ross-shire school where several pupils fell “seriously unwell” after drinking vaping fluid.
Officers confirmed that “enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances” surrounding the incident at Dingwall Academy.
Area Inspector Kevin Macleod said: “We are working closely with the school and Highland Council as these enquiries continue.
“We would also echo the advice from our partners at NHS Highland and the school that consuming a substance like this is reckless and urge people to be aware of the potentially serious consequences.”
His comments come after worried teachers and doctors warned that those consuming e-cigarette fluid were dicing with death.
Dr Jenny Wares, a consultant in health protection at NHS Highland, urged parents to highlight the dangers with their children in the hope there is no repeat of the incident.
“When ingested, the contents of the fluid are highly toxic and can be fatal,” she said.
“The main risk of toxicity is from the nicotine content although there is a risk of toxicity from other ingredients within the fluid.
“If you have any concerns that an individual has ingested fluid from an electronic cigarette please seek immediate medical attention by calling 999 and don’t leave the person alone.
“There are a wide range of possible symptoms including nausea and vomiting, confusion, agitation and headaches, dizziness, excessive sweating, breathing difficulties, altered heart rate and possible fitting.”
Meanwhile, Highland Council has refused to confirm or deny rumours that two teens had been suspended from the school in the wake of the incident.
Responding to the claims from a parent, a Highland Council spokeswoman this week said: “We do not comment on or confirm pupil exclusions or suspensions.”
Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes – herself a former pupil of the school – has praised the reaction of academy rector Karen Cormack and doctors to warn children and parents of the dangers.
“I hope the message gets out to young people loud and clear,” she added. “Pupils must be aware of the potentially fatal dangers of drinking vaping fluid, and the school is working with the relevant authorities to highlight the dangers."
