10 Van Nuys Jr. High Students Treated For Possible Overdoses

SHERMAN OAKS, CA — Paramedics have been called to Van Nuys Jr. High School where 10 students required medical aid Thursday morning, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Authorities are investigating the possibility that drugs may have been a factor, but the overdose symptoms are mild and do not involve fentanyl, LAFD Capt. Erik Scott told KNX Newsradio.

According to LAFD spokesman Nicholas Prange, students suffered from unidentified medical complaints. The fire department was called to the school just after 10:30 a.m.

The students appeared to be suffering from mild symptoms, said Prange.

As of 11:45 a.m., three ambulances had transported seven of the students to nearby hospitals. Paramedics are required to transport juveniles to the hospital for medical treatment regardless of how mild the symptoms are if their parents can't be reached, explained Prange.

Los Angeles Unified School District officials said the campus remained open following the treatment of the students. The district noted that none of the students were administered with the anti-overdose treatment Narcan, which has been supplied to all LAUSD campuses following recent cases of students ingesting fentanyl.

"We take the health and safety of our students very seriously," according to a statement from a district representative. "Every effort is made to ensure our students learn in a safe environment. Los Angeles Unified maintains an ongoing partnership with local health agencies, community partners and medical experts to provide training to school staff and education for our school communities.

"Our students are always encouraged to speak with our school staff if they are feeling unwell or need assistance. We also encourage everyone to follow the district's message: if you see something, say something."

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY. PLEASE REFRESH THE SCREEN FOR UPDATES.