Ambulance Called For Riverhead Student Due To Edible

RIVERHEAD, NY — Monday marked the third time in a week that students at Riverhead High School were transported to the hospital, first, due to two overdoses — and on Monday, one student was taken for observation after eating an edible.

According to Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps Assistant Chief James Alfano, the ambulance was called to the high school before 11 a.m. for a student who was difficulty breathing and was feeling dizzy.

"He admitted to ingesting a chocolate edible," Alfano said. The student never lost consciousness and no Narcan was used, he said. The student was alert and was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center for observation, Alfano said.

Last week, Narcan was adminstered twice at the school after student overdoses, Alfano said. After the first overdose, which took place on Feb. 4, the student admitted to vaping, Alfano said.

On Feb. 10, the student "denied any drug use" but Narcan was used, he said.

Of the situation, Alfano said: "Obviously, there's a problem. There is someone, or there could be multiple people, bringing these things in and it's getting spread around. Right now we don't know what it is or how it's being brought in."

Alfano also turned to social media to share a warning: "The Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps would like to warn parents about a recent influx of life-threatening overdoses that have been occurring within school," he wrote. "While the specific drug or substance that is being used or ingested at this time is still unknown to school administration and law enforcement, please be aware that overdoses have been seen after the usage of vape pens and has also been seen mixed in with candy."

Below is some advice to share with children about how to avoid drug-usage, according to Alfano.

1. Take inventory of all prescription or over-the-counter medications in your home. While it may not be your child who taking them, peer pressure to supply others still exists.

2. Help your child avoid dangerous substances. Point out harmful chemicals such as vapes, or vape pens, as well as potential ingestible drugs that could be hidden in foods and candy.
3. Remind your child that if they are offered any type of food, drink, snack, or candy from a friend, to please decline the offer.
4. Teach your child different ways to say “No!”. Parents are the strongest influence that children have. Brainstorm with your children about how to turn down drug offers.
5. Correct any wrong beliefs your child may have. Help them understand the difference between make-believe TV scenarios, and real life. Without immediate treatment, an overdose of any type could cause life threatening ailments or even death.
6. Talk to them about the word Narcan. While it may be seen in the news, social media, or talked about around school, Narcan is a medication that reverses the effects of a narcotic overdose. Let them know this medication is not a second chance at life. It may not always work, depending on what is taken and how much.
7. Remind your child, “If you see something, say something.” Information regarding the type of substance being used, where its coming from, or who is using it can be reported confidentially to both school administration and the Riverhead Town Police Department.
8. Be aware of possible red flags such as: Sudden or extreme change in friends, eating habits, sleeping patterns, physical appearance, and academic performance.
9. Get professional help. If you think your child is involved in drug use, contact a doctor, counselor, or other health care provider for help.

On Monday, Riverhead High School Principal Sean O'Hara posted a new message to Blue Waves families: "Due to an increasing concern, the high school administrative team has been working closely to develop strategies to assist our students in making the most sound choices for themselves," he said. "The district takes these matters very seriously and I can assure you that we are working to take several proactive steps to address the topic directly."

To date, those steps have included partnering with local law enforcement and beginning to plan for several upcoming initiatives, O'Hara said.

In the weeks ahead, the district will be hosting a virtual assembly for students about the dangers of alcohol and drug usage and will be offering training opportunities for administrators and any interested staff members, he said.

"Additionally, as partners in education, we will be hosting a community event in the near future to extend Narcan/drug and alcohol awareness training to our residents, families and community," O'Hara said. "As you are likely aware, our response to drug and alcohol awareness is largely supported by our team of mental health professionals who work in our schools each day. Should you or your child need assistance at any time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school psychologists, social workers and school counselors."

O'Hara said a large part of the focus with students and staff will be to bring a heightened sense of understanding of "these important topics. We ask for your continued participation in these conversations and hope you will join us during the upcoming community programs."

Felicia Scocozza, executive director of the Riverhead Community Awareness Program, which leads prevention efforts in the district, said CAP has a social worker placed in the high school to support students.

"CAP works with Riverhead School District and our coalition partners to prevent youth drug and alcohol use in the schools and community," she said. "We have a variety of resources on our website to help parents have conversations around these issues."

Last week, when the two two students overdosed at Riverhead High School, the were saved with Narcan, officials said.

A representative from the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps told Patch that the teens were overdosing on "some sort of opiate," but could not confirm what drug they had taken.

On Thursday, O'Hara sent a message to Riverhead High School families.

"It has come to the district's attention that a potentially harmful, ingestible substance may be circulating throughout our school community and accessible to students," O'Hara wrote. "As our district takes these matters very seriously, I am reaching out today to encourage our families to have conversations with their children about being aware of their surroundings and understanding the consequences of their actions."