RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Parents on Long Island are being warned about a "potentially harmful, ingestible substance" after two students collapsed from possible overdoses in their high school last week.
The two Riverhead High School students were found unconscious in separate incidents on Feb. 4 and Feb. 10. One student collapsed in a classroom while the other was discovered in a hallway.
Both needed to be revived using the opioid overdose reversal medication, Narcan.
"Both were found right away and treated by the school nurse until we got there," said Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps Assistant Chief James Alfano. "Definitely a scary feeling having to go to a school and having to treat any type of child."
The school's principal issued a warning letter to parents and guardians following the two incidents last week.
"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. 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," the letter read.
"While the information we have about this substance and how it is being accessed by individuals remains limited at this time, as partners in education, we felt it was important to bring this matter to your attention. We encourage our families to speak with their children about not accepting unknown items from other individuals and to always report any suspicious behaviors or items to a trusted adult immediately," the letter continued.
It's not yet clear what substance may have been involved.
The school is working with law enforcement as police investigate.
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