Police have issued a warning after school children collapsed in a town centre from a vaping prank that went wrong. The youngsters are believed to have inhaled cannabis-derived liquids mixed with vape liquids, leaving some of those involved needing hospital care. All have now recovered.
Officers now want parents to talk frankly with their children about the dangers of vaping. They said they were aware of at least three similar incidents in Sleaford town centre , reports Lincolnshire Live.
Sergeant Stuart Mumby-Croft said: "We had reported incidents in which three children collapsed in the town centre. Following inquiries, we believe that some youths may have been mixing THC (a derivative of cannabis) liquids with vape liquids and offered them to children, who were unaware of the mix of substances.
"We have engaged with all three local schools to advise parents of the issue and we would like to take this opportunity to reinforce this message about speaking to your children regarding the dangers of vaping in general and particularly in accepting vapes, or a drag of a vape, from other people."
In a letter to parents, Sgt Mumby-Croft wrote there were at least three reported incidents where children in the town centre have been given a vape, smoked it, and then fallen unwell and collapsed. It is not believed that they voluntarily inhaled a cannabis substance.
He added: "All of those children have, fortunately, made a subsequent recovery. Hospital treatment has however been required in some cases, with medical professionals stating the symptoms displayed suggest the possible inhalation of a substance such as cannabis.
"There is no suggestion that those children involved have voluntarily inhaled a cannabis-based substance which leaves us making assumptions as to how these incidents have occurred. One such conclusion I am forced to consider is the potential of these incidents being the result of a very dangerous and misguided 'prank'.
"We have entered an age where our children now are far more likely to vape than smoke. Some may argue this is healthier, but it comes with significant negative impacts. Vapes afford children the opportunity to ingest nicotine much more secretly than they can with a lit cigarette with a more limited risk of being detected.
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"The frequency and volume of nicotine they can take in, especially with some vapes and liquids being of very high nicotine content, can lead to significant nicotine addiction and dependence much more swiftly. Children under 18 should not be able to purchase them, but the volume we are finding among young teenagers, especially cheap disposable vapes, is high.
"Given the incidents of children collapsing I have detailed above, I am sure I do not need to tell you of the dangers if your children accept, borrow or purchase vapes from other pupils, friends or associates. I must ask you please to have frank conversations with your children about both the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction, but also to press home the message that trusting someone willing to give or sell you a vape on the street is unwise and fraught with risk."
The letter continues: "We are aware of the incorrect use of vapes to vape cannabis oils, THC and synthetic highs such as spice. One highly concentrated lung full from a vape for those unused to such substances can render them very unwell indeed, very quickly.
"So far these have been isolated incidents and my hope is that by having conversations with our children and being alert, we can negate any further such instances. I would ask if out of those conversations your child discloses any information such as where our children are obtaining these devices, to please get in touch with us and pass this on so we may seek to take action."
