Whitefriars College schoolboys hospitalised after vaping incident

Police are investigating after two students from Whitefriars College in Donvale had “very severe” symptoms from using a vape.

Two Whitefriars College students were rushed to hospital after suffering an adverse reaction to illegal vapes.

In a letter from principal Mark Murphy to parents and students, he said two students from the Donvale school presented with “very severe” symptoms after using a vape last Friday.

The Herald Sun understands the vapes were potentially laced with synthetic cannabis.

“Both students were provided with first aid by a health care centre team and other college staff,” Mr Murphy said.

The two students had ‘very severe’ symptoms from the vapes. Picture: Tim Hunter

“They were also assessed and taken to hospital by paramedics from Ambulance Victoria.

“Fortunately, both students have since recovered and have been discharged from hospital.”

Mr Murphy said the college was investigating and the matter had been reported to Victoria Police.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesman said two teenage boys were taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Nicole Higgins told 3AW that research from ANU showed vaping can cause seizures, loss of consciousness and other adverse side effects.

“It (vaping) is worse among young people because they have young lungs and young brains. They are much more at risk,” Dr Higgins said.

“We know that vapes are being targeted to our kids, with all of the colours, flavours and packaging, we need to make sure we keep them safe.

“We also know that we’ve got a third of our 14 to 17 year olds who use nicotine vapes and young vapers are three times more likely to start smoking, so we need to do something now.”