Wyvern Academy responds after pupils admitted to hospital due to 'fitting'

Shortly after 1pm, the North East Ambulance Service received a call asking for assistance as someone was experiencing a fit at Wyvern Academy in Branksome, Darlington.

Read more: Four people taken to hospital after reports of 'fitting' at Darlington school

It then transpired that others in the building were also fitting.

In total, three patients were taken to hospital, another made their own way there and a fifth did not require any treatment.

The head teacher of Wyvern Academy has now responded. Picture: ALEXA FOX

A spokesman from North East Ambulance Service said: “We received a call from a member of staff at Wyvern Academy just after 1pm for a patient who was fitting.

“While the crew attended to treat the patient, we received reports that there were other episodes of fits in other parts of the school.

“In total we have taken three patients to hospital, another was making their own way and the fifth did not require any treatment.”

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Owen Inglis, Head Teacher at Wyvern Academy said: “An ambulance was called to the academy at 1pm on February 15 as a result of one student having an epileptic fit.

"This is an ongoing medical condition and the student has had these episodes in school previously.

"As a result, our staff were quick to respond to the situation and call in medical experts meaning the student received the medical attention needed swiftly and effectively.

“While on-site, the emergency services aided two other students with underlying health conditions and these students were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. These students have been discharged by the hospital.

“Another student was taken to hospital after the fact, by a parent, and has also been discharged from the hospital.

“This is an unusual event to take place at the academy but, Wyvern Academy is and remains a safe space for all students, the fact our staff responded quickly and appropriately to the situation ensured the safety of students was key.

"The underlying health conditions faced by these students meant we were already prepared for a situation such as this taking place and our wider-school community has not been impacted.

“We have spoken to each of the pupils’ families and are supporting them with these ongoing medical conditions. We are also working with external agencies to provide any additional support which may be required.” 

A spokesperson for Durham Police confirmed officers did not attend the incident.

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