RMS Students sick after playing on softball field
Friday May 15, 2009
By Cathy Leslie
Several 6th grade students from Rudd Middle School had a mysterious reaction to something after playing outside on the softball field at the school. When TPN arrived at the school the office was filled with students waiting to be picked-up by parents or waiting to be checked by Paramedics.
Principal Susan Whitehurst said that around12:30 today students began complaining of watery eyes, and an itchy red rash. Whitehurst said that after seeing so many students lined up at the health room she decided to call Palmerdale Fire and Rescue to help check and treat the students. Whitehurst said no field or lawn applications have been applied to the softball field.
Jefferson County Sheriffs Deputies and School Resource officers were also called to the school.
As a precaution, parents of the 6th grade Dakota Tribe approximately 125 students were called to check out their child. Teachers and school staff helped with getting students check out quickly.
We have confirmed that four students were transported by ambulance. Two students were transported immediately, due to severe reactions. Approximately an hour later, we saw two more students transported by ambulance with shortness of breath, itchy skin and watery eyes.
Annette Davis EMA Officer with Jefferson County EMA arrived at the school and walked the softball field. She told the news that she saw no indication as to what might have made the students sick so fast. The 8th Grade students were in the middle of their end of year outside blast. They have shown no signs of getting sick and continued with their party. Councilor Joe Cochran came to Rudd to see if they needed any help from the city.
Dr. Morris from the Jefferson County Board of Education visited and walked the field. Also someone from the Health Department walked the field. Nothing could be found as to the cause of the reaction.
Additional information will be included in TPN next week.