Tragedy at Perry Meridian High School: Student Hospitalized After Vaping Fentanyl-Laced Cartridge

A Perry Meridian High School student was hospitalized after using a vape pen laced with fentanyl. The student, who is male, had been using a THC vape without knowing it contained the powerful opioid. School nurses and police were able to administer two doses of naloxone, also known as Narcan, before the student regained consciousness.The incident highlights the dangers associated with vaping, particularly when vapes are laced with dangerous substances like fentanyl. "This incident highlights the very real dangers associated with vaping, particularly as many of these vapes are being laced with dangerous and illicit substances," said Perry Township Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Spray in a letter to parents.Spray thanked school staff, police, and nurses for their preparedness, saying it undoubtedly saved the student's life. He also urged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of vaping and ingesting hidden substances that can be dangerous or deadly.Overdose Lifeline CEO Justin Phillips agreed, emphasizing the importance of access to naloxone in saving lives during an opioid epidemic. "Fentanyl is almost everywhere, so that student got to live because that school is smart and proactive," she said. Phillips also stressed the need for open conversations with young people about the dangers of fentanyl-laced substances.Perry Township Schools Police arrested two students - a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old - who were responsible for selling the laced THC vape. They were taken to the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center on criminal recklessness and dealing marijuana charges.The student was stable by the time emergency responders arrived, but the incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with vaping and the importance of education and access to lifesaving medications like naloxone.