Caption: Screengrab taken from video of foam party at Hillview College on Saturday
By Prior Beharry
SCORES of teenagers attending Hillview College’s Cloud 9 A Chill Foam Party had to seek medical attention for burning and irritable eyes on Saturday and Sunday.
AZP News was told that students from Hillview College, St Augustine Girls’ High School, and Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College had to seek medical attention from as early as one hour after the party on Saturday.
Some students were seen at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope, Sangre Grande Hospital, Chaguanas Hospital, Arima General Hospital and private medical institutions including St Augustine Private Hospital (SAPH) and Medical Associates in St Joseph on Saturday night.
AZP News witnessed seven students seeking medical attention after the party on Saturday night at SAPH. Students were seeking medical attention up to Sunday afternoon.
In a memo, Hillview’s acting Principal Derek Bissessar said: “Dear Parents, We are aware that many children have had a reaction following the foam party yesterday.
“Any issue that negatively affects our school community, particularly our children will always be of serious concern to the Hillview College Administration.
“We are committed to working to support all our parents and children who are affected.
“The foam was prepared by Sanitec Ltd, a reputable company that has been involved in several similar events.
“In this case the ratio used was 10 to 1 for the mixture so it was more diluted as compared to the normal 4 to 1 ratio. We are in communication with them to better understand what may be responsible for the adverse reactions some of the children have experienced. We will keep the College community updated with any information that we receive.
“In the meantime, the school has sent a picture of the chemical used in the event your medical professional may find this information useful.
“Once again, please be assured that we are committed to support you and your children at all times.”
Parents on the school’s WhatsApp chats were irate.
Medical sources said that the students affected should rest their eyes and not attend classes for the coming week.
A parent of a Form Four student said: “My son was in a lot of pain, burning eyes. He couldn’t open them
Went to emergency at hospital last night.
“Ophthalmologist says he has corneal abrasion which is like a scratch on the eye exposing the nerves which is causing the burning and pain.
“The eyes were flushed with saline solution. He got eye drops one has antibiotics to prevent any possible infection. It’s not a situation to be treated lightly.”
Did The COMPANY SANITEC tried this mixture before introducing it? Did the minis of health and Food and Drugs department approved this mixture. What about the OSHA, EMA, and CARIRI were they involved and approved the final product for human use????? Many questions remain