Chapin, S.C. – Medical Concerns Arise at Local High School
A medical incident at Chapin High School on Wednesday has left staff and community members alarmed. The situation unfolded when a school resource officer (SRO) was searching a backpack that had been left in a classroom around 11:30 a.m.
According to an incident report from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the officer began experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath while inspecting the bag. Following this, several other staff members reported feeling dizzy and light-headed, raising further concerns among the school community.
In a precautionary measure, Chapin High School’s Principal, Ed Davis, sent an email the following day, detailing the events and the actions taken. Emergency services were quickly notified, which included the Lexington County Hazardous Materials Unit, alongside local law enforcement and the Lexington Fire Department.
The Hazardous Materials Unit arrived and tested the backpack around 1 p.m., reporting no hazardous materials were found inside. The school received an all-clear status by approximately 1:45 p.m., reassuring both staff and parents.
Davis reported that the SRO and the affected staff members were provided with on-site medical attention and were cleared to resume their duties shortly after the incident.
Meanwhile, there was an unrelated situation where emergency medical services were called for a student experiencing a medical emergency. However, no further information has been released about that incident.
In the wake of this event, rumors began circulating within the community that the staff’s reactions might be linked to exposure to fentanyl. In his email, Principal Davis clarified that there were no official reports or evidence supporting these claims and emphasized that the school had no confirmation of anyone being exposed to fentanyl or any harmful substances.
Despite the lack of evidence, the principal expressed concern about how these rumors might have spread, noting that there were no direct accounts or official documentation suggesting that fentanyl was involved in this incident.
As the school and local law enforcement continue to address the situation, community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and patient while understanding that misinformation can quickly circulate in times of uncertainty.
