Police and medics were dispatched to Wakefield High School today for a report of a student who swallowed a razor blade at the school.
The incident happened around 10:30 a.m. The student is a 17-year-old girl, according to scanner traffic.
There were no reports that the teen was bleeding or otherwise injured, although swallowing a sharp object can obviously cause serious medical problems. She was transported via ambulance to a local hospital.
Update at 5:45 p.m. — Wakefield High School’s principal sent an email to families calling ARLnow.com’s report “incomplete” (see below). Asked for comment and clarification, Arlington Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for School and Community Relations Linda Erdos told ARLnow.com:
“APS staff cannot discuss private details about an incident with any student. Students and their families were understandably upset by the media report. Dr. Willmore’s email was intended to reassure them that the student’s needs were being addressed appropriately, while respecting the individual’s privacy, and offering support to those who might need it.”
Dear Wakefield Families,
Earlier today, a local media website reported that the Arlington County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) had been called to Wakefield because of a report that a student had swallowed a razor blade. Word spread quickly among our students here a Wakefield and at other Arlington high schools because students assumed that the article was complete and accurate.
Understandably, this has sparked a considerable amount of concern among our students. While we respect the privacy of all students, I also want to assure you that what was reported was incomplete.
I can confirm that this morning the EMS responded to a call from our clinic about a student. Although the student was not in any apparent physical distress, we made the decision to call 911 because the safety of our students is always our primary concern, and we have been in close contact with the student’s family.
Please encourage your student to speak with their counselor or an administrator if they have any questions or lingering concerns. We are also available to speak with you if you have any questions about our response to this morning’s events.
Sincerely,
Chris Willmore
Principal