A TOTAL of 26 students from Basilan National High School (BNHS) were rushed to the hospital after participating in a field demonstration during the BNHS Intramurals closing ceremony on Saturday, July 26, due to extreme heat and prolonged sun exposure.
The Isabela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Emergency Medical Services Team, in coordination with partner agencies, promptly responded to provide immediate on-site medical assistance.
The CDRRMO said several students were brought to the BNHS Clinic, while others were transferred to nearby hospitals for further treatment and observation.
The CDRRMO said that eight of the students were transported to Infante Hospital Management Corporation, while five were referred to Basilan Medical Center.
The other 13 students were picked up by their parents after receiving on-site medical care and being assessed as stable.
During the opening parade of BNHS intramurals on Thursday, July 24, a total of 187 students experienced heat exhaustion attributed to intense heat and prolonged sun exposure.
The students were rushed to seven hospitals and Regional Health Units in Isabela City for treatment.
The BNHS administration said that 152 were discharged on the same day, while the remaining 35 were sent home on Friday, July 25.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident that no one wished to happen,” the BNHS said in a statement. (SunStar Zamboanga)