Community Response Officer saves 11yr old boys life after he was given “laced” Vape

An 11yr old boy from Weston-super-Mare was admitted to hospital yesterday after using a vape laced with toxins. His life was saved after a street warden administered Naloxone.

The incident took place yesterday (Tuesday 7th April in Weston-super-Mare town centre and comes just weeks after arrests have been made after a local woman also fell unwell from a laced vape.

A member of the Community Response Team in Weston-super-Mare admistered Nakoxone 3 times to the child prior to an ambulance arriving.

Naloxone is a fast-acting, safe medication that temporarily reverses opioid overdoses by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. It works within minutes to restore breathing and can be administered via intranasal spray or injection.

Naloxene was administered by a street warden prior to hospital attendance Photo;Anna Kitson

Mum, Anna Kitson said;

“Someone in Weston thought it was acceptable to give my 11-year-old son a vape laced with toxins.

Within minutes he collapsed and was unconscious for almost an hour while we desperately waited for an ambulance.

Watching your child lying there, not knowing if they’re going to wake up, is something no parent should ever have to experience.

Thankfully an incredible Community Patrol Officer administered Naloxone three times, and because of that quick thinking my baby boy is still here with me tonight.

This could have ended in tragedy.

Please talk to your children about the dangers of vapes and what can actually be inside them. These things are not harmless and children are being put at serious risk.”

Cllr James Clayton, Councillor for Regulatory Services, Sport & Pride in Place Programme said;

“I would like to formally recognise the exceptional quick thinking, professionalism, and decisive actions of Community Response Officer Chrissie Simpson in a recent critical incident involving an 11-year-old boy.

The young boy had been given a vape device believed to be laced with harmful substances and rapidly became unwell while awaiting the arrival of an ambulance. In what was a highly pressurised and time-sensitive situation, Chrissie immediately took control, assessing the severity of the circumstances and administering three doses of Naloxone.

Working alongside myself in my capacity as a Street Warden, and with the support of attending police officers, Chrissie remained calm, focused, and resolute throughout. Her prompt intervention and clinical judgement ensured that the young boy was stabilised prior to being conveyed to hospital.

Medical staff later confirmed that Chrissie’s actions, particularly the timely administration of Naloxone, were instrumental and had potentially saved the boy’s life.

This incident highlights not only Chrissie’s training and capability, but also her dedication to public safety and the wellbeing of our community. Her actions are a clear example of going above and beyond the call of duty, and she is thoroughly deserving of formal recognition for her bravery and professionalism.”