The Ministry of Health announced yesterday that 47 of the 49 students who were affected by carbon monoxide poisoning are doing well and returned to Fresh Creek, Andros.
The ministry added that two students, with improving conditions, remain at the Princess Margaret Hospital for further monitoring.
The bus driver and the accompanying parents and guardians also returned to Andros, the ministry noted.
Last Friday, the Public Hospitals Authority confirmed that 49 students from Central Andros, ages 10 to 17, and a bus driver, were affected by carbon monoxide poisoning while being transported on a school bus.
“The first patients airlifted from Central Andros to New Providence in relation to this incident arrived at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) Emergency Department shortly after 2 p.m. this afternoon. As of 5:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, the hospital had received 36 children and the bus driver. Six of the children are listed as stable and will remain in hospital for observation. All others are scheduled to be discharged this evening. The hospital is prepared to receive the remaining thirteen 13 children as they are airlifted, over the course of the evening,” PHA explained in a statement last Friday.
“Deputy Medical Chief of Staff at PMH Dr. Cordelia Nairn confirmed that the students presented with symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poison exposure. She described the condition of the patients as ‘conscious and alert, and in stable condition.’ In light of the incident, Dr. Nairn is also asking members of the public in need of urgent care to seek care at polyclinics in New Providence including the South Beach Health Center, Elizabeth Estates Clinic, Flamingo Gardens Clinic and Fleming Street Clinic.”
On Sunday, Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands and executives of the Ministry of Health wish to expressed pride and gratitude to the agencies that collaborated and swiftly responded to provide quality health care and services following the incident.
Dr. Sands said, “I am extremely proud and grateful for the professionalism and compassion shown by all.”
