11 dance students hospitalised in Bangkok after fainting

Eleven university students fainted during a dance rehearsal for an upcoming freshman welcome event, leading to their hospitalisation. The incident occurred shortly after midnight at a university located in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok.

Police from Bang Khen Station, along with emergency medical teams and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, responded to the scene. The incident took place in a glass-walled room on the first floor of Building 9, where students aged around 18 to 22 years old were found unconscious.

Emergency responders provided initial medical assistance before transporting the students to nearby hospitals. According to student witnesses, the rehearsal began at 5pm yesterday, July 24, with about 30 to 40 participants. Everything proceeded as planned until approximately 9.30pm when several students suddenly fainted. Fellow students quickly called for help upon witnessing their peers collapse.

During the dance rehearsal, senior students were present to supervise. The rehearsal room was air-conditioned but the building’s air conditioning system was unexpectedly turned off. This may have led to the room becoming hot and poorly ventilated, potentially causing the students to experience heat exhaustion and lack of oxygen.

Emergency medical staff identified the primary condition as hyperventilation, characterised by rapid and deep breathing over an extended period. This can cause symptoms like numbness in the extremities or muscle spasms. Hyperventilation is often triggered by stress, anxiety, or intense pressure. While it is generally not life-threatening, it can significantly disrupt daily activities.

Of the 11 students who fainted, 10 were female and one was male. Four female students were admitted to Paolo Kaset Hospital, one was transported to Vibhavadi Hospital, and the male student along with five females was sent to CGH Phahonyothin Hospital. All students are receiving medical care and are expected to recover fully.

Further investigation is ongoing to understand the precise reasons behind the incident. The university is expected to review its protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future, ensuring a safer environment for all activities, reported KhaoSod.