Friday, November 14, 2008

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE URGE PARENTS TO WATCH FOR THE “CHOKING GAME”

(SAULT STE. MARIE ON.) – It has come to the attention of the Ontario Provincial Police that some kids are playing the choking game.

The choking game is anything but a game. It is a very dangerous activity being done by children. It is self-asphyxiation whereby a person cuts the supply of oxygen to the brain. Some kids are doing this to each other by compressing the chest cavity of another or actually choking the person around the throat. Others are doing it to themselves using homemade ligatures. The person who it is being done to passes out. Once the pressure to the chest or neck is released the surge of blood back to the brain creates a perceived “rush” or “high”.

This game has been around for generations. Throughout the years it has been given many different names, such as “black out”, “flatline”, “space cowboy”, “gasp”, “pass out”, “lava face” just to name a few. No matter the name, the consequences never change.

Some children are doing this for a “high”, which can become addictive. Others are trying to be cool and to fit in. Some are trying it for the risk aspect.
The dangers include injury from falls, permanent damage to brain cells, stroke, seizures, retinal damage, and death.

Some signs that a child may be involved in this dangerous activity include:

Marks or bruises on the neck
Blood shot eyes
Severe headaches
Anger outbursts
Belts or ropes with unusual knots found in the child’s bedroom
Belts or ropes tied in unusual places like on furniture
A sudden need for more privacy, bedroom doors locked.

Parents should talk to their children about this activity and warn them about the dangers of such “games”. They should be proactive, keep an open line of communication. If there is any suggestion that their child is experimenting with this “game” they should supervise their children closely. Alert school officials or other caregivers. Consider contacting their children’s friends parents. Remove any items that could be used for this purpose. Seek professional help from a family doctor, Counselling services, or the Ontario Provincial Police.

If you would like more information on the “Choking Game” please contact Cst. Monique Baker at 1-888-310-1122 ext. 3755 or visit www.deadlygameschildrenplay.com

UPDATE: “AS OF 7:20 pm HIGHWAY HAS BEEN RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC”

CHEMICAL TRUCK IN DITCH CLOSES HIGHWAY 17

(Thessalon, Ontario) – On Thursday November 13, 2008 at approximately 6:30 a.m. the East Algoma – Thessalon OPP responded to a truck in the ditch east of Thessalon on Highway 17. The truck was travelling westbound when it hit the shoulder and entered the north side ditch ending up on its side.

The truck was a 2006 Peterbilt 10 ton truck (small tank truck). The truck was carrying approximately 35000 lbs of the following chemicals:

Ammonium Nitrate
Coloured Fuel
Acetic Acid
Titan Gold
Sodium Nitrate

Less than 5% of the load was lost in the ditch. The chemicals that were still in the truck were pumped to another truck that attended the scene. There were no waterways that were affected by the spill.

The chemicals are described as non explosive but mixed in the proper quantities and triggered by a detonation had the potential to explode. The chemicals at the scene have been contained and treated. All residual products will be removed and disposed of on Friday November 14, 2008.

The driver of the truck, Pierre TOUSIGNANT (24) of Markstay, Ontario has been charged with “Fail to drive in marked lane” contrary to the Highway Traffic Act. The driver sustained minor cuts and bruises and was treated at the scene by ambulance. The driver was wearing his seatbelt.

Weather conditions may have been a factor. The roads were wet with rain falling.

The truck was demolished in the collision. Two houses in the immediate vicinity were evacuated.