Arlington

2 Girls Treated at Hospital After Being Stuck by Used Syringe Outside Arlington School

Authorities said the 5-year-old girl and a 7-year-old girl had been playing outside the Gibbs Middle School when the incident occurred

Two young girls had to be treated at a Massachusetts hospital Tuesday afternoon after being stuck by a used, discarded syringe while playing outside of an Arlington middle school.

Police responded to the Gibbs Middle School at 4 p.m. after receiving a medical call. Upon arrival, the director of the Arlington Recreation Kid Care program told officers that a 5-year-old girl and a 7-year-old girl had been playing when one child picked up a syringe and was stuck in the hand by the needle.

The second girl then removed the needle from the first girl's hand and she was stuck as well.

Both girls were treated at the scene until first responders arrived. The children were then taken to Winchester Hospital for tests and treatment.

Authorities said further tests will be conducted on the syringe to determine if the children may need further care.

Town officials plan to meet Wednesday morning to discuss the incident and come up with a plan of action.

Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Bodie issued a statement saying she was extremely concerned of the improper disposal of the syringe.

"It is extremely concerning that a hypodermic needle would be so carelessly disposed of on the ground of a school, where children constantly gather, walk and play," Bodie said. "We are instructing facilities staff at all of our buildings to conduct extensive and scheduled searches of the grounds and perimeters to ensure that if anything else is out there, that it is immediately and safely disposed of."

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