Ambulance, fire crews called to Melbourne creche after suspected allergic reactions

Paramedics have assessed at least 12 toddlers at a Caulfield creche following an apparent mass allergic reaction after the children drank a smoothie.

Paramedics were called to Chabad House on Glen Eira Road just before 3.30pm on Wednesday, but no children were taken to hospital.

Chabad House on Glen Eira Road.Credit:Google Street View

Fire crews were also called to the scene just after 4pm, after a caller to triple zero reported “multiple occupants suffering a suspected reaction to an unknown substance”.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson said 18 firefighters established there was no hazmat risk, and the likely cause of the reaction was through a “food source”.

In a video posted on Facebook by the childcare centre soon after the incident, an Ambulance Victoria member explains to parents at the scene that a number of children in one room at the kinder had all developed a rash and slightly elevated temperatures.

“From what we can gather, it’s all the children in one particular room. [It] all started happening quickly after they had a drink,” she said.

A community member in the video explains that children in other rooms also had the same smoothie but with no reaction.

“It didn’t seem like any children from any of the other rooms were getting any symptoms at all,” the Ambulance Victoria member said.

She said the children’s rashes began to dissipate while they were being monitored and that they were all well.

“The reason we’re being a little bit cautious is because we don’t know what it is,” she explained.

“If anything changes, then you either call the ambulance if you’re really, really worried, or you can take them to a hospital yourself.”

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said all toddlers “were in a stable condition”.

In a statement released on Wednesday night, Chabad House said the cause of the toddlers’ symptoms was still unknown.

“The centre is working closely with the public health department from Glen Eira City Council to determine the source. We are also keeping the Department of Education updated,” it said.

“No one required medical treatment or transport to hospital. A doctor attended to assess the children. As a precaution, all children who attended the centre were sent home with wristbands and the local hospitals have been briefed.

“We will provide further advice as it comes to hand.”

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