A mother recounts how Scarlett and Olivia were spiked at a park vape and spent hours unconscious before tests showed Spice and MDMA
The case of identical twins Scarlett and Olivia Bywood has highlighted a growing danger among teenagers: the use of illicit substances hidden inside disposable vapes. According to their mother, Kay Fores, the 13-year-olds were offered what seemed like a normal vaping device by peers in a local park and collapsed within minutes on April 29.
A neighbour found the girls foaming at the mouth and emergency services rushed them to Hull Royal Infirmary. Their mother arrived at the hospital to find both daughters unconscious and attached to an IV drip, an image that underlines how quickly a casual encounter can become life-threatening.
Doctors later confirmed the twins had been exposed to both Spice and MDMA, substances that can cause severe physical and psychological reactions. The girls were reportedly unconscious for several hours before regaining awareness and were discharged the following day with only minor injuries from their collapse, though the emotional impact remains significant.
Kay has described the incident as a ‘sick prank’ and intends to report the episode to police. Her message to other families is urgent: never accept or share unknown vaping devices, because the contents may be hazardous or intentionally tampered with.
What happened at the park and the immediate medical response
The twins met a group of girls they knew from ‘the other side of town’ and were handed a vape that they believed to be harmless. Within minutes the pair suffered sudden loss of consciousness and visible agitation, with one child reportedly foaming at the mouth. A neighbour who discovered them called an ambulance and alerted family members. At hospital, clinicians placed both children on intravenous fluids and monitored their vital signs while arranging blood tests. Those laboratory tests later identified traces of Spice—a class of synthetic cannabinoids—and MDMA, confirming that an illicit mixture had been inhaled. Medical staff emphasised that timely discovery likely prevented a fatal outcome.
Medical findings and recovery timeline
Doctors reported that the twins remained unresponsive for about six hours while treatment and observation continued. The hospital performed blood screening that detected compounds consistent with synthetic cannabinoids and MDMA. While both girls were discharged the next day with only superficial injuries from falling, clinicians warned of possible delayed effects, including emotional trauma and cognitive symptoms. Kay says her daughters have no memory of the event and are deeply shaken. The family has stressed the importance of rapid bystander action and professional care in cases of suspected poisoning or drug exposure.
Understanding synthetic marijuana and why it is dangerous
Synthetic marijuana, often marketed under names like Spice, K2 or other street labels, refers to laboratory-made chemicals that mimic the action of THC on the brain. Unlike natural cannabis, many synthetic variants bind more strongly to the same cellular receptors and can produce far more intense and unpredictable reactions. Users may experience temporary euphoria, but the drugs are also linked to severe anxiety, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations and dangerous physiological responses. Public health experts warn that concentrations and chemical composition vary widely, making each inhalation a risk of overdose or serious harm.
How vapes become a delivery method for harmful substances
Illegal or counterfeit vaping products are an increasingly common vector for synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids because they are inexpensive to produce and easy to conceal. School seizures in England have found that up to one in four confiscated vapes contain synthetic cannabinoids, according to recent reporting and local authorities. Because these substances cost less to manufacture than genuine THC-based liquids, unscrupulous sellers can adulterate or substitute contents. Teenagers may be unaware of the risks when offered a device by friends, which is why parents and schools are being urged to treat shared vapes as potentially hazardous.
Advice, accountability and next steps
Kay Fores has publicly urged parents to talk with their children about the dangers of taking unknown substances and to discourage sharing vaping devices. She has indicated her intention to involve police to seek accountability and to help prevent similar incidents. Experts recommend that caregivers ensure children understand the signs of overdose, know to call emergency services immediately, and avoid social situations where unknown drugs may be offered. Health campaigns and schools are also encouraged to highlight the specific risks associated with vape tampering and the unpredictable toxicity of synthetic cannabinoids.
