Chaidari: 13-year-old student undergoes surgery with diffuse brain edema

A 13-year-old student who fell from the first-floor balcony of the 7th High School in Chaidari was rushed into surgery at “Agia Sophia” Children’s Hospital with diffuse brain edema.

Initially, the girl was taken to “Attikon” hospital, where doctors performed intubation. She was later transferred by ambulance to “Agia Sophia” Children’s Hospital.

At the emergency department, pediatricians, neurosurgeons, and intensivists assessed her condition and she was immediately taken into surgery.

A teacher from the school spoke with Live News, providing details about the incident. According to the teacher, “This is the first time such an accident has occurred. The girl was talking with some other students at the time, and earlier we had told another student not to sit there, and he left. No one managed to tell her to leave, and in a split second, she slipped backward. We heard screams from the students, and we rushed outside to see what had happened. Some students ran to the office and told us the girl had fallen from the railings. She was not speaking; we tried talking to her, but she didn’t respond.”

This spot is one where many students sit daily. All were warned not to sit on the railings.”

According to Live News, which spoke to the girl’s mother, the school called her without providing details on how or where the fall happened. “We don’t know anything yet; right now, she is in surgery. We are waiting to hear from the doctors.”

How the Accident Happened

A state of emergency was declared on Monday (April 20) at the 7th High School in Chaidari when the 13-year-old student lost her balance from a first-floor balcony and fell into the school yard.

The incident occurred around 11:00 AM. A mobile medical unit from EKAB initially took the student to “Attikon” Hospital, and later she was transferred to “Agia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, where she is currently on life support in serious condition.

At the hospital’s emergency department, she was evaluated by pediatricians, neurosurgeons, and intensivists before being urgently taken to surgery for diffuse brain edema.

A social worker and psychologist are present at the school, as required, to support the students.

According to reports, the 13-year-old was sitting on the balcony railing on the first floor and, under unclear circumstances, may have lost her balance and fell into the yard.

Statement from the Ministry of Education

Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki immediately went to “Agia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, where the student was transferred from “Attikon,” after being initially transported by the ambulance called by the school.

“At this time, the priority is the child’s life and health. The investigation into the circumstances of the incident at the school level has already begun, and it will be thorough in every direction,” said Minister Zacharaki.

The 7th High School in Chaidari has a school nurse who was immediately by the child’s side after the fall and accompanied her in the ambulance to the hospital, along with a teacher.

Meanwhile, a multidisciplinary support team, including a psychologist and social worker, is at the school, and additional psychologists and social workers have been called from KEDASY.

The Pedagogical Responsibility Advisor is coordinating the management and support for the students, teachers, and the broader educational community.

Statement from the Municipality of Chaidari

“This morning, at the 7th High School in our Municipality, a tragic incident occurred in which a student was seriously injured. The student was transferred to ‘Attikon’ Hospital and later moved to ‘Agia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital.

From the very beginning, the Municipality and its Social Services provided all necessary support to the students and teachers at the school, and will continue to stand by them in whatever is needed.

Our hope and wish is that the young student will win the battle for her life.”