Orange County School Board held a work session to discuss requiring an electrocardiogram for all student athletes prior to participation.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition where death can result from the abrupt loss of heart function; it is the leading cause of death in athletics. EKG screenings assist in diagnosing several heart conditions that contribute to sudden cardiac arrest.
The proposal includes:
- Requiring all high school student-athletes receive an EKG prior to the start of their 2021-2022 FHSAA season
- EKGs will be incorporated at spring/summer physical events at schools or parents can obtain one from their own doctors using documentation included in the Annual Sports Activity Participation packet
- A scholarship program will be established to help uninsured/under-insured
- Student athletes will need only one EKG exam during their four years of high school
View the presentation provided to School Board members.
Next steps:
The resolution will be presented to the board for a vote at the scheduled Board Meeting, April 27, 2021.
*Reminder* Work sessions are live-streamed on the School Board’s YouTube channel and will be accessible from web browsers on computers or mobile devices.