#United States #Orlando #Parent Heart Watch #ECG Training #Second Chance Act

Parent Heart Watch Announces Complimentary ECG Training

In a significant step towards safeguarding young athletes, Parent Heart Watch has announced it will host a complimentary national virtual training session focused on ECG interpretation for clinicians. This training is particularly timely as Florida gets ready to implement the Second Chance Act (SB 1070), which mandates medical evaluations, including electrocardiograms, for high school athletes participating in FHSAA-sanctioned sports for the first time.

Scheduled for February 25, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern Time, this training is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately interpret ECG results, thereby enhancing safety measures for student-athletes. The registration for this crucial training can be accessed at no cost via the Parent Heart Watch website.

The Importance of ECG Interpretation

The Second Chance Act is set to transform how student-athletes are evaluated medically, specifically by requiring ECGs as part of their pre-participation evaluations. Martha Lopez-Anderson, Executive Director of Parent Heart Watch, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Florida's Second Chance Act raises the bar for protecting student-athletes. Accurate ECG interpretation is what ensures that screening requirements translate into real protection for young athletes."

Dr. Jonathan Drezner, a leading authority in sports cardiology from the University of Washington, will lead the training session. He will present valuable insights on how to apply the International Criteria for ECG interpretation, an approach that significantly enhances the identification of serious cardiac conditions in young athletes while also reducing false positives.

Expert Guidance and Panel Discussion

The training will not only feature Dr. Drezner’s presentation but will also include a panel discussion with Richard R. Sefcik, an executive from the Florida Alliance for Sports Medicine and a member of the FHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. This interaction will provide attendees with a well-rounded perspective on the necessity of ECG screening under the new legislation.

The training is part of a broader effort promoted by Parent Heart Watch in collaboration with Who We Play For, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ECG screening policies across various school districts in Florida. This partnership underscores the significance of community involvement in fostering the safety and well-being of young athletes.

About Parent Heart Watch

Parent Heart Watch is solely dedicated to the prevention of sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death among youth through education and advocacy. The organization aims to promote awareness regarding heart health in children and young adults, making sure that crucial preventive measures are implemented not just in Florida, but nationwide.

As more states and schools begin to consider similar cardiac screening policies, the training offered by Parent Heart Watch will play a vital role in preparing clinicians to deliver the highest standards of care for young athletes. With growing awareness and stricter requirements around cardiac assessments for student-athletes, this initiative is both timely and essential.

For those interested in attending the training and contributing to better health outcomes for youth athletes, registration details and resources can be found on the Parent Heart Watch website.