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May 13, 2008 — Beginning in the 2008-2009 school year, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD will implement an electrocardiogram (ECG, also commonly referred to as EKG) screening program for incoming ninth-grade student athletes.

The district is partnering with local cardiologist Dr. Tom DeBauche to bring EKG machines to each high school at no cost.

Electrocardiograms display the electrical activity of the heart over time, and can identify most individuals who are at risk for life-threatening heart conditions. According to Dr. DeBauche, the implementation of the screenings could reduce the potential loss of life by student athletes by 90 percent.

“This is an example of what makes Cypress-Fairbanks ISD a very special place, when community members like Dr. DeBauche take an active role—not only with an idea, but with a means to achieve that idea—making sure our students are given the best care possible in the school district and taking a proactive measure to prevent possible tragedy,” said CFISD superintendent Dr. David Anthony.

Beginning in the summer, Dr. DeBauche will train district nurses and athletic trainers on how to conduct the screenings. According to Jan Jones, director of health services, the plan is to begin screening incoming ninth-grade students by the spring of 2009. The long-term goal is to have every high school student athlete undergo an EKG screening.

“We will be the only school district in the state of Texas that intends to test every student athlete,” Dr. Anthony said. “In my 34 years in education, I’ve never experienced a donation of time, expertise and material more important to the lives of students.”

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