Opinion - What price safety?

Nationally, two high school students died last week in sports related incidents. Both had undiagnosed heart problems.

These tragic deaths come on the heels of increased concern over head injuries and concussions in sports.

Sports can be dangerous. Overexertion and heat-related problems have led to deaths, too. Just a few years ago, a student died on the field playing against LaCrosse/Washtucna.

Injuries, of course, can cause serious problems, but so can a player’s undiagnosed medical condition.

In response, some are recommending medical scans for all athletes before they hit the field or court. Tests, such as an EKG and MRI, can discover preexisting problems and can provide comparative information in case of an injury later.

These are expensive procedures. The argument against requiring them for every student athlete is that they are too expensive. It is the same argument that keeps seat belts and restraints off school buses, despite the universal requirement for belts and restraints in all other vehicles.

So far, the bean counters are winning, but, as a starter, every participant in high school sports needs to be trained to recognize the symptoms of head injuries, heat exhaustion and other serious conditions. Every coach, player and official should be trained in CPR.

Such preparedness, along with the established insurance of emergency medical technicians during games, can help to prevent tragedies.

Prescreening, however, would give even greater safety and security for those playing. It should not be a matter of money alone.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher