Cyndie Lempesis couldn’t save her son from sudden cardiac arrest, so she’s worked for years to save the lives of other children.

Since 2011, Lempesis has organized free youth heart screenings in Kootenai County to help doctors detect abnormalities in the heart. Sponsored by Straight from the Heart – The Jordan Johnson Foundation, the next youth heart screening is Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club, 200 W. Mullan in Post Falls. October is Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month.

Lempesis’ son, Jordan, was an athletic 15-year-old when he died in 2006.

“Jordan had just finished swimming and football. He was trying out for basketball,” Lempesis says. “He had no symptoms—no fatigue, dizziness. That’s typical of people who’ve lost a child to this.”

Thanks to the Straight from the Heart Foundation, hundreds of northern Idaho children have undergone screening. More than a dozen were directed to some type of medical follow-up.

In sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the heart suddenly stops beating with no warning. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA causes death if it’s not treated within minutes.

Rapid treatment with a defibrillator can help a heart in distress return to its natural rhythm and save a life. Automated external defibrillators are often found in public places and are designed so untrained bystanders can use them. The person having SCA needs CPR until defibrillation can be done.

SCA is the No. 1 cause of death in young exercising athletes. But it’s not limited to athletes. One high school-age child dies every three days from it. Lempesis has joined a network of parents nationwide working to reduce the number of children lost to SCA.

Heart condition warning signs that may escape a stethoscope are often detectable in an electrocardiogram—ECG. The Straight from the Heart screening includes an ECG, review of family heart history, an echocardiogram if necessary, good assessment and follow-up, if needed.

The free youth heart screening Oct. 19 is for people age 14 to 24. Families can register online at www.straightfromtheheart.us. Lempesis encourages participants to register for an appointment to avoid a long wait.

Participants should bring with them completed history and release forms that are available at the same website. Children under age 18 will need a parent’s signature on their forms. After checking in, kids will get their blood pressure checked and recorded and learn about CPR and the AED.

The ECG is the next step. Youth will get weighed and measured, then lay down for the ECG. ECGs measure the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat through electrodes attached to patches on the skin. The ECG takes just a few minutes; the entire screening process will take 30 to 45 minutes.

A team of doctors, including a cardiologist, will assess the results along with the heart health history. If doctors see anything amiss, they may direct youths to the echocardiogram machine. Three machines will be available at the screening. Echocardiograms use sound waves to show how a heart is beating and pumping blood. It helps doctors identify abnormalities in the heart muscle and valves.

All participants in the screening will leave with their heart health assessed and a recommendation for further treatment, if it’s needed. Appointments are encouraged, but no one will be turned away. To register or for information, visit www.straightfromtheheart.us.