In a heartfelt display of community collaboration and lifesaving action, the Sam Yates Community Foundation screened 38 VHS students currently participating in spring sports at its inaugural student cardiac screening event at Vashon High School (VHS) this month. It’s an initiative aimed at detecting hidden cardiac risks in students, and the pilot effort was designed to learn about logistics and refine the program before expanding access to the broader student body in future years.
This proactive screening effort uncovered four students with cardiac anomalies previously unknown to them. These individuals were referred for further evaluation, including echocardiograms, to better understand the potential risks. In addition, several students were flagged for elevated blood pressure — an important early warning sign that often goes undetected in adolescents.
Starting next year, the Foundation plans to offer cardiac screenings to all freshman and junior students at VHS on a rotating two-year cycle. This schedule aligns with international recommendations, recognizing that adolescent hearts undergo significant growth and change throughout high school.
The process each student undertakes at this event is to first have their blood pressure, height and weight taken. They next go to have the EKG (ECG) screening, where they receive a print out of their heart rhythm. After the EKG they are trained by VIFR on CPR and the use of AEDs and instructed as to where all AEDs are placed on the school campus.
The last step is to sit down with a cardiologist and have their EKG screening reviewed. Should it be necessary, if an abnormality is discovered, their parents will be called and told of the findings and how they can proceed with additional medical help.
The event was made possible by the Sam Yates Community Foundation, established in memory of 2nd Lt. Sam Yates, USMC, a beloved son of Vashon and 2016 VHS graduate whose sudden passing from cardiac arrest sparked a community-wide commitment to cardiac health awareness and youth protection. His legacy lives on in every heartbeat safeguarded through this initiative.
The success of this screening event was a true reflection of Vashon’s strong community spirit. Granny’s Attic and the Vashon Health Care District generously funded the purchase of four Cardea 20/20 ECG units, which made the screenings possible. These advanced, portable devices are critical for rapidly and accurately identifying cardiac irregularities in young people.
Special thanks go to VHS Principal John Erickson, school nurse Brandi Greenidge, and staff member Jackie Merrill for their early support and help coordinating the logistics necessary to bring this initiative to life on campus. Dr. Ted Gibbons, who not only served as the event’s on-site cardiologist but also provided critical IT support, was instrumental to the screening’s overall success. Thank you to Dr. Gibbons — this event would not be possible without your time and effort.
The Foundation also recognizes the incredible work of 15 dedicated volunteers providing screen support, as well as Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR), which provided CPR and AED training to participating students. As part of its broader mission, the Foundation previously donated three AEDs to VHS’s athletic fields, and VIFR made sure students knew exactly where to find them and how to use them in an emergency.
You can help us protect more lives.
The Foundation’s vision is clear: screen every student, every two years, and place AEDs throughout Vashon Island so no life is lost for lack of preparation or equipment. This goal can only be achieved through the ongoing generosity of donors.
If you would like to help us fund additional screenings or donate toward AED placements in public locations, please visit thumbsupfoundation.org.
Together, we are creating a safer, healthier future for Vashon Island’s youth — one heartbeat at a time.
Jim Whitney is the deputy fire chief of the Redmond Fire Department and Northeast King County Medic One, and a Vashon Island Fire & Rescue district board commissioner.
