Hanson Fire Department Offers Free Cardiac Screenings for Local Youth

Initiative aims to detect potential heart conditions early through non-invasive screenings at two local high schools in March

HANSON - The Hanson Fire Department is expanding its commitment to community health by offering free cardiac screenings for youth ages 10 to 22 this March, continuing a three-year tradition of providing this potentially life-saving service.

In partnership with the nonprofit organization Who We Play For and with state funding secured by Senator Michael Brady, the department aims to identify potential heart conditions before they lead to serious medical events.

"For the past three years, the Hanson Fire Department has coordinated this initiative to offer crucial preventative care that's not typically included in annual physicals," says Deputy Chief Charley Barends in a press release. "These screenings increase detection of potential heart conditions that could otherwise go unnoticed until a serious medical event occurs."

The screenings address a critical health concern: Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), the leading cause of death in young athletes. SCA occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and vital organs.

What makes SCA particularly dangerous is that the first symptom is often death, either because warning signs went unrecognized or life-saving help wasn't administered in time.

The department points to previous screenings' success in identifying cases requiring follow-up care as evidence of the program's value. "The success of past screenings, which identified cases where follow-up care was needed, underscores the vital role these screenings play in keeping our students healthy and active," Barends notes. "Early screening and detection saves lives."

The screening process is quick and painless, taking only five minutes to complete. It includes an electrocardiogram (EKG) that records the heart's electrical activity, which can increase the chances of detecting an underlying heart condition by 95 percent.

A pediatric cardiologist with Who We Play For reviews all EKGs, with results emailed directly to parents or guardians within 10 business days. If abnormalities are found, follow-up recommendations are provided.

Thanks to state funding secured by Senator Brady in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, 700 students can receive these screenings at no cost.

The department is also expanding the program this year to include adults aged 23 and older, who can participate for a fee of $35 per screening.

Medical experts recommend annual cardiac screenings even for those previously screened, as heart conditions can develop over time. Regular screenings help ensure early detection of any changes.

Screenings will be available at two locations:

Whitman-Hanson Regional High School (600 Franklin Street, Whitman) on March 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and March 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

South Shore Technical High School (476 Webster Street, Hanover) on March 28 and 29, both days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Registration is required and must be completed online at www.whoweplayfor.org/massachusetts-plymouth. Parental or guardian consent is necessary for participants under 18.

Who We Play For, the nonprofit partnering with the Hanson Fire Department, focuses on eliminating preventable sudden cardiac death in young people through affordable heart screenings.

The organization's mission aligns perfectly with the department's goal of providing proactive health services to the community, particularly for young people who might otherwise not receive this type of screening.

Deputy Chief Barends emphasizes that these screenings provide crucial preventative care not typically included in annual physicals. The non-invasive nature of the tests makes them accessible and stress-free for participants of all ages.

The department encourages community members to take advantage of this opportunity, noting that early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes for cardiac conditions.

The Hanson Fire Department continues to serve the community beyond emergency response, with this cardiac screening program representing one of its most important preventative health initiatives.

By focusing on early detection of heart conditions, particularly in young people, the department hopes to prevent tragic outcomes and ensure that community members can lead active, healthy lives.

Registration is now open for all screening dates, and interested participants are encouraged to secure their appointments early to ensure availability.