Mason County EMS to offer free EKG screenings for youth

MASON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - It might have been years since you’ve had your heart tested, or maybe the opportunity hasn’t been on the table.

“Not everyone has the means to do an EKG on their child and they’re not really ordered by the pediatricians normally, unless they have a complaint. Not all children have complaints when they have underlying cardiac issues,” said Scott Ballard, director of Mason County EMS.

Ballard says the recent death of a local child led to the need for immediate action.

“We were paged out to respond to Point Pleasant High School for a 10-year-old youth athlete that collapsed during practice, and she unfortunately ended up passing away,” Ballard said.

Ballard says following this tragic loss, Mason County EMS started planning to offer free EKG screenings for children of all ages.

“We are just trying to keep this from happening to another child and another family,” Ballard said.

Ballard says the EKG screenings will be offered at several locations throughout the county, such as their high schools and possibly community centers.

Once parents get a printed copy of their child’s EKG, Ballard says they can take that to their pediatrician for review.

“So, this is not a 100% fix. But, if we can save one child and one family from going through this then it will all be worth it,” Ballard said.

It’s an opportunity that Cheryl Whitt, who is the training director at the EMS station, says can help detect a problem before it’s too late.

“Tomorrow is not promised, and we’re trying to give everybody the tools to keep their loved one around.”

Ballard says they’re hoping to have this opportunity up and running sometime next month.

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