School of Nursing Director of Community Engagement and Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing Pina Violano said this large-scale health and wellness event will engage nursing students with the greater community while providing an electrocardiogram (EKG) that could save a life. According to In a Heartbeat, an EKG can detect approximately 60% of heart condition abnormalities associated with sudden cardiac death that cannot be detected by a stethoscope.

“This is preventative medicine,” said Violano. “We’re looking at finding any young person that may have any kind of hidden ailment with their hearts. It’s a screening that could prevent them from dying on a basketball court or playing field.”

Statistics from the American Academy of Pediatrics show nearly 2,000 Americans age 25 and under die annually from sudden cardiac arrest, often due to undiagnosed heart problems.

In a Heartbeat founder and Bobcat alumnus Mike Papale ’11, experienced sudden cardiac arrest at age 17 while playing basketball at a Wallingford court. An EMT who was in the building administered CPR until an ambulance equipped with an AED arrived to re-start Papale’s heart. The experience convinced Papale of the need to have public access to AED machines in communal spaces and inspired him to found In a Heartbeat.

At Quinnipiac, the School of Nursing Community Engagement Program offers vital health and safety training designed to equip individuals from across the university with the skills needed to respond confidently and effectively in emergencies. Violano has often teamed up with Papale and student volunteers to offer life-saving intervention training and services at Quinnipiac athletic events and other programs.

“Together, Mike and I have held other screenings, but not to the magnitude we have planned for this event, where our goal is to help over 200 people,” said Violano. “We’re helping the community, we’re saving lives, and we’re giving opportunities to our own students to get some clinical experience.”

The February 1 screening event will combine the services of nursing students of all levels together with School of Nursing faculty, as well as volunteers trained in CPR and AED assistance. Hands-on CPR training for community members will also be offered. Additionally, Violano has connected with two pediatric cardiologists to provide patient support emergently, if needed.

“Should someone’s reading alert to something, we will get them in immediately to see a physician,” said Violano.

Violano said the chance for nursing students to provide EKG screenings to patients, especially those of a young age, is a unique opportunity.

“You could be a nurse for 10 years and never do an EKG on anyone. This is providing nursing students with experiential learning. It’s real-life experience,” said Violano.

The free cardiac screening event also provides a vitally important service to families and young adults which could prevent a tragic outcome.

“I took care of many of these kids for 14 years working in the pediatric intensive care unit, so I know first-hand the devastation of getting a notice that your child has a heart defect,” Violano said. “In my mind, there’s no question that this is the right thing to do. We want to help the community recognize that we’re partners with them in the community, and this is available to them. As nurses, we’re one of the most trusted professions, and we want them to know that we’re doing the right thing for these families and their kids.”

Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged at screening.inaheartbeat.org