The Nick of Time youth heart screening event is coming to Enumclaw High School Oct. 2.

Thanks to community volunteers and sponsors the session will be provided free of charge to 400 students. Slots are filling fast, so organizers are urging students to get the appropriate paperwork turned in as soon as possible.

The stated goal of program boosters is to make EHS a “Heart Safe Zone.”

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sudden death in young people and is typically the result of undiagnosed structural or electrical heart disease. It generally occurs during, or immediately after, exercise. Children collapse, lose consciousness and die, unless normal heart rhythm is restored.

The Nick of Time heart screening consists of a health survey dealing with symptoms or a family history of a cardiac condition, a blood pressure and physical exam and electrocardiogram. When there is a determination of risk, an on-site echocardiogram of the heart is conducted.

Each screening takes 30 to 35 minutes and includes training in CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator.

The Nick of Time Foundation, based in Seattle, was created in memory of Nick Varrenti, a multisport athlete who suffered sudden cardiac arrest and died at age 16. The organization’s goal is to reduce sudden cardiac death through early detection and intervention.