The family of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is thanking first responders for their quick action using lifesaving techniques on Hamlin after he collapsed following a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals during Monday night's game.
A statement on social media from the Bills said Hamlin's heartbeat was restored with CPR on the field. He remains in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
A hit during the game sent Hamlin into cardiac arrest. Shortly after he fell to the ground, emergency medical personnel rushed to his side and began administering CPR. American Heart Association’s Amy Grover said the technique is necessary when a heartbeat is not detected.
"So, typically, we’re using CPR when someone’s heart has stopped, and we can identify when someone’s heart has stopped when they do not have a pulse," Grover said.
Grover said people should still call 911 first if they find themselves in a situation where they need to administer CPR. However, the method ensures organs continue to get the required blood while waiting for emergency crews to arrive. Grover said proper form involves pressing forcefully but quickly on the person’s chest.
“We use the terms hard and fast because you’re literally pumping someone’s heart for them and pushing blood out to their vital organs," Grover said. "And so, if you’re not pushing hard enough, which means you’re not getting a deep enough compression of the chest, then you’re not actually getting any blood out to the organs.”
Grover said about 70% of cardiac arrest events happen outside a hospital, making the bystander reaction critical. But people often feel ill-equipped to step in.
“Because it is common that if someone does drop, that bystanders, for a variety of reasons, don’t help someone," Grover said.
The American Heart Association offers a range of CPR classes, including 30-minute in-person training and a self-guided virtual course.