The story is well known at this point. On January 2, 2023, during a Monday Night Football matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s heart stopped while making a routine tackle. Upon impact with his target, Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed. The moment sent all that witnessed it into shock, from the thousands inside Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium, to the millions watching on TV. Nothing needed to be said on the broadcast, one could tell from the mood of those on the field, Hamlin was fighting for his life. Thankfully, first responders acted fast and resuscitated him by performing CPR and using a defibrillator.
“This event was life-changing, but it’s not the end of my story,” Hamlin said in April.
In just a few months since suffering cardiac arrest, the 25-year-old, has already made his way back onto the field. Back in April, three specialists unanimously cleared Hamlin to return to football activities. While the quick recovery is a credit to Hamlin’s courage and perseverance, none of it would’ve been possible without the first responders in Cincinnati on January 2.
“Immediate CPR and defibrillation by medical personnel at the football game who responded rapidly is absolutely, certainly what saved Mr. Hamlin’s life and his brain,” said Dr. Benjamin Levine, professor of medicine and cardiology at the U. of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Texas Health Dallas.
Hamlin spent another week at the U. of Cincinnati Medical Center after his cardiac arrest and appeared to show no neurological deficits. He left the hospital not only a survivor of one of the leading causes of death in the United States, but without any brain damage or injury – something that less than 10 percent of cardiac arrest survivors can say.
“A few extra minutes or even a few extra seconds and it could have been a different outcome,” said Dr. William Knight IV, an emergency medicine and trauma specialist at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Hamlin’s story is well known due to the national coverage it received. But incidents — and in many cases, tragedies — can occur at any time and at any level of sports or in everyday life. With Hamlin, the first responders were prepared and acted swiftly. To save more lives, those outside of medicine need to be prepared to perform those duties.
Hamlin has put himself at the forefront of spreading CPR awareness and education. In February, he announced a partnership with the American Heart Association and launched the ‘#3forHeart CPR Challenge,’ which has helped raise nearly $2.5 million (and counting) to fund CPR awareness and education.
Hamlin also met with President Biden at the White House in March, and spoke before Congress, echoing his support of the “Access to AEDs Act,” which would increase training and availability to AEDs in schools.
“We are so humbled and inspired by what I feel is the opportunity that God has given me to help and protect young people based on what I experienced,” Hamlin said in late March. “The ‘Access to AEDs Act’ will help ensure that schools are just as prepared and trained to respond in a time of crisis as those on the sideline in an NFL game.”
While Hamlin has put a lot into making his triumphant return to football, it’s clear he’s equally invested in saving lives. At the annual NFL Awards Ceremony in February, Hamlin accepted the Community Award. During his emotional speech – weeks before knowing he would be able to return to playing the game he loves – Hamlin stated, “I have a long road ahead, a journey full of unknowns and a journey full of milestones, but it’s a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose.”
MORE ABOUT HOPE WEEK
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At its core, HOPE Week is about people helping people. The one thing everybody has — no matter their background or financial situation — is time. By involving every one of our players and coaches, Manager Aaron Boone, General Manager Brian Cashman, our minor league affiliates and front office staff during the celebration of HOPE Week, the Yankees send the message that everyone can give of themselves to make their community a better place.
Equally significant during HOPE Week is garnering publicity for highlighted causes and organizations. The greatest challenge facing many not-for-profits is generating interest, awareness and funding for their missions.
At the conclusion of every HOPE Week since 2010, the Yankees organization has been honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award from AmeriCorps, given “in recognition and appreciation of commitment to strengthening the nation and for making a difference through volunteer service.” The awards are bestowed by AmeriCorps, which empowers Americans from all backgrounds to answer the President’s Call to Service.