On Sunday night, the Buffalo Bills are returning to Cincinnati to play against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have a 4-3 record, while the Bills have a 5-3 record in the league. However, more than who will win this game, the NFL world will closely watch how the Bills’ safety, Damar Hamlin, handles the situation.
Just 10 months ago, he almost lost his life at the same place, and this is the first time he is returning to Cincinnati since that incident. Although Hamlin is not playing against the Bengals in this game, it will remind everybody about that incident that completely changed Hamlin.
How medical professionals saved Hamlin’s life
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On January 2 of this year, the Bills were up against the Bengals on their home turf. While the game was underway, Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during a tackle. A medical team swiftly rushed to the field as Hamlin collapsed. They had to communicate with one another by radio because of the noise in the stadium. When the medical professionals were treating Hamlin, he initially had a pulse but lost it. The medical professionals had to perform bystander CPR, which ultimately restored his heartbeat. Later, he was admitted to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he remained for a week.
Last night I had dinner with my heroes. 10 of the UC Medical Staff that helped save my life.
I surprised them with a scholarship named after each of them that will support youth in Cincy to chase their dreams.
Wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them!🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/sEOCDkwYvk
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) November 5, 2023
On-field medical professionals received widespread praise. Their swift response not only saved his life but also prevented any neurological damage. To Hamlin, these medical professionals are heroes. In recognition of their service, during the annual NFL honors, the medical team and Hamlin shared a stage. Hamlin embraced the medical professionals, and they were introduced to the crowd.
Medical professionals who saved his life are:
Field Doctors
•B. Woods Curry, MD
•Jason McMullan, MD
•Robbie Paulsen, MD
•Bret Betz, MD
•John Bush, Respiratory Therapist
Field Paramedics
•Rob Hursong, Paramedic Transport
•David Stigler, Paramedic Transport
•Mike Bilkasley, Paramedic Transport
•Brandon Terrell, Paramedic Transport
•Brian Reid, Paramedic Transport
It can’t be denied that these medical professionals have left a long-lasting impression on the Bills’ safety. After all, without these people, he would not have survived. That’s why Hamlin has decided to honor the individuals in his own way.
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Damar Hamlin is starting a scholarship
Since that incident, Hamlin has consistently demonstrated his gratitude to the medical professionals who saved his life. The safety plans to honor the 10 first responders who were present on the field by endowing scholarships in their names. During a dinner with these medical professionals, he unveiled his scholarship program.
Chasing M’s, the charitable foundation established by Hamlin, will award scholarships to 10 individuals from the under-served communities in the area. The scholarship grants $1000 per year for three years to recipients. Since the life-threatening incident, his foundation has been actively involved in promoting CPR training as well.
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