Damar Hamlin, a member of the Buffalo Bills, is recounting his encounter of unexpectedly collapsing during a football match and his remarkable return.
In an interview with Michael Strahan on “Good Morning America,” the 24-year-old Bills safety expressed his gratitude for being alive.
Hamlin stated, “it might have been the end of me – it might have been – it might have encompassed the specifics of the circumstances of everything that occurred on the field, and the physician, learning about it from you know, provided me with a broader understanding of the situation.”
Tune in to “Good Morning America” on Monday at 7 a.M. ET to catch the interview between Michael Strahan and Damar Hamlin.
Hamlin said he remembers preparing for the game night on a Monday, six weeks ago, against the Cincinnati Bengals, which was one of the last games of the NFL season and he felt fantastic.
“I remember the things that we were focused on going into the game,” Hamlin told Strahan. “Just trying to get a win.”.
Experiencing a cardiac arrest, Hamlin abruptly fell to the ground, and subsequently rose to his feet – following a successful tackle – with 5:58 remaining in the 1st quarter.
Denny Kellington, the Bills’ assistant athletic trainer, promptly started administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also known as CPR, to Hamlin.
According to the American Heart Association, providing CPR to a patient promptly can greatly enhance the likelihood of survival, potentially multiplying it by two or even three times.
If necessary, an electric jolt will be administered and the cardiac rhythm will be examined by a medical apparatus known as an automated external defibrillator, or an AED. Emergency personnel also utilized it.
Strahan mentioned that Kellington is the individual who informed everyone on the sidelines that Hamlin’s health condition was grave.
“Hamlin expressed, ‘I am indebted to Denny for saving my life.’ ‘Truly. He tends to claim that he was merely fulfilling his duties, which is accurate, you know?’ ‘And on that particular evening, he genuinely acted as the rescuer of my life.'”
He remarked, “I am genuinely grateful for and I do not consider as a given.”
Hamlin was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition in the intensive care unit for several days and was placed on a ventilator.
After four days and gradual improvement in his condition, he woke up and was able to communicate with his family and teammates following his cardiac arrest episode.
Hamlin said that he mostly remembers waking up and seeing his parents and friends, who were having conversations and asking him if they won.
The doctors responded, “Indeed. You have emerged victorious in the game of life,” he stated.
Strahan said, “Are we victorious?” You’re focused and engrossed in the competition, and suddenly you become alert because you’re fully dedicated,” an athlete. “He’s fine,” I replied, recalling the moment I witnessed.
“That innate drive within me was still pondering over the game,” responded Hamlin. “I have a strong competitive spirit, giving my all and utilizing every ounce of my being while playing.”
Hamlin was relocated to Buffalo General Medical Center in western New York following his medical incident, just one week after being released from UC Medical Center.
The doctors have described his recovery as “remarkable”, stating that he has started physical therapy, resumed regular eating, and began walking again.
Hamlin declined to discuss what doctors believe may have caused his heart to stop beating, but he said he feels lucky to be alive. However, ongoing tests are still adding to the discussion.
Hamlin expressed, “Merely to have the ability to persevere.” “Simply to lead a regular life and emerge nearly unharmed,” Hamlin conveyed, “[God] granted me another opportunity, you know, I’m simply grateful.”
Strahan told him that it will take longer for his emotional recovery, but he hopes to get back to playing football eventually and Hamlin said he is doing well physically.
He expressed, “I am currently in the process of working through various matters.” He conveyed, “I am currently endeavoring to mentally comprehend all the intense feelings and distress that stems from, you know, coping with a situation like that and lacking the presence of individuals in my close-knit group who have encountered something similar.”
Hamlin said he’s teaming up with the American Heart Association with a goal of getting three million people to learn how to perform CPR and sign up.
Tune in to “Good Morning America” at 7 a.M. On Monday to see what Hamlin said about his future as a professional football player, including his recovery.