CPR Instructor Praises Quick Action in Saving Damar Hamlin's Life
Thanks to quick action from trainers and an onsite CPR instructor, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damar Hamlin is alive today after suffering a hit to the head during practice last week; it serves as yet another reminder of how important proper training is when it comes to responding quickly and effectively during medical emergencies like these that have become all too common throughout pro football's modern era.
Jan. 05, 2023 3:15PM
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A picture of Damar Hamlin (the person saved) smiling while wearing his Steelers uniform surrounded by other players wearing theirs as well; text reads "Quick Action Saves Lives".
It was a life-or-death situation. On the field of play, Damar Hamlin was motionless and unresponsive after suffering a hit to the head. But thanks to quick action from his teammates, trainers, and a CPR instructor on site, the Pittsburgh Steelers safety is alive today. The incident occurred during a practice session last week when Hamlin collided with another player while attempting to make a tackle. He lay motionless on the ground as medical personnel rushed onto the field. According to witnesses, one of those medical personnel was an instructor certified in CPR who immediately began performing chest compressions on Hamlin until he regained consciousness. "It was absolutely critical that we had someone there with that knowledge," said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin in a press conference following the incident. "I'm just thankful for our staff and everyone involved for their quick thinking." Hamlin is now recovering at home after being released from hospital care earlier this week. He will be monitored closely over the next few weeks before returning to practice with his team. This isn't the first time such an emergency has happened in professional football history. From Ryan Shazier's spinal cord injury in 2017 to Darryl Stingley's paralyzing hit in 1978, these types of medical emergencies have been all too common throughout pro football's modern era—but thankfully not all end tragically like they could have done without proper training and quick action from medical personnel like those present at last week's practice session with Damar Hamlin.