The Collapse of Damar Hamlin
The collapse of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during a game on January 2nd, 2023 shocked the sports world. Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on field after making a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals. His collapse raised many questions about what exactly happened from a medical perspective and why it was so dangerous.
What is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating properly. This cuts off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Cardiac arrest is very different from a heart attack. A heart attack is when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot. Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem that causes the heart to quiver uselessly rather than pump blood.
There are many potential causes of cardiac arrest, including:
- Heart rhythm problems
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Trauma
- Blood vessel problems
- Recreational drug use
In Hamlin's case, the exact cause remains unclear. It may have been related to a big hit he took or an underlying condition. But his heart essentially stopped pumping blood properly in a matter of seconds.
Why Cardiac Arrest is So Dangerous
When cardiac arrest happens, death can occur within minutes if the person does not receive treatment. Every minute that passes without revival decreases the chance of survival by 7-10%. After 10 minutes, very few people survive.
This is because when blood stops flowing to the brain, it causes loss of consciousness, seizures, and ultimately brain death. The lack of blood to other vital organs also causes irreversible damage.
People who suffer cardiac arrest collapse immediately. They are unresponsive and stop normal breathing. Effective CPR is crucial to manually pump blood until emergency providers arrive. Defibrillation using an automated external defibrillator (AED) may also be needed to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm.
Damar Hamlin's Collapse and Recovery
The collapse of Damar Hamlin unfolded on national television during Monday Night Football. At 8:55 PM in the first quarter against the Bengals, Hamlin made a tackle, stood up initially, and then fell backwards.
Hamlin laid motionless on the field as teammates frantically waved for medical help. CPR was swiftly initiated by on-field personnel after determining Hamlin did not have a pulse. An AED was also used to deliver a shock in an attempt to restart normal heart activity.
Transfer to the Hospital
After receiving CPR and defibrillation on field, Hamlin was rapidly transferred by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Paramedics restored his heartbeat en route to the hospital. However, Hamlin remained in critical condition and had to be put on a ventilator due to losing all oxygen for an extended period.
Doctors worked to stabilize Hamlin in the ICU, regulating his heart rhythm, blood pressure and breathing with medication and machines. Cooling therapy may have also been used to prevent brain damage by lowering his core body temperature.
Outpouring of Support
As Hamlin fought for his life, there was immense outpouring across the country. An online fundraiser for his charity skyrocketed to over $8 million donated. Fans gathered outside the hospital in prayer and vigil for his recovery. NFL players also unified in support across league teams, wearing shirts in honor of Hamlin during pregame warmups.
After two difficult days, doctors were finally able to announce that Hamlin showed signs of neurological recovery. He began to awaken and communicated through writing. Though still hospitalized, this marked a major turning point on an uncertain road to recovery.
Risk of Cardiac Arrest in Athletes
While rare, cardiac arrest unfortunately can occur in seemingly healthy, elite athletes. This is usually due to undiscovered structural or electrical problems with the heart. Warning signs like dizziness, racing heartbeat or fainting with physical activity may be absent prior to sudden collapse.
Some conditions that may increase risk include:
- Enlarged heart muscle
- Abnormal heart valves
- Congenital heart defects
- Coronary artery abnormalities
The NFL tests draft prospects thoroughly for health issues before they can be cleared to play. But some serious heart problems can still go unnoticed. Athletic cardiac screening typically involves:
- Physical exam
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac MRI
- Stress testing
Emergency Action Plans
Hamlin's situation illustrates the dire need for emergency plans in athletics. Steps like immediately retrieving the AED and performing CPR can absolutely save lives until EMS arrives. Continual review of protocols and quickly recognizing warning signs of athlete distress are so vital.
Coaches must be trained in CPR/AED use annually. Event staff should rehearse roles for emergency response. Having predetermined tasks prevents confusion if crisis strikes. Reaction time is everything when a cardiac arrest occurs, so preparedness to take prompt action matters greatly.
The Aftermath
Thankfully Damar Hamlin has made positive progress in his recovery after initial critical scares. He FaceTimed into a team meeting just days later to greet supportive teammates and coaches.
But there are still many unknowns going forward. Return to normal life and professional football will involve comprehensive cardiac testing and clearance over time. Emotional processing of this trauma may also be a long journey for not just Hamlin, but witnesses to the event.
The chilling collapse and CPR administered live on primetime television certainly shook many NFL policies. Security of player health and amendment of protocols will be revisited. Mandating AED availability at all organized sporting events, not just professionals, is an important consideration too.
Most of all, the urgent resuscitation delivered after Hamlin's collapse exemplified the need for widespread CPR and AED education beyond sports settings. The quick action in response training actually saved his life in those critical moments.
FAQs
What caused Damar Hamlin to collapse?
Damar Hamlin suffered sudden cardiac arrest, meaning his heart unexpectedly stopped pumping blood effectively. The exact cause is still being determined but may relate to an underlying condition or hit taken during play.
Why is cardiac arrest so dangerous?
Cardiac arrest leads to loss of pulse and blood flow to vital organs like the brain. Death can occur within minutes without treatment. CPR and defibrillation are critical to try restarting the heart until emergency providers arrive.
How did medical personnel save Damar Hamlin?
Swift action was taken after Hamlin's collapse, with initiation of CPR to manually pump some blood and application of an AED to deliver electric shocks to restore heart rhythm. He was also given urgent hospital care like cooling therapy to prevent brain damage.
Could Damar Hamlin play football again someday?
It is too early to definitively know Hamlin's future football plans. He will need comprehensive cardiac testing over time once recovered to determine if returning to the NFL may be safe from a health perspective.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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