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The sports world was stunned Monday night when Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during the game between Buffalo and Cincinnati.
The Bills safety fell to the ground after colliding with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins after what seemed like a relatively routine play in the NFL.
Sadly, instead of popping up and jogging off the field, medical staff had to rush on to the field to treat Hamlin who, it was later learned, suffered cardiac arrest.
The latest news regarding the condition of Damar Hamlin, provided by Jordon Rooney, a family representative for the Hamlin family, appears somewhat hopeful.
Late Monday night/Tuesday morning, Dr. David J. Chao, the former head physician for the Chargers, explained what kind of medical treatment Damar Hamlin received on the field after collapsing.
“Other than in a hospital, there is no better place to collapse than on a NFL field,” Dr. Chao wrote. “Over two dozen medical professionals including emergency medical personnel and equipment are present. The home team plays an important role in emergency care and support for the visiting team and that is the norm but the Bengals medical staff should still be congratulated. All home teams drill for this annually. In addition, emergency medical personnel and medical staff from both teams meet pregame to go over any last minute information in preparation for anything that might happen.
“The nine minutes of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) undoubtedly saved his life. The heart attack was likely caused by a cardiac contusion with potential commotio cordis (electrical signal gone haywire). AED (automatic external defibrillators) are routinely on both NFL sidelines and even brought on the plane and bus with the traveling team. The defibrillation (shock) happened on the field to convert Hamlin’s rhythm to allow his heart to beat again. Commotio cordis leading to heart attack has a significant mortality rate but with the witnessed arrest and immediate care, Hamlin seems headed for a positive outcome.”
#EmergencyChat 🙏#BUFvsCIN
Hamlin https://t.co/TmIhhcOv7U— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) January 3, 2023
“A nearby trauma center is always designated and on stand by during NFL games,” Dr. Chao continued. “The ambulance was not slow moving to transport Hamlin. It is normal to stabilize before transport as it is unsafe to proceed with an unstable patient. There were more medical personnel on field than could fit in the ambulance plus all the medications, oxygen and lifesaving supplies needed meaning there was no reason to move him to the hospital until it was safe.
“The best early sign was that the ambulance reportedly waited for his mom to come along indicating some early stability for Hamlin. The intubation (breathing tube) is normal/common for any critical care patient in the ICU and doesn’t indicate a worse situation. A report of ‘normal’ vital signs are positive news.”
Dr. Chao closed out his commentary by writing, “In my two decades on a NFL sideline, I have never seen anything like tonight and I hope we never do again.”
Amen to that.