Damar Hamlin cleared to resume football activities after January cardiac arrest
Damar Hamlin Returns to Football After January Cardiac Event. Here's What We Know.
What Happened
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been medically cleared to return to football activities after suffering cardiac arrest during a January game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Medical professionals have determined he is healthy enough to resume playing professional football.
Historical Context
Cardiac arrest in young athletes, while dramatic when it happens on live TV, occurs in roughly 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 80,000 young athletes annually according to various studies. The survival rate for cardiac arrest is typically 10-12% overall, but much higher (60-70%) when immediate CPR and defibrillation are available - as they were for Hamlin. Similar cases include: Christian Eriksen (Denmark soccer) collapsed during Euro 2020, returned to play 8 months later; Fabrice Muamba (Bolton soccer) had cardiac arrest in 2012, though he retired; many athletes have returned successfully after cardiac events with proper medical clearance.
What's In Your Control
• How you respond to medical emergencies in your own life (learn CPR, know AED locations)
• Your own heart health through diet, exercise, and regular checkups
• Whether you support improved emergency medical protocols at sporting events
• Your perspective on risk in sports and life - accepting that all activities carry some risk
Does This Require Action?
This is good news that requires no action from you unless you're a Bills fan, work in sports medicine, or are interested in cardiac safety protocols. Permission granted: You can be happy for someone's recovery without needing to debate the safety of football or have strong opinions about his decision to return.
Source: CNN