CINCINNATI — It’s been six months since Buffalo Bill's safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. And now, he’s giving back to the city that got him back on his feet.
What You Need To Know
- Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during Monday Night Football at Paycor Stadium in January after he suffered cardiac arrest
- Now, Hamlin has made it one of his missions to teach more people CPR and how to use an AED
- Hamlin returned to Cincinnati as part of his CPR Tour
- He also visited with his care team and was able to tour the hospital for the first time since he was released
It was a day filled with hugs and reunions as Damar Hamlin made his way back to Cincinnati for the first time since suffering from cardiac arrest. He said when planning his CPR Tour this summer, Cincinnati was always a city he had in mind.
“We had three cities in mind that we guaranteed wanted to start with and that was Pittsburgh, my home; Buffalo, my second home; and Cincinnati my third home,” Hamlin said.
The Chasing M’s Foundation, alongside the American Heart Association, handed out AEDs to youth sports programs.
“You guys coming out and receiving these AEDs, you’re frontline soldiers for making a difference in these kids’ lives, so thank you,” Hamlin said.
“To learn CPR is truly equipping yourself with a superpower,” Hamlin said.
Hamlin says after all that’s happened to him, he realizes he has a responsibility to help others.
“I have a platform now where I can make a big difference in the world,” He said. “I plan to give back to the city of Cincinnati in so many ways. I want to pour my heart out to you guys and the community in so many ways.”
Hamlin toured the hospital and visit with his care team at UC Health who say they’re impressed with everything Hamlin is doing.
“He took this moment, and he ran with it right from the get-go,” said Dr. Saad Ahmad, a cardiologist at UC Health and a part of Hamlin’s care team. “He has led to be an inspiration for not just Cincinnati but the country. People are talking about him, recognizing what CPR has as a value in saving someone’s life.”
Hamlin and his doctors agree that they have a bond for life.
“With the care that felt was unmatched, I told them I felt like family,” Hamlin said. “I didn’t feel like a patient who was going through a life or death situation. I felt like a family member in this situation.”
“When you take care of any patient, you create a bond and that never goes away. You know it’s going to be the same with him,” Ahmad said.
Through all the photos and autographs, Hamlin says he’s just glad to use this experience to save more lives.
“You can’t make this world a better place without action,” he said. “And you guys coming out to learn CPR and to receive these AEDs. That’s a step in taking action to make this world a better place.”