Buffalo's Damar Hamlin comes to UC encouraging CPR training, AED use to save lives

Just over 200 days since he lay motionless on Paycor Stadium's turf after making a tackle, 25-year-old Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has returned to Cincinnati to pay it forward.

The CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) that revived him Jan. 2 is now part of his daily vocabulary. The efforts of Buffalo and Cincinnati's medical and emergency squads allowed him to get on an ambulance to the University of Cincinnati's Level One Trauma Center that night. By Jan, 9, UC Medical Center doctors were able to release him to a Buffalo hospital. Hamlin was present at the Super Bowl Feb. 12 and presented an ESPN ESPY award to Buffalo's training staff earlier this month.

Amazingly, Hamlin has been cleared to play again. Saturday at UC's Tangeman University Center was his last in a series of stops with his Chasing M's CPR Tour that has included Buffalo and Pittsburgh. There will be more in 2024. He has actively helped provide no-cost Hands-Only CPR training and distributed AEDs to youth sports organizations to help keep athletes safe.

"When we started this CPR tour we had three cities in mind," Hamlin said. "Pittsburgh, my hometown, Buffalo, my second home and Cincinnati, my third home. Today we have members of the (UC) trauma team. They treated me with a care that was unmatched. I told them they treated me like family. I didn't feel like a patient that was going through a life-or-death situation. I felt like a family member. It was all genuine love, genuine care."

What happened to Hamlin?

At 8:55 p.m. Jan. 2, Bengals receiver Tee Higgins caught a 13-yard pass and was tackled by Hamlin. Higgins, as players are taught, lowered a shoulder hitting Hamlin in the chest. Hamlin got up from the tackle, briefly adjusted his facemask, then collapsed on his back. The Bengals, as many sports organizations, had an emergency action plan and an ambulance was on the field within five minutes. As medical experts resuscitated Hamlin, he was on the ambulance bound for UC's Medical Center within 30 minutes of the play. He was intubated, but the breathing tube was removed Jan. 6. Play was suspended at 9:16 with the game postponed around 10 p.m., largely on the desires of the Bengals and Bills. It was never continued.

What is commotio cordis?

It's an extremely rare condition with less than 10 reported per year, but one that likely caused Hamlin's heart to briefly stop. It usually involves a blow to the chest that can cause a potentially lethal heart rhythm disturbance. If the chest blow happens during the slim window of a heart rhythm it can cause cardiac arrest even without any prior heart or cardiac issues. It's far more prevalent in males and can be caused by baseballs, softballs, lacrosse balls, hockey pucks or person-to-person contact.

In Southwest Ohio, Centerville lacrosse player Grant Mays was saved by Moeller's athletic training and emergency response team in May 2016. He was struck by a ball, briefly continued to play like Buffalo's Hamlin, then collapsed. Commotio cordis was something veteran Moeller athletic trainer Craig Lindsey learned in college. The availability of an AED and an effective emergency plan saved Mays.

The importance of learning

Mats and models for chest compression were all over the instruction era where Hamlin spoke and handed out boxed AEDs at the free event. His mission is to motivate.

"I believe that everybody that came out regardless of why you came out is truly equipping yourself with a super-power," Hamlin said. "Being able to have a life-saving tool and to have that with you when you walk around in any room, you pretty much can consider yourself a super-hero."

The case of Matthew Mangine Jr. and the connection to Hamlin's UC event

Budding soccer prospect Matt Mangine Jr. collapsed on the field three summers ago at St. Henry High School in Union, Kentucky and lost his life at age 16. A lawsuit filed by the family claimed an athletic trainer wasn't at the field, but viewing another practice on site and the coach couldn't quickly access AEDs on the premises. Mangine Jr. wasn't treated with an AED until emergency responders arrived 12 minutes after he collapsed.

"The biggest thing is even though you have equipment, you have to make sure you're ready and able to use it at all times," Mangine said. "It's hard for us to know that it should have happened sooner. If you can get an AED on within three minutes your chances of survival are almost 90%. Every minute thereafter, your chances decrease by 10%."

The irony in it all is his grandfather, Bob Mangine, is a long-time athletic trainer/physical therapist and a Senior Associate AD at UC, currently working with the men's basketball team. He previously was heavily involved with Bearcat football, a sport with similar outdoor demands as soccer in the heat. The family lawsuit with the Covington diocese was settled in January.

Alongside Hamlin Saturday, Matt Mangine Sr. and Bob were part of the day's instructions. The Matt Mangine Jr. Foundation was formed two years ago to teach CPR, spread awareness and, like Hamlin, distribute AEDs. Had one been available sooner, a beloved son, brother and grandson might still be around.

Mangine Sr. recently testified in Columbus on a bill requiring all schools and many municipal sports facilities to have AEDs, knowing the availability of one in a quick fashion can save a life. Ohio House Bill 47 passed with overwhelming support.

"I've been able to do it both in Kentucky and Ohio," Mangine said. "It's good for our grieving process. It helps us manage with what we're trying to deal with in losing our son. We're carrying on his memory as best we can."

Hugs for/from Hamlin

Damar's father Mario Hamlin had Mangine Sr. speak as he was already on campus at a separate event preaching the importance of AEDs and giving instructions. The Mangines lost a son, but diligently fight the fight for education on CPR and AED distribution.

Like many Cincinnatians, Mangine Sr. was watching the Bengals and Bills and text messages started to come as the drama played out on national TV. The families met and had an emotional hug after Matt's remarks. UC's trauma team was there also for hugs and smiles.

"I looked up and I watched the replay," Mangine said. "My phone started blowing up but my concern was for him and his family that night. I'm so happy he's going to be playing this year."

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown also spoke at the event on the importance of being surrounded by those that know CPR. She also complimented Cincinnati's efforts as a whole of Jan. 2.

"The people in this community WERE the inspiration to Damar and his family as he was recovering from his cardiac arrest right here in this (UC) hospital," Brown said.

Interested Bearcat bystander

UC running back Corey Kiner attended the event and was able to meet Hamlin. After watching what happened with the Bills safety, he took it upon himself to learn CPR. The former Ohio Mr. Football is now certified so in addition to UC's athletic training staff, a player now knows how to save one of his own teammates.

"It impacted me a lot because it was such an unfortunate event," Kiner said. "You never see things like that in football and it was amazing how those doctors moved so fast to save him. I wanted to be prepared in case something like that happened."

Your next date with Damar

Hamlin returns to Cincinnati when Buffalo takes on the Bengals on Nov. 5.

"I want to pour my heart out to you guys and your community in so many ways, but you can't conquer the world in one day," Hamlin said. "This will be an annual thing and there will be so many cool things I want to do with the city of Cincinnati to show my love and appreciation."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Saved by CPR, AED, Buffalo's Damar Hamlin pays it forward at UC