BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Doctors William Knight and Timothy Pritts of UC Health, part of the team that cared for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, were all smiles on Thursday as they looked back on how the near-catastrophe turned into action and advocacy.
“He’s the real deal. This is his mission, and he’s already saved lives through teaching CPR and teaching AEDs,” said Dr. Pritts.
Two years ago, Cincinnati was the focal point of one of the biggest stories in the nation.
Hamlin was lying motionless on the field for nearly 10 minutes after going into cardiac arrest. It was a night many at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center will never forget.
“It’s something that never quite leaves you, but it’s nice that it has had the space of time over the last two years where it’s less and less about the event and more and more (about) him back to normal,” said Dr. Knight.
Hamlin spent a week at the UC Medical Center receiving life-saving treatment. Following a lengthy rehabilitation process, he eventually returned to the Bills, playing in five games in 2023 and becoming a full-time starter this season. However, Knight and Pritts said it’s what has happened off the field since then that is remarkable.
“People call it sort of the ‘Damar effect’ and he’s personally been involved with large numbers of training people in CPR and use of AEDs,” said Dr. Pritts.
“A palpable uptick (of) people want to get trained. They want to learn how to be trained. And it continues. And a lot of it has been sponsored and pushed by Damar,” said Dr. Knight.
Just last month Hamlin’s teamwork with the American Heart Association, the NFL and government partners passed the HEARTS Act — which will provide funds for public schools nationwide to have access to AEDs, CPR training, and cardiac emergency response plans.
“So touching seeing this,” Dr. Knight said. “That’s who this guy is. He has taken this to that next level all the way to the level of government to make an impact. Life will be saved because of what he did.”
On the field this season, Hamlin has started 13 games and is Buffalo’s third-leading tackler, and he also recorded his first two career interceptions. He was recently named an alternate for the AFC Pro Bowl as well.
“Our goal is to return people back to life. Damar just happens to be a professional football player,” Dr. Knight said. “That’s a different bar that people get to. He did it and he did it in an accelerated fashion. He is excelling in a sport that’s very difficult to begin with and that’s been probably the most touching thing.”
Hamlin made a post on Instagram Thursday thanking everyone for the support these last two years, adding that life is a gift and everyone should cherish every second loving those who love you.
Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.