Hero doctors who treated Damar Hamlin say it’s ‘overwhelmingly gratifying’ to see him return

Two University of Cincinnati Medical Center doctors say “it’s great” that Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is “at that point where he can be cleared” to return to football activities.

Hamlin’s return to the field is an inspiring story – as well as a testament to the advancement of medical treatment. After suffering cardiac arrest during a game in Cincinnati, Hamlin made a full recovery and was cleared to return to football activities on Tuesday.

In an emotional press conference, Hamlin said he “died on national TV” but is now back with the rest of his team. Teammates – including Bills QB Josh Allen – praised Hamlin and said they were happy to see him back with the team.

On an episode of Good Morning America, the two doctors responsible for Hamlin’s care spoke about his immediate treatment and eventual recovery.

Trauma surgeon Dr. Tim Pritts and emergency physician Dr. Bill Knight spoke to Good Morning America about Hamlin’s treatment process and how his condition was developing.

At a press conference Tuesday, Hamlin revealed he was cleared to return to football activities

“Commotio cordis, as Damar pointed out yesterday, is a direct blunt trauma, often to the front of the chest, that causes an interruption of the cardiac cycle, which is driven by electrical signals,” explained Dr. Knight out.

“When that heart signal is interrupted, it can stop beating and CPR and often electricity in the form of defibrillation is needed to get going.

“That’s what happened in this case: immediate CPR by bystanders and the electricity with defibrillation to get the heart going again to get that blood flowing again.

When asked how dangerous Commotio cordis is, Dr. Knight from that era is essential when it comes to cardiac incidents.

‘It is [dangerous] if you don’t have medical teams or … people who are with you and ready to respond,” Dr. Knight said.

“Hopefully the push from what Damar has done with this new chapter in his life is to get that immediate CPR from bystanders, to train people to be able to do that.

“Because you’re right, without that instant CPR from bystanders it’s deadly and people are dying. It is the number one cause of death among young athletes.’

Hamlin (R) suffered chest trauma on this tackle from Tee Higgins, causing Commotio cordis

Dr. Pritts then explained how the doctors at the medical center treated Hamlin once he arrived and was taken into their care.

“His first treatment was actually on the field and he was immediately resuscitated by bystanders by a very talented team,” explains Dr. Pritts out. He was then transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was evaluated as a patient who suffered traumatic injuries.

“It’s an intense situation and one of our teammates describes it as a car coming into the pits at the Indy 500.

“There are about 20 people involved, everyone has a role and everyone is there to represent the best interests of the patient and ultimately help them recover.”

Hamlin has been spotted in the Bills’ training facilities training with teammates

GMA anchor George Stephanopoulos then asked the doctors if Hamlin was really safe to return to practice – or if three months of recovery was too early for him.

“Thanks to the great Bills medical team. Is it too early? That’s really hard to say,’ Dr Knight said. “When athletes are cleared to return from an injury, a lot of that has gone into a lot of the details of that injury to determine when they’re ready and when they’re safe.

“When you talk about the potential of this particular injury, a lot of it is about his physical condition, his general health, and it speaks to the injury itself that the heart and his body are healed and he’s ready and safe and cleaned up by his medical professionals to get out and work out again.

‘It is awesome. It’s great that he’s at that point where he can be cleared to begin the next phase of his journey.”

Doctors say credit should go to the Bills’ medical staff to get him ready to play again

Pritts said it was gratifying to see Hamlin get back on the field and try to get his life back in order.

‘It is awesome. Keep in mind that Bill and I speak for over 150 people who are directly involved [Hamlin’s] concern.

“It takes so many people to care for a critically injured and ill patient in this setting. Watching someone come back to life is just overwhelmingly satisfying. It’s so cool to see.’

Training camp will begin in late July with full contact drills following shortly after things officially open.