A doctor at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center said Thursday that Damar Hamlin is “starting to awaken,” providing an update on the NFL player’s condition after he had cardiac arrest during a game on Monday.
Hamlin, who still has a breathing tube, was able to write to doctors last night, according to UC Health’s Dr. Timothy Pritts.
“We would want to communicate that there has been significant improvement over the past 24 hours,” he and Dr. William Knight of UC Health stated at the meeting. “After the occurrence on the pitch, we have grave concerns for his well-being. He is making significant strides forward. As of this morning, he is slowly awakening.”
Hamlin’s “neurological function looks to be intact,” according to Pritts, who attributes this to the promptness with which emergency personnel began treating him.
“He remains in serious condition and is receiving care in the ICU,” Pritts said. “He still has significant development to demonstrate. This is a pivotal moment in his continuous care.”
Hamlin, a safety with the Buffalo Bills, suffered a life-threatening injury during the first quarter of Monday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Shortly after tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, he tumbled to the ground. Hamlin had regained his feet after being struck and looked to adjust his face mask with his right hand before collapsing a few seconds later.
On the field, he was treated by first responders before being transported by ambulance to the hospital. The game was postponed and eventually canceled.
“The first question he jotted down as he began to rouse was, ‘Did we win?’
” “Not only are the lights on, but we also know he’s home,” Pritts explained.
Regarding Hamlin’s long-term rehabilitation, Knight stated that doctors are concentrating on his day-to-day care.
Knight stated, “He has a ways to go before he can be removed from the ventilator.”
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»Doctors report that Damar Hamlin is “starting to awaken.”«