As most everyone has heard, 24 year old Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills suffered a sudden cardiac arrest following a tackle against Bengals wide receiver during Monday night’s game. This was a tragic and surprising event for everyone watching the game. His family reported yesterday that his condition is improving which was a relief to all. This outcome could have been very very different if it were not for the quick initiation of CPR and early defibrillation by his coaches, trainers, and first responders.
This is one of many instances that have proven what a difference early CPR and defibrillation can make in someone’s outcome following cardiac arrest. CPR is not something you will ever do on yourself, it is something you learn to help your friends, family, coworkers, or teammates. It can truly save a life!
We encourage everyone who has the opportunity to take a class to please do so. If you do not have access to a class or just want to refresh yourself on it, we would like to extend an invite to an open class we will be hosting at Putnam County EMS on January 28th from 2-3pm or 4-5pm. Please note, this will be an educational “friends & family” course and does not include a CPR card. We encourage you to come spend an hour with us and learn how to perform CPR and use an AED (automated external defibrillator). We hope this is a skill you never need to use, but we want our community to be prepared in case you ever need it!