Months after his on-field collapse, Damar Hamlin continues to make great strides and is now calling on lawmakers to place more life-saving measures inside schools.
On Wednesday, the Buffalo Bills safety visited Capitol Hill, where he pushed for more automated external defibrillators, commonly known as AEDs, to be placed in schools. Hamlin learned the importance of these devices when he suffered cardiac arrest during a January game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The use of a portable defibrillator helped save his life. After being released from the hospital, Hamlin started his “3 For Heart” initiative to raise awareness about these life-saving measures.
Lawmakers greeted Hamlin with smiles and support. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer even rocked a No. 3 Bills jersey. Hamlin is also backing a new law introduced by the House of Representatives titled the Access to AEDs Act. If passed, the act will give schools additional funding for AED and CPR training.
“As I was growing up playing football, I don’t recall ever thinking about CPR or knowing where an AED was in my school or on the athletic field,” Hamlin shared during his speech shortly after the 34:00 min mark.
In recent days, there has been much conversation surrounding Hamlin’s return to the field. While it is unclear when he may return to playing, Bills coach Sean McDermott says he is prepared to support the young man in whatever decision he chooses. However, several sources have confirmed that Hamlin is intent on returning.
For now, his focus remains on raising awareness and continuing his healing.
