UNITED STATES - MARCH 29: Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is seen outside the U.S. Capitol before a news conference on the Access to AEDs Act, which aims improve access to defibrillators in schools, on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin visited Capitol Hill on Wednesday to urge politicians to place more life-saving medical devices in schools nationwide. The 25-year-old’s efforts arrive three months after he suffered from cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
According to TMZ, Damar Hamlin arrived on Capitol Hill on Wednesday and encouraged politicians to support The Access to AEDs Act. According to American Red Cross, an AED is an automated external defibrillator. Additionally, it helps those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and analyzes the heart’s rhythm. As well as delivers an “electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.”
According to TMZ, The Access to AEDs Act “promotes student access to defibrillation in elementary and secondary schools.”
Hamlin along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) unveiled the Access to AEDs Act. The event was also streamed live via the Senate Democrats’ official YouTube account.
Hamlin took to the podium to explain why passing The Access To AEDs Act is so pivotal.
“Sudden cardiac arrest happens to more than 7,000 kids under the age of 18 every year in our country. The majority of the kids impacted are student-athletes. Research shows that 1 in every 300 youth has an undetected heart condition that puts them at risk. For schools that have AEDs, the survival rate for the children from sudden cardiac arrest is seven times higher. The Access to AEDs Act will help ensure that schools are just as prepared and trained to respond in a time of crisis as those on the sideline of an NFL game.”
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The NFL player recently celebrated his 25th birthday on Friday, March 24. On that day he took to Instagram to share a message with his followers, reflecting on the “precious gift” of life.
Life is a precious gift. it’s a blessing to see another birthday 🎁💕. I can’t begin to explain the feelings… & even if I could you probably still wouldn’t know the half.. But ima enjoy this one a lil extra today! I know my purpose of why I’m here & I’m aligned focused & only answering to my higher calling ☎️💕🫶🏾. Thank-You To All For Every B-Day Wish! 🎈🎈🎈
As The Shade Room previously reported, Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during a Buffalo Bills v. Cincinnati Bengals game in January. The NFL player was given CPR and then rushed to the UC Medical Center. From there, he was transferred to a Buffalo facility for further treatment and released after three weeks.
At the NFL Honors, Hamlin expressed tremendous gratitude to the medical team who saved his life. He has also partnered with the American Heart Association to create the “3 For Heart” challenge which promotes the education of hands-only CPR.
