American football: Damar Hamlin, player who suffered heart attack on the field, released from hospital

It’s a miracle. Or, at any rate, it is experienced as such across the Atlantic. Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin was released from a hospital in Buffalo on Wednesday just over a week after suffering a cardiac arrest during a high-powered NFL game, the Buffalo Bills announced on Wednesday in a tweet with the evocative headline: “Incredible news for Damar.”

“He will continue rehab at home and with the team,” Billy announced on Wednesday. “We’ve done a number of tests and evaluations, and in consultation with the team’s doctors, we’re confident that Damar can be safely released to continue rehabilitation,” said Dr. Jamie Nadler, team leader for Hamlin’s care at Buffalo Hospital. Gates General Medical Center/Vascular Institute, the statement said.

“Of course, we are grateful first of all that he is at home with his parents and brother, which is great,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said on Wednesday. “I’m sure it’s been a long time since he’s been home naturally there and I’m sure it’s a great feeling. »

McDermott said the Bills would let Hamlin decide when he felt ready to return to the Bills training camp in Orchard Park, New York. “His health is the first and most important concern for us regarding his situation, and then when he feels ready, we will welcome him back. added the coach.

The player had already been discharged from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center on Monday, where he was initially hospitalized after an on-field accident. On Monday, January 2, Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after suffering a horrific blow to the chest while wrestling with an opponent during a regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

He was quickly taken care of and resuscitated on the ground before being hospitalized. The impressive scene seen by the millions of spectators who attended this match between the two Super Bowl candidates was suddenly silenced in a crowded stadium, a reminder of the extreme danger of the most popular sport in the country.

” A long way “

Hamlin, who remained in critical condition for several days, recovered quickly and steadily. Waking on Wednesday, he was deintubated on Thursday evening, after which he was able to verbally communicate with his loved ones and members of his team, demonstrating that he was on the right track after his near death. William Knight, one of the UCMC doctors who operated on Hamlin and escorted him to the airport before being transferred to Buffalo on Monday, warned that his recovery would be “long.”

“It’s premature to talk about a possible return to NFL territory,” he told several reporters. We are focused on his daily recovery. We are delighted with its current state. He stands, he walks, he has an amazing sense of humor. But as for any speculation about its future, it is still too early. »

In particular, he must undergo additional testing to determine what could have caused the cardiac arrest last week. Meanwhile, the day after the last day of the regular season, which provided an opportunity for all NFL players, staff and fans to pay their respects to him, Hamlin expressed his gratitude and emotion on Twitter. “Seeing everyone gather around me on Sunday was a truly incredible feeling. The same love that you all showed me, I intend to return to you a hundredfold,” he wrote.