Title: Respiratory Therapist Helps Save NFL Player’s Life in Dramatic On-Field Incident
Subtitle: Heroic response to cardiac arrest incident prompts calls for increased CPR training and availability of life-saving equipment at sports venues
(Cincinnati, OH) – John Bush Jr., a dedicated respiratory therapist, became a key part of a life-saving relay team, successfully resuscitating Damar Hamlin, a Buffalo Bills player, during a recent cardiac arrest incident at Paycor Stadium.
Bush, who has been working as a respiratory therapist on the Paycor Stadium emergency action team since 2018, found himself at the forefront during the crucial moment when Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during a high-intensity game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In line with the NFL’s safety requirements, Paycor Stadium’s emergency team comprises at least seven highly skilled physicians, respiratory technicians, paramedics, and ambulance crews who are specially trained to handle any medical emergency on the field.
With Hamlin’s life hanging in the balance, the medical team worked relentlessly for almost half an hour to stabilize him before rushing him to UC Medical Center. There, a fully equipped trauma team, consisting of physicians, residents, nurses, respiratory therapists, and medics, immediately sprang into action to continue their life-saving efforts.
Thanks to the prompt response and the expertise of the medical teams, Hamlin slowly began to show signs of improvement, providing much-needed relief for those involved in his care. After approximately 16 hours, the young safety regained consciousness, giving hope to all his well-wishers and supporters.
Hamlin’s remarkable recovery has ignited a push for increased access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training, sparking a nationwide conversation on the importance of ensuring such life-saving resources are readily available at all sports venues.
This pursuit of change is reflected in the efforts of Hamlin’s foundation, Chasing Ms Foundation, which has organized a CPR Tour aimed at providing training sessions and distributing AEDs for youth sports across the country.
Meanwhile, UC Medical Center has taken proactive steps in response to the incident, expanding its CPR education program to offer hands-only CPR and AED use training for the wider community.
To commemorate Hamlin’s miraculous survival and the teamwork that saved his life, a celebration will take place in downtown Cincinnati ahead of a game between the Bills and the hometown team, Paycor Stadium. The event will bring together Hamlin, Bush, and other key figures involved in the successful rescue and recovery mission.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable role played by emergency medical professionals like John Bush Jr. and the critical need for accessible CPR training and AEDs in instances where every second counts. It is a testament to the importance of continually improving safety measures in order to safeguard the lives of athletes and attendees alike at sports venues across the nation.
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