CULLMAN, Ala. – On Monday, Jan. 2, many people in Cullman and across the country watched live on television as 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field during the Bills’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin received critical life-saving CPR on the field from first responders and the Bills’ update Tuesday said in part, “Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field, and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment.”
In a statement released Tuesday, Hamlin’s family expressed their gratitude to his fans across the country and those who played a part in assisting him during the on-field emergency.
“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time,” said the statement. “We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.
“We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar.”
If someone you love or even a stranger were to suffer a medical emergency in your presence, do you have the training and skills to provide life-saving measures until first responders arrive? Are you CPR certified? If not, please consider signing up for one of the classes available in Cullman. You never know when someone may need you.
Cullman Regional
Infant and Child CPR Classes
- Hands-on training teaches how to respond to medical emergencies, including breathing trouble, choking and cardiac events, in babies and children. The class also includes training on the safe use of automated external defibrillators (AED) used in sudden cardiac arrest emergencies like the one suffered by Hamlin.
- $50 per person
- Call 256-737-2635 to register or visit www.cullmanregional.com/community/classes.
Basic Lifesaving for Non-Healthcare Professionals (CPR/First Aid)
- This course is for those who want to learn basic life-saving steps. Students will learn how to activate EMS, perform chest compressions and breathing and AED (automated external defibrillator) training for all ages along with steps to aid choking victims of all ages. Students receive a book on CPR and a card of completion.
- $30 per person
- Call 256-737-2635 to register or visit www.cullmanregional.com/community/classes.
American Red Cross
Infant and Child CPR classes, CPR and First Aid classes, Lifeguard Training, Babysitter Training and more are available. Visit www.redcross.org/local/alabama/take-a-class for more information.
Wallace State Community College Continuing Education
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
- The four-hour class is accepted by health care organizations and teaches CPR for patients in distress. The class provides techniques for adults, children and infants and includes AED training.
- Saturday mornings
- $95 per person
- Email ashley.baker@wallacestate.edu or call 256-352-8386 for more information.
Additional CPR classes are available throughout the county at various volunteer fire departments. Contact your local department to find out more information.
Cullman EMS also hosts classes at various times. Contact 256-775-1633 for more information.
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