Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is teaming up with the American Heart Association on an initiative promoting CPR.
Hamlin had his life saved via CPR during a football game against the host Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2. He has made a swift and miraculous recovery and hopes to inspire others during February, which is American Heart Month.
“I want to thank everybody for the love and support over these past few weeks,” Hamlin said a the video posted to his social media accounts. “As you know, CPR saved my life earlier this year on the field and CPR could easily save your life or someone you love.”
Hamlin announced the “Damar Hamlin #3forHeart CPR Challenge,” designed to teach people how to perform hands-only CPR.
The 3 stands for Hamlin’s jersey number as well as the number of steps in the challenge.
The steps are going to heart.org/3 to watch a video that teaches people how to give CPR; donating to the American Heart Association to fund CPR education and training; and sharing the challenge with three friends by using the #3forHeart hashtag on social media.
In his video, Hamlin challenges former first lady Michelle Obama, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and retiring football player Tom Brady.
After collapsing on the field due to cardiac arrest, Hamlin was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center in critical condition and was placed on a ventilator. He was released nine days later.
“I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of all the love, all the support and everything that’s just been coming in my way,” Hamlin said in the video.
–Field Level Media