Media coverage of Hamlin incident

[MrLonzo]

Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…

[Davonu]

You don’t follow major sports much, do you?!? :)

[Tvflguy]

Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…

I find it quite difficult to respond to this. Other than stating, “huh???”

[JSR22]

Unbelievable!

[Michael 61]

I feel very sorry for this young man, but honestly, I had no clue who he was until the news story hit.

[Velvet]

Because a lot of people were there to see what they have probably never seen before; a young man, in his absolute prime, possibly dying right in front of them….

[LuvNH]

Because a lot of people were there to see what they have probably never seen before; a young man, in his absolute prime, possibly dying right in front of them….

But it appears he was not in his absolute prime, as you put it. It has been reported that he had an irregular heart beat problem and that he was hit in the area of the chest which brought him down. A one in how many chance.

I think this information is invaluable to cardiologists and other heart exerts. We learn somelthing knew every day.

[MrChip72]

Why is this one so special? Just wondering…

People have life threatening events on a daily basis, but this was on a National TV broadcast where over 21 million people witnessed it happen live.

I don't know about you, but I think most people have never witnessed someone on live TV collapsing due to cardiac arrest and requiring CPR/defibrillation just for the chance that the person might have a chance of being alive.

I was one of the many people watching live with a crowd of people at a local bar in TV and just seeing the dozens of players on the field crying and extremely distraught, likely to deal with PTSD in the future was something very hard to watch.

[Taltarzac725]

Probably because it happen to a very young person while he was playing professional sports. Think if this had happened during any professional sport involving young people this would get the same kind of re-action from the press.

The national press has covered these incidents when they involve high school and college age athletes as well.

[coralway]

The Bills didn’t give him a physical before the season started? It would have picked up a heart condition.

[SusanInHadley]

This is what I read from “experts”.

“The timing of the blow to Hamlin’s chest may have played a role, too. If the trauma occurred at a precise moment between heartbeats it may have caused a specific type of ventricular fibrillation known as commotio cordis – a disruption of the heart rhythm that occurs after a blow to the area of the chest that’s directly above the heart.”

[Shellshack]

I for one am proud that thousands of Americans and other people throughout the world have reached out and offered payers, support and genuine sympathy for this young man, his family, his fellow teammates and players. I find it unbelievable that anyone who witnessed the shock of that tragedy live or by replay could possibly ask people to justify their acts of awareness and kindness.
What is the inconvenience of delaying a form of entertainment for a few days compared to the the life of this young man?
Kindness should be appreciated, not criticized, even if someone is not "Special" to others.

[me4vt]

He’s a sports figure, and it happened “live” in front of millions of people as he was entertaining them! No other reason……

[Ele201]

Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…
Well, if you don’t follow pro football, or care about it, then I can see where you are coming from. I’m not into NFL football either, although my husband is. However, this incident had a lot of significance because a player collapsed and his heart just stopped on the field, and this never happens. So that’s why it’s so newsworthy. I’m so glad he survived and impressed with the care he received right away, to revive his heart. A takeaway: A great motivator to learn CPR — it could save a life one day!

[me4vt]

I wish people would quit using “PTSD” as a crutch for every incident!
PTSD became a diagnosis from Research about Veterans returning from combat was a critical piece to the creation of the diagnosis. So, the history of what is now known as PTSD often references combat history.

[vickersbond]

Superb comment. Spot on!! Thanks very much

[RobinM]

Because a lot of people were there to see what they have probably never seen before; a young man, in his absolute prime, possibly dying right in front of them….

I believe that is why so many are interested. We were watching the game and saw it with our own eyes. I personally wanted to see Damar get up and walk off the field. And that didn’t happen. I will keep up with this young man for quite a while.

[Gobragh]

Here is the story ... he went in cardio arrest after the hit ...

Doctor: Bills' Damar Hamlin may have suffered 'rare' heart condition (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/lifestyle/renew-houston/article/damar-hamlin-heart-condition-rare-17692071.php)

[merrymini]

I do not follow football but this seems like an unlikely occurrence and happening before millions of people. You just do not expect such a young and supposedly healthy man collapse this way. I would expect that there is not a more stringent medical physical given by anyone then by the NFL to a player.

[ronjon309]

This whole incident reinforces the importance of having an AED available.

[Southwest737]

It was shocking watching it live. But I see Lonzo’s point. How about a few prayers for the hundreds of innocent kids and their families in Chicago that are killed by gang gunfire? Now that is a true tragedy.

[Nucky]

For the first time in a long time I’m proud of the NFL for doing exactly the correct thing quickly without any drama. They are to be vigorously defended the same way they are demonetized over other issues. I just hope that young man is okay with no permanent damage. Also thankfully he wasn’t hurt on a questionable play.

[Annie66]

This is what I read from “experts”.

“The timing of the blow to Hamlin’s chest may have played a role, too. If the trauma occurred at a precise moment between heartbeats it may have caused a specific type of ventricular fibrillation known as commotio cordis – a disruption of the heart rhythm that occurs after a blow to the area of the chest that’s directly above the heart.”

You are correct. This condition is the most likely cause of his collapse. It could happen to anyone, even someone with a perfectly fine heart. The blow seemed to have occurred when his heartbeat was in the ascending phase of the T-wave. It was a 5% chance of happening. A few milliseconds before or after, and he would have gotten up and returned to the huddle.

[jojoturf]

Great to learn about the electrical workings of a heart, but living near Buffalo (soon a Villager…), we are flooded with Hamlin news. Local newspaper had 5 full pages on it Tues & Wed. All over news on local TV channels. Good news - shootings are down! God bless Mr Hamlin.

[Kgcetm]

1000 people didn’t have their cardiac arrest on national television. Perhaps a dozen people knew about each of those 1000 occurrences Any other questions? didntQUOTE=MrLonzo;2172908]Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…[/QUOTE]

[Heytubes]

It’s not often you see someone die on live tv. Then brought back to life.

[DonnaNi4os]

For starters, this young man didn’t just go into cardiac arrest because he had a bad heart. His heart was traumatized by an event that was caused by being struck in between beats causing an electrical disturbance to his normal sinus rhythm. It has happened in Little League ball games to very young children and people should be more aware. My grandson wore a chest protector when he played for that exact reason. But getting back to the Buffalo/Bengal game, imagine the trauma felt by all of the players and staff. Imagine the criticism they would have undergone had the game carried on as if such a horrific event hadn’t occurred. And you are wrong. I have personally known of companies that sent their employees home when a sudden injury occurred. It happened when my own husband was killed at his job. It is called empathy.

[GATORBILL66]

Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…
You are 100% correct! By the way, wasn't he forced to get vaccinated to be able to play. Just wondering!

[DonnaNi4os]

But it appears he was not in his absolute prime, as you put it. It has been reported that he had an irregular heart beat problem and that he was hit in the area of the chest which brought him down. A one in how many chance.

I think this information is invaluable to cardiologists and other heart exerts. We learn somelthing knew every day.

What happened to Damar is not something that has never happened before. It has happened and to very healthy people including children playing baseball. It requires a blow right in between beats, at the precise unfortunate moment.

[DonnaNi4os]

The Bills didn’t give him a physical before the season started? It would have picked up a heart condition.

Of course they would have picked up a pre-existing heart problem and he was healthy. It is the precise timing of the blow he took that interrupted his normal rhythm. It can happen to anyone.

[DonnaNi4os]

Exactly

[Deden]

Well Now you know! Praying for you Hamiln!! Go Bills!!!Prime of the sport

[Notsocrates]

Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…

1. He's only 24 years old, not 64
2. It was witnessed by millions on tv
3. The serious injuries in football has been a public issue for several years
4. lots of familes have kids who are playing football

That enough?

[nhtexasrn]

Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…
Are you serious? For one thing, most people don't drop in front of millions on national tv. The world has not stopped, but stopping the game was the right thing to do. I guess you've never had a good friend drop dead right in front of you. It kind of ruins your day to say the least. Where is your heart and why so bitter? Why does this bother you enough to post a remark like that? Just wondering...

[stanthomas44@gmail.com]

The Bills didn’t give him a physical before the season started? It would have picked up a heart condition.

I never saw a report of a heart condition. The person who reported that is mistaken. Professional athletes are tested thoroughly before and during the season.

[Red Rose]

I feel so bad for him. He must have taken quite a hit to the chest. Hope he fully recovers. Prayers for him. It must have been very traumatic to everyone who saw it happen.

[kendi]

Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…

You’re kidding I hope. Watching a person go into cardiac arrest and almost die affects everyone who is present at that moment. The 1000 people you mention rarely have more that a few people there when it happens. Demar had millions watching him.

[jrandall]

I for one am proud that thousands of Americans and other people throughout the world have reached out and offered payers, support and genuine sympathy for this young man, his family, his fellow teammates and players. I find it unbelievable that anyone who witnessed the shock of that tragedy live or by replay could possibly ask people to justify their acts of awareness and kindness.
What is the inconvenience of delaying a form of entertainment for a few days compared to the the life of this young man?
Kindness should be appreciated, not criticized, even if someone is not "Special" to others.

I agree. This was a rare event happening on live broadcast. Seeing the players reactions made it clear that Damar Hamlin was in a life threatening situation. This was stunning for all involved including more than 20 million viewers. There also seems to be a higher rate of young male athletes around the world collapsing due to cardiac arrest some dying the past couple of years. I pray that Damar is able to fight and recover.

[Karmanng]

The Bills didn’t give him a physical before the season started? It would have picked up a heart condition.


Did anyone watch the Documentary DIED SUDDENLY ? it will explain it all lots of this sudden deaths are caused by the JAB people.........

[Kenswing]

Did anyone watch the Documentary DIED SUDDENLY ? it will explain it all lots of this sudden deaths are caused by the JAB people.........

Who are the JAB people? :shrug:

[tmiller166]

I agree! My news about how the NFL handles this. Why don't we focus on how governments handle gun violence?

[tvbound]

Did anyone watch the Documentary DIED SUDDENLY ? it will explain it all lots of this sudden deaths are caused by the JAB people.........

That documentary simply proves how many gullible people there are, who so easily buy into certain conspiracy and quackery theories. Even in this day and age, some still believe that the earth is flat, the moon landings were faked and.... LOL

[Kenswing]

I agree! My news about how the NFL handles this. Why don't we focus on how governments handle gun violence?

Where have you been? That topic has been discussed ad nauseam on this site.

[MrLonzo]

23 year old Reggie Brown of the Detroit Lions was knocked unconscious on the field during a 1997 NFL game. The game, with playoff implications, went on. Brown sustained a spinal cord injury leaving him near death and paralyzed for life. I was watching a college basketball game a few years back when a player collapsed on the court with a potentially fatal heart condition. The game went on while he was rushed to the hospital. He did survive and was able to play again the following year. Injuries are common in sports at all levels. Spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries are common in football, and these often have left the player near death or paralyzed. Two dozen players at the high school and college level died while playing competitive football between 2005 and 2014. Many pro ballers over the years suffered career ending injuries during a game with no headline news.

I never suggested this story should not be covered, it is definitely newsworthy. But above the fold for 3 consecutive days? My question was why this case is so magnified. And I think I have the answer as I pick through some of the more thoughtful responses. It appears that when something traumatic which happens every day to ordinary people happens on t.v., it gets attention. Had this event occurred to Hamlin in his living room, it would never have made it to the front page. I’ve personally witnessed -- more than once -- a grown man dying of sudden cardiac arrest while ballroom dancing!! Of course I wish Hamlin survival, a full recovery and ability to play again. But to spend so much time on one person when there are so many others who also need prayers = “Out of sight, out of mind”.

[Rainger99]

From July 1990 through June 2010, there were 243 deaths in high school and college from football.

This is 12.2 deaths per year. None of them were televised on national tv.

[PugMom]

I for one am proud that thousands of Americans and other people throughout the world have reached out and offered payers, support and genuine sympathy for this young man, his family, his fellow teammates and players. I find it unbelievable that anyone who witnessed the shock of that tragedy live or by replay could possibly ask people to justify their acts of awareness and kindness.
What is the inconvenience of delaying a form of entertainment for a few days compared to the the life of this young man?
Kindness should be appreciated, not criticized, even if someone is not "Special" to others.

very well said

[PugMom]

Did anyone watch the Documentary DIED SUDDENLY ? it will explain it all lots of this sudden deaths are caused by the JAB people.........

yes, i saw it, & am still not sure what to think about THAT, but i will honestly admit here i too, wondered in the back of my mind if the jab did in fact have any relation to this episode with the ball player. i am lucky enough to have several people working in the medical field close to me, who explained exactly what happened. with stop motion video of the impact/footage, they narrated step by step how this happened & the awful result. long story short: it was NOT the jab :popcorn: see post #11

[CappyRam]

Absolutely an ignorant post, you should be ashamed

[mlmarr]

Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…

v 1 9 side effects right in front of your eyes .. can you see the coverup yet??

[Bellavita]

Let me guess your white don’t watch football? He is 24 years old in a Monday night football big game before millions

My 79 year old husband
Nd had a heart attack at pickle all his heart didn’t stop not millions watching no press 79 vs 24


Damar Hamlin is a young vibrant caring man.with so much life ahead of him


Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…

[HospitalCoder]

But it appears he was not in his absolute prime, as you put it. It has been reported that he had an irregular heart beat problem and that he was hit in the area of the chest which brought him down. A one in how many chance.

I think this information is invaluable to cardiologists and other heart exerts. We learn somelthing knew every day.

I have not found any report that he had an irregular heart beat problem. The suspected cause was the blow to the chest. This is significant because of the safety implications not only to professional athletes who are making millions but also to children, adolescents, and young adults who play.

[LaneyBeckler]

1. He's only 24 years old, not 64
2. It was witnessed by millions on tv
3. The serious injuries in football has been a public issue for several years
4. lots of familes have kids who are playing football

That enough?

Finally, a succinct, comprehensive reply!

[Kathryn Putt]

The best part of this is that it will reinforce the need for everyone to know CPR and AED's and they are affective.

[meme5x]

Me too! Sorry for his injury but goes to show you that sports news is more important !

[Richard Rivenburgh]

It was a shame this young man had a heart attack playing football, my question is why are we giving this young man so much attention, our service men and woman put there live on the ling every day 24 hr a day and when one die we hear nothing in the press about it,, I thing we should give our service men and woman ,the same attention, that we give a sports person playing a game ,

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…

I suspect that if any one of the 1,000 people you refer to went into cardiac arrest and had their seemingly heroic emergency treatment broadcast on prime time television for twenty minutes that they too would would also receive special attention.

[mtdjed]

I suspect that if any one of the 1,000 people you refer to went into cardiac arrest and had their seemingly heroic emergency treatment broadcast on prime time television for twenty minutes that they too would would also receive special attention.

I see a lot of criticism of the original poster for posting this topic. The above answer legitimately responds. That is, it was televised live, and all got to see it.

It is not special that he was 24 years old, a football hero, or anything other than a human being. He was engaged in a rough sport by choice and suffered an unfortunate accident. Hopefully he will successfully recover.

Take away the live TV, pro sport notoriety, and the special attention disappears no matter how tragic or heroic the death may be.

Situations occur that rival or exceed this in sorrow occur daily, even here in The Villages. It may be a tragic accident, unexpected health problem or crime.

[Woodbear]

Great to learn about the electrical workings of a heart, but living near Buffalo (soon a Villager…), we are flooded with Hamlin news. Local newspaper had 5 full pages on it Tues & Wed. All over news on local TV channels. Good news - shootings are down! God bless Mr Hamlin.

We left WNY during the Summer 2021. Wish our move to The Villages was two decades sooner!

[Mkgal612]

[QUOTE=MrLonzo;2172908]Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day in the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special?

The incident happened on National TV so thousands of people saw it so they are reporting it...and talking about...doesn't mean that others are forgotten. I'm sure you must know this

[Pairadocs]

Because a lot of people were there to see what they have probably never seen before; a young man, in his absolute prime, possibly dying right in front of them….

Agree, kind of like major auto races in a way. It has been a bit surprising that it was been such an all day every day coverage on every network, even for a high profile athlete. Bright side is, it may be a tragedy averted, reports have been very positive. This "incident" may be the beginning of something in his life he would never have anticipated, God has a way of using people with such experiences, and he seems to be a young man who would be open to reaching out in a way he never anticipated, that far surpasses only his significant athletic talents... you never can tell as the old saying goes !

[Pairadocs]

I see a lot of criticism of the original poster for posting this topic. The above answer legitimately responds. That is, it was televised live, and all got to see it.

It is not special that he was 24 years old, a football hero, or anything other than a human being. He was engaged in a rough sport by choice and suffered an unfortunate accident. Hopefully he will successfully recover.

Take away the live TV, pro sport notoriety, and the special attention disappears no matter how tragic or heroic the death may be.

Situations occur that rival or exceed this in sorrow occur daily, even here in The Villages. It may be a tragic accident, unexpected health problem or crime.

Exactly ! It's no surprise that the very same accident Jay Leno had working on his car, could happen here to an auto enthusiast, but it's probably not going to even make the Daily Sun, let alone the local TV news. I don't think it has any particular meaning, people (for some reason ?) seem to be interested in every detail of what happens to high profile people in any profession, athletics, entertainment, politics, etc. Being LIVE ON TV, of course that is not something that happens very often in an event.

[Ndomines]

What if as a result of this media coverage somebody learned CPR and is in close proximity should you have a heart attack on the golf course, airport, gas station or anywhere else?

Just wondering why there’s so much coverage of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during the NFL game last Monday. There are close to 1,000 people going into cardiac arrest every day oin the U.S., none of which are headline news. Their businesses don’t shut down, their employers don’t send everyone home, the world doesn’t stop. Why is this one so special? Just wondering…

[Taltarzac725]

Heart warming how this cause has been taken up.

[Maker]

Lots of people are getting trained on CPR as a result. Starting CPR ASAP is crucial to a good outcome. Seconds matter, so having more people that would act quickly is good for all of us.