Damar Hamlin is “improving” and “taking one small step at a time,” reveals Bills trainer Sean McDermott – who says security is “in the building almost every day” after being discharged from hospital earlier this month after suffering a cardiac arrest would
Damar Hamlin has been at the Bills’ training center almost every day, taking “one small step at a time” while trying to recover from cardiac arrest against the Bengals, coach Sean McDermott has revealed.
Hamlin collapsed on the field at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati 16 days ago after attacking Bengals WR Tee Higgins.
Hamlin was revived at the scene and then taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was taken to the intensive care unit in critical condition.
After a battery of tests and a few days, Hamlin was able to have his breathing tube removed and was awake and responsive to the doctors.
Bill’s LB Matt Milano shared a picture of teammate Damar Hamlin with the team on Saturday
Hamlin, who reunited with his teammates on Saturday and toasted their wildcard playoff win over the Dolphins from home, is now back in the building and taking “baby steps” on his road to a full recovery.
“Damar is in the building almost every day now and that’s good news,” McDermott told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s practice.
“If he keeps improving, that helps [the rest of the team]. We carry this experience with us. There is a challenge [dealing with] that, but also a lot of good that has come out of it and we need to focus on the positive now.’
When specifically asked what Hamlin has been able to do since returning to the building, McDermott added: “It’s limited overall, but he’s coming in just trying to get back to a routine. Take one small step at a time.
“He just sort of pops back in here and makes his way to being with himself again.”
A series of neurological tests and hospital exams revealed no change in his brain function and Hamlin was soon able to speak to his friends and family.
Hamlin watched from the hospital as his Bills teammates played their final game of the regular season against the New England Patriots, defeating them and starting the contest with an opening kickoff return for a touchdown.
A day later, on Jan. 9, Hamlin was allowed out of the Cincinnati hospital and flown back to Buffalo — where he was taken to Buffalo General Hospital for further testing.
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