Experts say Damar Hamlin collapse put a "spotlight" on the importance of CPR training

by

Lacey Alexander

• Published on January 12, 2023 • Comments

Student Olivia Frierson presses contact pads from an AED machine onto a CPR mannequin during a CPR training class at Shaker Heights High School in Shaker Heights, Ohio on Monday, Jan. 10, 2011. The American Heart Association said Monday that all secondary school students should be required to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and receive an overview of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
AP Photo/Amy Sancetta

After Damar Hamlin's collapse on national TV a week ago, experts are starting conversations about the importance of CPR administration.

Lacey Alexander

Experts say Damar Hamlin collapse put a "spotlight" on the importance of CPR training

Many organizations in the state are attempting to bring awareness to the necessity of CPR training. The University of Mississippi Medical Center issued a statement yesterday emphasizing the importance of both CPR and AED use while waiting for first-responders to arrive. The statement said that the collapse of NFL player Damar Hamlin last week put quote a "spotlight" on these topics.

Dr. John Cross is the President of the Mississippi State Medical Association. He says there are multiple resources that can teach civilians the basics of CPR.

"There's all sorts of CPR courses," he said. "You can get classes online, you can get classes with first responders in the county... but its important to be able to administer CPR. It works."

According to the American Heart Association, a policy has passed in Mississippi that allows 911 operators to give detailed CPR instructions over the phone to civilians. Jennifer Hopping is the executive director of AHA in Mississippi. Her association is one of many that are providing programs, classes and training for those that want to learn how to administer CPR.

"We work with local business, local schools... and the goal there is just to have as many people as we [can] know what to do in case of an emergency." Hopping said.

Damar Hamlin was discharged from the hospital this week and has been tweeting his thanks to supporters.