Damar Hamlin's Cardiac Arrest: The Unseen Effects

Many people are understandably discussing the medical possibilities behind the cause of Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football January 2. Let's discuss some observations behind the grief and mental health lens around the game.

It was several minutes before commentators stated that Damar Hamlin was receiving CPR. Only those who could read the expressions of distress on the faces of both teams knew he had sustained a life-threatening injury. I commend networks for not broadcasting an aerial view of this, even though we all know they very easily could have. His mother was in the stands. His family and loved ones were watching. At that moment, broadcasters chose dignity over views. Do. This. More.

Every single player and spectator is a secondary patient: those in the stands, on the sidelines, players who rendered care and were involved in the play. The closer in physical proximity to the event, the higher their acuity in terms of emotional trauma. Treat accordingly.

Grief sometimes assigns guilt and self-blame in the hours and days following an event. Even if Hamlin survives, something like this has the ability to grab hold of a secondary patient's psyche for the long haul. Now is the time to intervene by those who have the most influence on them by simply reminding them, "It's not your fault."

Any medical professional with countless cardiac arrests under their belt who has also run an arrest off-duty knows it sticks with you differently. Only then do we get a taste of what it was like for the layperson in the stands and the players on the field to witness what they did that night.

Many spectators were activated when they witnessed something that may have unexpectedly brought up memories of their own past experiences. Someone was reminded of their parent, grandparent, spouse, or even a patient of their own who suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Be patient with yourself. Your old grief was activated, much like a dormant back injury that came back to remind you it was still there.

Those with children who saw what the rest of us adults were shaken by last night—speak to them. Give them your attention. Be honest and remain curious. Most of all, don't dismiss the fears and feelings around whatever comes up for them. In your eyes, he may be a stranger. To them, a new fear may be unlocked, and they could associate this potentially fatal injury with someone personal in their lives.

A lot of armchair quarterbacking is expected, and almost tradition, during big games like this. It's no surprise that people have questions and are speculating about the care rendered on the field. Any professional who has been in a high-profile situation with an abundance of eyes watching them perform still only understands to a small degree the amount of pressure those first responders and medical staff were under that night. Their training kept them grounded enough to get the job done and not feel rushed by the collective emotion building around them to beat feet to the hospital before high-performance CPR was established. Outstanding job to you all.

Rumor has it that the players and coaches from both teams refused to go back on the field and resume the game. Your actions set a precedent that was previously disregarded in 1971 when Chuck Hughes, age 28, of the Detroit Lions arrested during a game that continued after he was transported. I hope your actions will create a ripple effect that will be followed if tragedy like this ever strikes again at any sporting event of all levels.

Even if this story ends with a successful save, it remains a traumatic event. Grief will still occur, mourning will play out, unhealthy coping mechanisms will be turned to, and for some, trauma will linger. These players will need to be treated for their psychological injuries just as care would be rendered for any physical injury sustained during a game. Mental health is physical health, and both teams openly admitted to the nation that they were injured.

Alexandra Jabr, MS, EMT-P, is creator and founder of Emergency Resilience LLC.