Damar Hamlin is "beginning to awaken" per physicians

Cincinnati, Ohio - Physicians from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center have issued a new update about Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin after he experienced a cardiac arrest during an NFL game on Monday.

Damar Hamlin is making "substantial improvement" but remains in the intensive care unit.
Damar Hamlin is making "substantial improvement" but remains in the intensive care unit.  © Collage: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

Dr. Timothy A. Pritts and Dr. William Knight IV provided another update on the 24-year-old's condition in a live press conference on Thursday.

The physicians shared that Hamlin has shown "substantial improvement" in the past 24 hours.

"As of this morning, he is beginning to awaken, and it appears that his neurological condition and function is intact," Pritts said.

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Hamlin remains on a ventilator in the intensive care unit, but the physicians confirmed that his lung functioning is improving.

The medical team praised the quick intervention of the Buffalo Bills medical staff and paramedics and their recognition of the severity of the injury.

"It speaks to the immediate recognition that there was something significantly and seriously wrong by the Bills medical staff," Knight said. "We cannot credit their team enough."

The doctors directly credited the CPR provided to Hamlin on the field for allowing these improvements.

Tests are ongoing to determine the cause of the cardiac arrest.

Damar Hamlin has communicated with doctors via writing

Buffalo Bills fans gathered outside of Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York for a vigil in honor of Damar Hamlin.
Buffalo Bills fans gathered outside of Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York for a vigil in honor of Damar Hamlin.  © Timothy T Ludwig / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

The doctors also shared that Hamlin has been able to communicate with them through writing, as he is unable to speak with his breathing tube.

Hamlin asked his bedside nurse who won Monday's game, to which they responded, "You won. You've won the game of life."

"It's not only that the lights are on. We know that he's home," Pritts said.

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Pritts and Knight have also confirmed that Hamlin can move his hands and feet.

Shortly after the injury occurred, prominent athletes across the sports world offered their prayers and support for the Bills safety.

A charity drive organized by Hamlin in 2020 has received a surge of donations from fans everywhere looking to support the athlete. Several big names in the sports world contributed with hefty donations, including Tom Brady and Russell Wilson.

The fundraiser has now surpassed $7 million.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

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