Cardiac arrest is often fatal, but doctors say certain steps can boost survival odds
For the more than 350,000 Americans each year who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, the prognosis is not always an optimistic one. But quick action with CPR and a defibrillator can be key.
Within moments of his on-field cardiac arrest on Monday, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was receiving CPR and medical personnel were called in to restart his heart. That rapid response is credited with dramatically improving his chance of survival and recovery.
The University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where Hamlin had been listed in critical condition, reported Thursday a "substantial improvement" in his condition.
"As of this morning, he is beginning to awaken and it appears his neurological condition and function is intact," said Dr. Timothy Pritts of UCMC during a videoconference for the media. "This marks a really good turning point in his
