Football fans around the world watched in horror when, on January 2, 2023, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. Fortunately, by the following week, the 24-year-old had made what his medical team called “substantial improvement,” and after being transferred from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center to a Buffalo hospital, he was discharged on January 11.
Medical professionals have pointed to the swift administration of CPR as key in saving Mr. Hamlin’s life and allowing him to improve as quickly as he did. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), when administered quickly, high-quality CPR can increase a person’s odds of survival by two or three times.
As the world has rightly been focused on Mr. Hamlin’s health in the wake of his collapse, less attention has been paid to the well-being of those who witnessed the event. In a January 4 article, the AHA sought to shine a light on the trauma experienced by these witnesses—a group the AHA calls “forgotten patient[s].”
In the article, the AHA cites a 2021 study that found one-third of people who witness a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting experience some form of psychological distress. Common manifestations of this distress include difficulty concentrating, headaches, poor sleep, and feeling disconnected from others.
Most incidents of cardiac arrest are not as high profile as Mr. Hamlin’s, of course, and when onlookers do not know the fate of the victim, their trauma can be compounded. In addition, the events can be triggering for those who have previously witnessed a cardiac arrest or experienced one themselves.
Sadly, as common as trauma is after these events, there are few resources available for victims. Fortunately, most people recover over time with approaches such as keeping in touch with friends and family. There is no standard approach to treating trauma, however, and for those who find they are still struggling over the long term, the AHA recommends consulting with a mental health professional.
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