Dr. Anthony Cardillo, an emergency room professional, stated that the 24-year-old safety for Buffalo Bills, Damar Hamlin’s, recovery could be determined by how long he was in cardiac arrest after collapsing mid-game Monday night.

“The primary concern is the length of time he was not having cardiac activity, every second counts,” Cardillo told CNN. 

Hamlin collapsed on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night and is currently in a serious state.

Hamlin collapsed to the ground shortly after rising from an open-field tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin was being treated by Bills team trainers in less than 10 seconds. Hamlin got CPR, as seen on video, and an ambulance was dispatched to the scene in less than five minutes, according to an ESPN broadcast. Then, he was brought to a hospital.

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According to a statement posted by the Bills on Twitter early on Tuesday, the player experienced a cardiac arrest after being hit by the tackle and his heartbeat was later restored on the field. The Bills stated that Hamlin was moved to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for additional examinations and treatment, where he is still under anaesthesia.

As Hamlin received additional care, Cardillo stated that over the following 12 to 24 hours, medical staff will probably begin gradually weaning Hamlin off the ventilator to see if he can breathe on his own.

“We know that he’s a young 24, healthy, conditioned athlete. He’s in the greatest possible situation to come back to a normal life at this point, but our prayers are with him to make sure he does recover like that,” Cardillo stated.

The NFL added that Hamlin’s well-being was the top priority and that more information on the next steps would be provided at a “appropriate time.”

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Medical professionals were able to swiftly restart his heartbeat. His internal ailments from the incident, as well as whether his heart has suffered any serious harm, are still unknown.

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Stefon Diggs, a wide receiver for the Bills, made a late Monday night arrival at the medical facility where Hamlin was being treated.

NFL games are very seldom cancelled due to injury. The fact that gameplay had stalled, according to commentators, was a sign of the shocking and severe nature of the emergency.