Crime & Safety
West Hartford FD: Player's Heart Emergency Shows Need For CPR, AED Training
The West Hartford Fire Department said the football player's cardiac arrest is a teaching moment for all communities regarding first-aid.
WEST HARTFORD, CT — The horror of what transpired in Cincinnati on Monday Night Football this week is not lost on the West Hartford Fire Department.
Which is why it is pointing to the near-fatal scenario involving a Buffalo Bills player as being proof of the importance of CPR and automated external defibrillators in the community.
"When 24-year-old Damar Hamlin collapsed from an apparent cardiac arrest, team trainers and stadium paramedics rushed to his side to initiate CPR. Damar Hamlin was provided early critical care and transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital where he remains in critical condition. Our thoughts are with Mr. Hamlin’s family and the Buffalo Bills organization," wrote the WHFD Tuesday.
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The department used the incident to remind folks the WHFD offers training to anyone looking to acquire the skills necessary to save a life.
"The West Hartford Fire Department wants to remind the community of the importance of early CPR and early defibrillation by an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and offer training," wrote the department.
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"The Town of West Hartford is proudly a Heart Safe Community, which is based on the number of Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) and community members trained in CPR."
In fact, the WHFD said so-called "Public Access Defibrillators" are located in every public building in the town.
PAD locations can be found using the PulsePoint AED app, which can be obtained from Apple and Google Play.
“We encourage any businesses that would like join the West Hartford Fire Department in expanding its network of defibrillators in the community to contact us at 860-561-8309. Early CPR and AED defibrillation can save lives,” said Andrew Eccles, the WHFD's community support officer.
The department often conducts pop-up "Hands Only CPR" training events throughout the town.
Those interesting in hosting "Hands Only CPR," can reach out to Andrew Eccles, community support officer at 860-561-8309 or email andrew.eccles@westhartfordct.gov.
From Aug. 12: 'CPR Training Sessions A Rousing Success, West Hartford FD'
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