Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin joins Whitmer in Detroit for signing of emergency cardiac response bills

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills to bolster emergency cardiac response training and certification requirements for sports coaches on Saturday at The Corner Ballpark in Detroit.

Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin was at the signing, having advocated extensively for the legislation after undergoing cardiac arrest on Jan. 2, 2023.

“Today, I am proud to sign commonsense, bipartisan bills that will require coaches to be trained in CPR and AED use and ensure all public and private schools have a plan in the event of an on-field medical emergency and practice it," Gov. Whitmer said in a statement. "By taking proactive measures, we can keep our kids safe while they play.”   

Senior officials with the American Heart Association, National Football League and Michigan Reps. Joe Tate, Tyrone Carter and John Fitzgerald were also at the signing.

“Saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest depends on having a strong chain of survival across the emergency response system,” American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown, who participated in the event, said in a statement.

“This means immediately activating 911, starting quality CPR compressions, having an AED nearby and using it, having EMS on scene and ensuring quality hospital care. We commend elected officials in states nationwide that are implementing evidence-based policies that will save lives among students and others who suffer sudden cardiac arrest at school.”

Tate, D-Detroit, the speaker of the House, played football at Michigan State University and in the NFL.

"As a former collegiate and professional athlete, I know first-hand the toll playing football can take on the body," Tate said in a statement. "I’m thankful for the collaboration and advocacy of the NFL by supporting this new policy by donating 50 AEDs to schools across Michigan; together, we’re making a difference for Michiganders.”

House Bill 5527, sponsored by Fitzgerald, D-Wyoming, amends the Fire Prevention Code to modify the requirements regarding the implementation of a cardiac emergency response plan for the governing body of a school. 

House Bill 5528, sponsored by Carter, D-Detroit, amends the Revised School Code to require any individual that serves as an athletic coach at a high school — public or private — to maintain a valid certification in CPR and use of an AED. This certification must be issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or a comparable organization or institution approved by the Department of Education. 

Hamlin's near-death experience occurred during a game at Cincinnati, where he needed to be resuscitated on the field. After waking from a medically induced coma two days after he collapsed, the 26-year-old began his road to recovery.

Along the way, Hamlin cleared every hurdle during his return to the field. He was cleared to resume playing in April 2023, took part in his first padded practice three months later and saw game action for the first time during a preseason contest last August.

Hamlin completed his comeback by making Buffalo's 53-man roster last season and reclaiming a backup safety role. He went on to play in five games, recording 17 defensive snaps and 94 on special teams. His remarkable accomplishment put him in the running for the NFL's 2023 Comeback Player of the Year award, but he was beaten out by Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco.

James Hawkins contributed.