Packers donate $100,000 worth of defibrillators after Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest

The Green Bay Packers donated $100,000 in automated external defibrillators to schools and recreational sports leagues in the Green Bay area after Buffalo Bills security guard Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest.

A similar donation was made by the New Orleans Saints to 67 local youth sports organizations after Hamlin’s incident.

Hamlin is taking “one small step at a time” as he tries to recover from cardiac arrest against the Bengals, coach Sean McDermott revealed.

The Packers donated $100,000 in defibrillators to facilities around Green Bay

Demar Hamlin’s mid-game cardiac arrest motivated the Packers to make the donation

“After witnessing Damar Hamlin’s shocking cardiac arrest and witnessing the incredible response from the emergency medical personnel who treated him, we recognized our responsibility to take action in our own community,” said Packers executive Mark Murphy.

“Damar’s injury also reminds us that cardiac emergencies occur every day across the country and in our region.

“We are proud to work with Bellin Health to equip more sports facilities and organizations with AEDs and the tools and skills they need to save lives.”

The team worked with its official healthcare provider, Bellin Health, to donate money for 80 AED units, each typically costing around $1,000.

Packers President Mark Murphy wanted to provide protection for cardiac emergencies

The organization worked with Bellin Health to donate money for 80 AED machines

Many venues that host sporting events are not equipped with life-saving equipment and various teams like the Packers and Saints are scrambling to change that.

Once each facility receives their device, Bellin Health plans to send representatives to ensure different organizations are properly trained on their use.

“We are extremely grateful to the Green Bay Packers for this incredible donation of life-saving equipment to the communities we serve,” said Chris Woleske, President of Bellin Health.

“Access to this equipment, combined with education about how to respond to a cardiac emergency, has been shown to save lives.”

Gayle Benson, owner of Saints & Pelicans, also made a similar donation to local youth organizations

Hamlin collapsed on the field at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati 16 days ago after attacking Bengals WR Tee Higgins.

Hamlin was revived at the scene and then taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was taken to the intensive care unit in critical condition.

After a battery of tests and a few days, Hamlin was able to have his breathing tube removed and was awake and responsive to the doctors.

Hamlin, who reunited with his teammates on Saturday and toasted their wildcard playoff win over the Dolphins from home, is now back in the building and taking “baby steps” on his road to a full recovery.