After initial worries of bad news with word that no updates were coming tonight, the Bills late Monday night tweet delivered much relief; however, Damar Hamlin is still considered critical.Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023 Cardiac arrest for anyone is never good news but when you hear that his heartbeat was immediately restored on the field, that is cause for optimism that hopefully turns into celebration.Other than in a hospital, there is no better place to collapse than on a NFL field. Over two dozen medical professionals including emergency medical personnel and equipment are present. The home team plays an important role in emergency care and support for the visiting team and that is the norm but the Bengals medical staff should still be congratulated. All home teams drill for this annually. In addition, emergency medical personnel and medical staff from both teams meet pregame to go over any last minute information in preparation for anything that might happen.The nine minutes of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) undoubtedly saved his life. The heart attack was likely caused by a cardiac contusion with potential commotio cordis (electrical signal gone haywire). AED (automatic external defibrillators) are routinely on both NFL sidelines and even brought on the plane and bus with the traveling team. The defibrillation (shock) happened on the field to convert Hamlin's rhythm to allow his heart to beat again. Commotio cordis leading to heart attack has a significant mortality rate but with the witnessed arrest and immediate care, Hamlin seems headed for a positive outcome.Hamlin is technically on life support because he reportedly remains on a ventilator machine. However, early reports are that his oxygen levels have improved and he could be taken off the ventilator as soon as Wednesday morning. CPR is considered life support method.A nearby trauma center is always designated and on stand by during NFL games. The ambulance was not slow moving to transport Hamlin. It is normal to stabilize before transport as it is unsafe to proceed with an unstable patient. There were more medical personnel on field than could fit in the ambulance plus all the medications, oxygen and lifesaving supplies needed meaning there was no reason to move him to the hospital until it was safe.The best early sign was that the ambulance reportedly waited for his mom to come along indicating some early stability for Hamlin. The intubation (breathing tube) is normal/common for any critical care patient in the ICU and doesn't indicate a worse situation. A report of normal vital signs are positive news.The football game and any playoff seeding is tertiary. This is a very scary situation. There was no way the teams could continue to play tonight without definitive information that Hamlin was going to be OK. Watching CPR and defibrillation on a friend/teammate (or opponent or someone you know) is incredibly traumatic for anyone.This is a reminder that football is not just a contact sport but a collision sport. This tackle seemed on the routine side and players/public will need to process (and medical professionals explain) how this happens for all to feel comfortable with playing and watching the game again.Hamlin will continue to be monitored, treated and tested over the next day or two before his breathing tube is removed and we hope to hear that he will make a full recovery. Until confirmed, it is way too early to talk about football or his future.We relish the chance to deliver positive news especially in such a frightening situation. Let's hope the good news keeps coming. In my two decades on a NFL sideline, I have never seen anything like tonight and I hope we never do again.