{"id":10499,"date":"2023-04-10T06:00:50","date_gmt":"2023-04-10T05:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/?p=10499"},"modified":"2023-04-05T17:49:52","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T16:49:52","slug":"the-psychological-impact-of-traumatic-events-in-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/2023\/04\/10\/the-psychological-impact-of-traumatic-events-in-sports\/","title":{"rendered":"The Psychological Impact of Traumatic Events in Sports"},"content":{"rendered":"
Psychological Aftermath of Trauma Extends Beyond Athletes\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n
Introduction<\/b><\/h5>\n

Risks are inherent in sports. Athletes engage in training and competition with an awareness that injury may occur. Certain sports (e.g. combat, collision, high speed or extreme) are intuitively associated with a greater potential for more severe injuries; however unexpected medical events can occur at any time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin Suffers Cardiac Arrest<\/b><\/h5>\n

As millions watched the final Monday Night Football game for the 2022-2023 National Football League (NFL) regular season, which had significant playoff implications for both teams involved, the game was abruptly halted when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed to the ground following what appeared to be a routine defensive tackle. The events that followed left the sports world shocked and silent. The need for medical attention rapidly shifted to resuscitative efforts, as the player required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) assisted by an automated external defibrillator (AED) for nearly 20 minutes. Time stood still and millions held their collective breaths as they awaited word about Hamlin\u2019s condition. As the silence stretched on, one thing was clear: the <\/span>only<\/span><\/i> thing that mattered was Hamlin\u2019s condition. Sport receded into the background as the gravity of life distilled into the foreground. The game was rightfully suspended as players and staff stood, kneeled, or sat with shock and concern etched on their faces. Many hugged and supported each other – the humanity of the athletes, coaches, and staff on full display.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the days that followed Hamlin\u2019s medical emergency, the emotional impact of the shared experience of everyone who watched or was involved with the Monday night game brought awareness to the psychological aftermath of traumatic events in sports.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Traumatic Events in Sports<\/b><\/h5>\n

Traumatic events in sports can include (see infographic illustration):\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n