Given the spotlight of the sporting world for a moment, UNMC physical therapy alum Nate Breske, DPT, commended the life of service in his profession and raised awareness on the importance of learning CPR and AED use.
Dr. Breske, the head athletic trainer for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, and his athletic training staff were given the stage Wednesday to receive an ESPN ESPY Award – the Pat Tillman Award for Service – for their life-saving care for Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
Hamlin suffered a cardiac event during a game last January and collapsed on the field. ESPN credited the Bills training staff “who jumped into action to save (Hamlin’s) life during a game, exemplifying their incredible dedication and commitment to the team.”
During Wednesday night’s award ceremony, Hamlin was brought to tears presenting the award to Dr. Breske and the Bills staff. Dr. Breske and the Bills’ athletic and medical staff surrounded Hamlin with hugs.
Said Dr. Breske in the acceptance speech, “We’re not used to having the spotlight on us – we were just doing our job. But the idea of service is definitely something that is ingrained in our profession and that we take great pride in.”
The 2004 UNMC graduate also spread credit to a series of first responders, support staff and health care professionals on and off the field who cared for Hamlin.
Dr. Breske urged people to support funding for automated external defibrillator and CPR training, especially in underserved communities, and to support trainers in youth sports.
“Learn CPR and how to use an AED, because they save lives,” he said at the event. “Set a goal for yourself – do it this summer before football season. You don’t have to be perfect. We always say: ‘Doing something is better than doing nothing.’”
Betsy Becker, DPT, PhD, chair of the UNMC Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and director of physical therapy in the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, expressed best wishes to Hamlin and praised Dr. Breske and his team of trainers.
“Your team’s life-saving actions exemplify the legacy of service in honor of the award’s namesake, Pat Tillman,” Dr. Becker said.
Kyle Meyer, PhD, dean of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, said it was wonderful to see the physical therapy profession and UNMC represented so honorably by Dr. Breske as he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
Said Dr. Meyer, “It was evident from his remarks and his team’s on-stage engagement with Mr. Hamlin that Dr. Breske serves in his role as head athletic trainer with empathy, humility and competence. We are proud to call him an alum of UNMC and grateful for the remarkable recovery of Damar Hamlin.”
See some of UNMC Today’s previous stories on Dr. Nate Breske, who graduated from what was formerly the School of Allied Health Professions:
A true humble and servant leader!
Hoping this story motivates trainers and coaches to get trained in CPR and AEDs.
Nebraska grads make a difference wherever they are. Congratulations !!
The video is powerful – brought tears to my eyes. Congrats to Dr. Breske and the others who helped save Damar Hamlin’s life. It is a story that will never be forgotten.
This is amazing! After this event our President of Janssen Cardiology a division of Johnson & Johnson urged us ALL at a National meeting to get trained and certified or re certified in AED and CPR adult/child. Happy and Proud to have lead this for those here in Nebraksa and thank you to Nebraska Safety Council to make it happen!