WEST SENECA, N.Y. — A year ago millions stood shoulder to shoulder with their hearts broken over their beloved Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
A collapse moment to impact the nation turned into an inspiration for Buffalo, even a year later.
Hamlin went into cardiac arrest early in the game. Since the incident last year, Roger Leising with WNY Healthcare Education and Equipment says it's been inspiring others to learn CPR, and how to use an AED.
"In the last year, we didn't even host a lot of non-medical CPR classes because nobody showed up, and nobody wanted them. We had maybe half a dozen for the entire year," Leising said.
Now he says classes have tripled in size. He mentions he also sees an increase in AED sales at his company.
"There's been some people that just want one. They just need to have it nearby. Individuals are wanting them for their small business," Leising said.
New York State made laws requiring camps and youth sports programs to have an AED on hand and also health clubs. According to data, only 9 percent of people survive hospital discharge after being in cardiac arrest.
"We got to change the culture to that you should know CPR, to you know CPR," he said.