Paramedics in Renfrew County in the Ottawa Valley were busy Saturday as the storm battered Ontario and Quebec. A large number of calls were snow-related, including two heart attacks while shoveling.
“Most of our calls today are storm-related,” operations commander Nick Lerich said, according to CTV News. Whether it's chest pain from shoveling, falling, or injuries, snow can complicate people's lives.
Paramedics also had to respond to two heart attacks where patients did not survive.
“Patients try to shovel ice too quickly. They overwork themselves. Snow shoveling can be quite a workout,” explained Mr. Lerich.
Snow not only harms people but also affects the work of emergency services on the ground who have to face various obstacles.
“[Les gens] Call 911, completely forget about the driveway and forget that we have to get there, it's a little difficult,” said Paramedic Devon Dean.
To avoid unnecessary calls, emergency services recommend people shovel ice steadily. Better to go slowly, but surely. They also remind us that snow shoes are perfect for avoiding falls.
