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2009-01-07 - Use Caution When Shovelling Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa -Media Release- Snowfall warning! Use Caution When Shovelling With significant snow accumulations forecasted over the next few days, the Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa would like to remind you about the dangers associated with shovelling snow. Every year, Ottawa paramedics see multiple patients with shovelling related complications ranging from back strain to heart attacks and even cardiac arrest. In order to reduce your risk of injury we ask you to consider the following recommendations before clearing snow: - Avoid caffeine and nicotine prior to shovelling - these increase your heart's workload by increasing heart rate and constricting vessels. - Avoid shovelling immediately after waking up in the morning. Your back is most vulnerable to injury after waking from sleep. - Wear proper footwear to reduce risks of slips and falls. - Use an "ergonomic" shovel with curved handle and extending to chest height. - Stretch and warm up your muscles for 5-10 minutes prior to shovelling. - Shovel small amounts of snow more frequently to avoid heavy loads. - Try to push snow rather than lifting or throwing it. If lifting is required, bend at the knees and avoid bending or twisting the back. - Avoid filling the shovel - try clearing ½ loads rather than full loads. - Drink water to keep hydrated and take frequent breaks. People who suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, are a smoker and/or lead a sedentary lifestyle should consider consulting a physician or asking for help before beginning to clear snow. If you experience any tightness or pain in your chest during or after shovelling, call 9-1-1 immediately and ask for paramedics. Following these suggestions should help keep winter shovelling safe and even beneficial to your health. -30- For further information or interviews, please contact: Sue Noël, BSc KIN, Advanced Care Paramedic Director of Print Media Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa 300 March Rd (4th Floor) Ottawa, ON K2K 2E2 Phone: 613-244-0333 printmedia@ottawaparamedics.ca www.OttawaParamedics.ca The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa is responsible for promoting the practice of Paramedicine and ensuring the highest level of care for our patients. We are leaders in the advancement of Paramedicine and achieve our objectives through public awareness, research and education. We lobby for self-regulation under the Regulated Health Professions Act. We also assist in fundraising for community-based charities. The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa is a proud chapter of the Ontario Paramedic Association and the Paramedic Association of Canada. The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa (PPAO) is not a labour union. |