Ottawa Paramedics say an Orléans man in his 60s suffered a heart attack Wednesday while trying to clear his driveway of snow.
Heart attacks while shoveling are not uncommon in the winter, but in this case, Paramedics say the man was using a snowblower.
Even snow blowing can be strenuous. Medics revived a M60s in Orleans who went into cardiac arrest while clearing his driveway. CPR & defibrillation by paramedics. Pt conscious afterwards. Medics diagnosed heart attack and pt taken to specialized centre. #OnStorm #ottnews pic.twitter.com/DmCQYSWd5T
— Ottawa Paramedic Svc (@OttawaParamedic) February 13, 2019
The man was defibrillated and regained consciousness. He’s since been taken to the Heart Institute.
Paramedics say shoveling snow can be strenuous work and, if someone has lived a fairly sedentary lifestyle, the exercise may be greater than their normal capacity.
Shovelers and people pushing manual snowblowers are encouraged to take frequent breaks. If you feel chest pain while clearing snow, stop immediately and call 911 for help.
Shoveling can be a sterneous activity. Push the snow and avoid throwing it to save your back and your heart. If you are experiencing chest pain while shoveling, stop and call 911 immediately. pic.twitter.com/Q3YV0kvG2A
— Ottawa Paramedic Svc (@OttawaParamedic) February 13, 2019
Paramedics say their call volume Wednesday morning was not noticeably higher than average. Paramedic Superintendent of Public Information Marc-Antoine Deschamps credits much of that to many people choosing to stay home or avoiding non-essential travel.