Don't overexert when clearing snow after the big weekend storm. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Shovelling reminders

Take it easy when clearing the snow: North East EMS

Mar 4, 2024 | 2:00 PM

As people across the northeast dig out from the remnants of the weekend storm, we’re being reminded not to overexert ourselves.

Jessica Brost, owner/operator of North East EMS out of Nipawin, told northeastNOW the temptation may be to clear your entire property at once. However, that can be dangerous.

She said it’s important to tackle the snow is to shovel it in bits and pieces.

“It should be done in increments, so if you have to go out every hour, every couple of hours if possible, do so,” Brost explained.

She added anyone that is older or has health issues, it would be beneficial to ask a younger person or hire a snow removal company rather than risk injury or worse.

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Back injuries are all-too common when it comes to snow removal. Brost said using proper lifting techniques helps reduce the risk of injury.

“Use your legs a lot and take lots of breaks, and only do what you can do,” said Brost. “Don’t push it too far. There’s a lot of physical injuries you can get with snow removal.”

Snow removal can also lead to an increased chance of heart attacks. Brost said if you develop chest pain or shortness of breath, stop immediately. If they don’t go away, you may need to call 9-1-1 to be assessed.

“It has brought on many heart attacks in our previous experience so please be kind, take it easy, and only do what you can do.”

People often push themselves further than they ought to, according to Brost. If you don’t need to be anywhere anytime soon, finishing the job is something that can wait. With this storm there are areas of the province where snow removal may be an impossible task for one person, and that’s when you may need to enlist the help of a professional with larger equipment.

The temperature has also dropped with a bone-chilling wind in many areas of the northeast. Brost said that can pose an additional risk.

“You might not feel it at the time, but you can get frostbite, so that’s another big danger than can affect you for the rest of your life,” explained Brost.

Often people get hot and sweaty when they’re shovelling, and Brost said they may not notice that their exposed skin is being affected by the frigid weather.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK