Maryland Community Newspapers Online
In the wake of a Glenn Dale man suffering a heart attack Jan. 27 while shoveling snow, county fire and rescue officials warn that the activity can cause cardiac arrest for some people.
Firefighters from the Glenn Dale Fire/EMS Station and a Basic Life Support ambulance from a Bowie Fire/EMS Station went to the home of the man, 75, after his neighbor called around noon saying the man was unconscious and in full cardiac arrest.
The Fire/EMS crews on the scene initiated cardio pulmonary resuscitation, administered an automatic external defibrillator, then took the man to the hospital, said Mark Brady, a spokesman for the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department.
Paramedics met the ambulance crew with the patient on Greenbelt Road, assessed the patient and initiated advanced life support measures, including drugs, ensuring an open airway with a tube and continued CPR, Brady said. Prior to arriving at Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, the man had an abnormal pulse and palpable blood pressure which is a good sign.
Upon arrival at the hospital, he lost a pulse twice in the emergency room but was resuscitated each time.
The man survived and as of Wednesday he remained in the hospital. He was transferred from the emergency room to ICU Wednesday and is expected to recover.
Tuesday's snowfall wasn't a major snow storm, but enough snow accumulated on sidewalks and driveways that a shovel was required to clear it, serving as a reminder that shoveling can be a strenuous task.
Cold temperatures can increase the thickness of blood circulation and when combined with physical exertion, blood can thicken, risking clotting and a heart attack, according to county fire and rescue officials.
And for people with heart disease, like the Glenn Dale man, shoveling can elevate the risk for cardiac complications.
E-mail Liz Skalski at eskalski@gazette.net.
The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department advises people to not shovel snow if:
nYou have a history of heart problems
nYou are over age 40, overweight, have high blood pressure, smoke or lead a sedentary lifestyle
nCheck with your doctor before shoveling.
nDress warmly, even if you work up a sweat.
nTake a break every 15 minutes.
nGo inside to drink a hot, decaffeinated beverage. Caffeine can increase heart rate, causing blood vessels to constrict.
nDrink water to stay hydrated.
nKnow the warning signs of a heart attack: chest pain, shoulder, neck or arm pain, dizziness, fainting, sweating or nausea or shortness of breath. If you think you're having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
nLearning CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator
nAsk if there is an AED available and use it
nFor information on CPR classes, call the Fire/EMS Department CPR Hotline at 301-864-5483.