Many New Brunswickers are spending the day digging out, after yesterday’s blizzard.
If you’re one of them, make sure you are practicing safe shovelling.
Manager of Safety Programs with Ambulance NB Jean Marc Dugas offers these tips, “You need to take your time, and don’t use full shovels of snow. Make three or four passes instead of just one big one, so it is not as hard on your muscles or your heart. Another thing that is very important, if you are shovelling or using the snowblower, listen to your body to ensure you don’t get overheated or short of breath, or get chest pains.”
When snow is deep, shovel small amounts (1-2 inches at a time) at a time. #nbstorm #traveltuesday
— Ambulance NB (@AmbulanceNB_en) February 14, 2017
Please pace yourself while shovelling. Use a shovel with a small blade and clear a small area at a time. Take frequent breaks. pic.twitter.com/fKue697Xac
— Ambulance NB (@AmbulanceNB_en) February 10, 2017
Dugas says you have to listen to your body to ensure you don’t get overheated, short of breath, and to ensure you don’t feel chest pains..
If you do start to feel like you are struggling, Dugas says, ” Go back in the house and call 911. We do see an increase in cardiac and respiratory problems when people are shovelling or passing the snowblower a little too hard sometimes. It is important to keep listening to what your body is telling you.”
