MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO
With
over a foot of snow already on the ground and more still falling a Fort Washington man
appears to have suffered a heart attack while shoveling snow at his home. At around 8:30 am, Firefighters and Medics from the Fort
Washington Fire/EMS Station responded to the 1200 block of Sandy Bar Drive and
found the man in cardiac arrest.
Firefighters and Medics did their very best in attempting to revive the
man, however, despite their valiant efforts he
was pronounced deceased.
At
around 10:30 am the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME-MD) confirmed
to Prince George’s County Public Safety Communications that this was a storm
related death.
The
Fire/EMS Department does not release the names of medical patient fatalities. Additional information can be obtained
through the OCME.
This weekend’s storm is certainly living up to the forecast. High snow totals are being recorded across
the region with cold temperatures and high wind gusts, a true winter blizzard.
This winter storm has produced enough snow that clearing
sidewalks, driveways and other areas will be a challenge to shovel, especially
for those that have an existing heart condition and other medical conditions
such as diabetes and high blood pressure and anyone over the age of 50. Limit shoveling to only a few minutes at a
time, shovel smaller amounts, and take frequent breaks.
Be warned that the snow that has fallen so far has been of the
lighter powder texture. It is
anticipated that this afternoon’s snowfall will be the heavy and wet
texture. The heavy and wet snow adds
weight to your shoveling, requires high energy and is dangerous to your health.
Use smaller shovels; perhaps a narrow shovel that will not allow
you to pick up big amounts.
Cold temperatures also will affect your health when
shoveling. You will exert high energy
when shoveling which will make you breath harder and more often. Deep and frequent breathing will result in
inhaling colder air that will constrict your lungs and airways making the
exchange of oxygen into your bloodstream difficult. When you venture outdoors this weekend wear
clothing that will cover your mouth and nose.
Ask a neighborhood youth to clear your walks for you or be a
good neighbor and clear the snow for your senior citizen neighbor.
If you experience signs and symptoms of a heart attack, which
include, chest pains, difficulty breathing, heaviness on your chest, numbness
in your neck and left arm, call 911 immediately.
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