Archives for January 2019

The Winter Storm Warning proved to be accurate, dumping nearly eight inches of snow on the area. So once the snow stopped everyone started digging themselves out to get back to normal. 

Clyde was a 48 year old man that had been sedentary most of his life. He decided to start shoveling the snow off his sidewalks and driveway. The temperature was 25 degrees. After about thirty minutes of work he developed chest pain and shortness of breath. He started walking back to his house when he collapsed in cardiac arrest.

We see it every winter. Someone shoveling snow dies without warning. Why is shoveling snow so dangerous? First, let’s consider the individual who has been sedentary for quite sometime. Then we get a significant snow storm. So the individual decides to shovel snow. His pulse rate increases substantially. This places a significant strain on the heart. In addition the increase heart rate can cause small pieces of plaque to break off in the coronary arteries. This plaque can travel to a constricted artery or a partially blocked area and cut off all blood flow to that area of the heart. This creates a myocardial infarction or a heart attack.

Breathing the cold air while shoveling snow can constrict coronary arteries reducing or completely blocking the artery. This can occur by itself or in conjunction with the plaque breaking off. It should also be noted that the blood thickens in cold weather adding another element that can reduce blood flow. This is how sudden cardiac arrest occurs during snow shoveling. 

So, how can we prevent it?

1. If you are not use to heavy exercise avoid the temptation to shovel snow. 
2. Cover your mouth and nose to prevent breathing the cold air.
3. Take frequent breaks.
4. Don’t work more than ten minutes before going inside to warm up.
5. Don’t fill your shovel completely. Use smaller scoops.
6. Make sure you layer your clothes so when you start getting warm you can reduce the number of layers so you don’t get too warm.
7. Make sure you always talk to your doctor before participating in any heavy exertion.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

1 Corinthians 6:19

It was a misty cool night when the tones sounded. Medic 1, Medic 2, Engine 1 and Rescue 1 respond to a report of an auto crash on Hayward Street at the bridge. Bystanders on scene report car in the creek with two critically injured. Time out 2133.

On arrival we found victim number one had crawled up to the street, his left leg was badly mangled. The other victim was still trapped in the vehicle. He too was in critical condition.

These two young high school seniors were on their way home when they lost control on the wet street. The car slid sideways into the guardrail of the bridge. The guardrail penetrated the drivers door and extended to the passenger side of the vehicle, creating major trauma to both individuals. The car, with guardrail protruding through it, went into the creek. Both young men suffered partially amputated legs.

One crew started treating the first victim on the bridge. An IV was established to help prevent shock and bleeding was controlled on the injured leg. A medical helicopter was called to the scene to transport him to the trauma center.

At the same time a second crew began evaluating the individual trapped in the car below. His leg was partially severed with a small piece of muscle still attached. His leg was up over his right shoulder. He was bleeding profusely. Bleeding was controlled quickly and the leg was brought down to normal position to be splinted. Two IV’s were established to help treat the shock he was in.

With the guardrail trapping him in the vehicle, it was first thought we should cut it and removal of the victim would be enhanced. Unfortunately on further assessment it was found the rail was under tension. Cutting it would result in the guardrail springing back and hitting the victim.

It was then decided to start removing parts of the car from around the victim. This would provide space for us to remove the victim from beneath the guardrail. Total extrication time was one hour and fifteen minutes. Another medical helicopter was call and was waiting for the victim. Both young men underwent surgery and each lost part of one leg.

Calls such as this are very tasking for the responders. The extrication was tedious and care was taken to assure the victim was not injured in the process.

The state highway patrol reported that the cause of the crash was bald tires. Speed and alcohol were not involved in the crash. Both young men have recovered, but their lives were changed forever in a split second.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10