5 Cardiac Arrests, 2 Fatal Reported in Harford

HARFORD COUNTY, MD – Five people have suffered cardiac arrests in Harford County as of Saturday afternoon, county officials say.

At 1:45 p.m., paramedics were en route to Abingdon, where a person had been shoveling and gone into cardiac arrest, according to Cindy Mumby, spokeswoman for Harford County government.

Four other cardiac arrests had already been reported, she said, in Aberdeen, Abingdon, Bel Air and Joppa.

The cardiac arrests in Aberdeen and Bel Air were fatal, according to Mumby.

“We want to remind folks to to take it easy. If they do have to shovel, take frequent breaks,” Mumby said. “Shoveling snow it is literally heavy lifting, no matter what kind of shape you’re in.”

Up to 22.5 inches of snow had fallen in Bel Air by 1 p.m. on Saturday, according to unofficial snow totals from the National Weather Service.

Snow was continuing to fall in Harford County Saturday, with several more inches forecast by Sunday morning.

“If you must shovel, stay hydrated and take frequent breaks,” County Executive Barry Glassman said.

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Harford County was not the only area where shoveling was proving hazardous. A Fort Washington resident died Saturday from snow shoveling, Prince George’s County emergency officials said.

Experts say that the keys to not overdoing snow removal are to keep shoveling in shifts, and wear layers.

• Clear snow every few inches instead of waiting for it to stop. It’s easier physically and keeps snow from sticking.
• Wear loose layers. As you warm up, take off a layer of light clothing; be sure the material lets sweat evaporate. Put on cotton and silk, or manmade materials that breathe, rather than heavy wools.
• Check your feet. Keep your feet warm in waterproof boots with good traction to avoid falls.
• Stay hydrated. One expert says you should drink water when shoveling as if you were doing a workout at the gym or running five miles.

The National Safety Council shares these tips to shovel safely.

• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
• Take it slow and stretch out before you begin.
• Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter.
• Push the snow; don’t lift it.
• If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel.
• Lift with your legs, not your back.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion.

Photo Credit: Harford County Government.