How to protect yourself when shoveling, using snowblowers

People, let's come out of this winter with all our fingers and toes intact.

Dr. John Alexis, director of the emergency department at Central DuPage Hospital, can't stress this enough: Do NOT stick your hand in the snowblower chute to clear clogs.

"I have no idea why they would do that," he said.

Even when the blowers are turned off, the auger and impeller can have enough residual belt tension to make them move, according to Consumer Reports.

By noon Monday, the Winfield hospital had treated three people who lost fingers that way, and several others with severe lacerations. In many cases, Alexis said, fingers amputated by snowblowers are too damaged to reattach.

To safely clear blockages, first turn off the machine. Then get a stick and use that to clear the snow.

Other cases at the emergency department Monday involved soft-tissue injuries from hoisting snow, injuries from falling and injuries from car accidents. "It does tend to bring in business," he said of the season's first blizzard.

Stretching a little before shoveling or blowing snow; pushing the snow instead of lifting it; wearing footwear with good traction; and being careful while driving were his recommendations for staying safe.

Also, shovel snow only for a short time, then take a break.

And for older folks? "Hire someone" to shovel, Alexis said, or get a snowblower. And "older" means anyone over age 50, he said.

That includes him. "I have a service," he said.

<h3 class="leadin">Heart-attack snow</h3>

At Delnor Hospital in Geneva, two patients had snow-related heart attacks, according to Northwestern Medicine spokesman Kimberly Waterman.

Medical experts said shoveling snow places stress on the cardiovascular system, causing heart rate and blood pressure to climb. The combination of lower temperatures and physical exertion increases the risk of a heart attack.

When you do go outdoors, dress in layers to avoid hypothermia and cover your face with a scarf to warm air before it enters your lungs, medical officials suggested.

Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before or after shoveling. Alexis said alcohol causes blood vessels in the skin to dilate. You might feel warmer, but you are actually losing more heat, he said.

Smaller shovels are better to avoid lifting too heavy a load, and people should always begin slowly and take frequent 15-minute breaks. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Always watch for warning signs of a heart attack. Those symptoms include lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, tightness or burning in chest, neck arms or back, and back and jaw pain. If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911.

For more tips, check out cookcountyhealth.org.