GLEN CARBON - A 65-year-old Glen Carbon man - Otis L. Douglas - collapsed Monday morning outside shoveling snow and later died in the Intensive Care Unit of Anderson Hospital in Maryville.
Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn is reminding residents of the dangers of snow shoveling and removal as yesterday’s snowfall has contributed to the death of a Glen Carbon man.
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Douglas returned into his residence after heavy snow shoveling and collapsed within a very few minutes of the arduous task.
"9-1-1 was summoned to the residence at 7:50 a.m.," Coroner Nonn said. "He was successfully treated by first responders from the Glen Carbon Fire Protection District who were able to restore a pulse. The decedent was transferred to Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois and later deteriorated and died in the Intensive Care Unit at 12 p.m.
Douglas suffered from pre-existing heart disease, which makes snow shoveling even more perilous. Funeral arrangements remain pending at this time, but are under the direction of Officer Funeral Home of East St. Louis, Illinois.
The National Safety Council has a few tips and reminders for snow removal during the winter season:
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 rather than lifting 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
Know the signs of a heart attack, and stop immediately and call 911 if you're experiencing any of them; every minute counts
“We always feel the need to clean the walks and clear the cars, but everyone needs to consider their own state of health and what could be lost versus what could be gained,” Nonn said adding, “Every year, deaths occur while shoveling or in a close time proximity of engaging in the activity. I would prefer those who have health problems or are out of shape play it safe.”
Funeral arrangements remain pending at this time, but are under the direction of Officer Funeral Home of East St. Louis, Illinois.
