While many remain inside their homes during snowstorms, first responders struggle with conditions to respond to calls.

Paramedics in Renfrew County said they responded to 12 snow-related calls by midday Saturday after the storm swept through the area.

Operations commander Nick Leriche said, "Most of our calls today were storm-related," severe chest pain due to shoveling, many injuries, falls, and shortness of breath."

Paramedics confirmed that two people died on Saturday after suffering a heart attack while shoveling snow.

There were three calls for car accidents, four calls for slips and falls, and one call each for back pain, shortness of breath, and change in consciousness level.

Paramedic Devon Dean said, "This morning, a man was shoveling some residential sidewalks near a business, and he collapsed."

Leriche explained, "Patients try to remove snow too quickly." "They overexert themselves. Shoveling snow can be a great workout."

When heavy snow falls in the Ottawa Valley, paramedics know they are in for a long day. In addition to the extra snow-related calls, paramedics say the conditions make their work more dangerous and strenuous.

Veteran paramedic John Green, 21, said, "You can't see out the back of your vehicle," referring to near blackout conditions at times.

"There is snow covering everything back there. There is no high visibility, so you are always at risk of someone coming from behind."

In response to this in rural Ontario, many back roads, side streets, and driveways are not plowed immediately after the snow ends, increasing obstacles.

Dean explained, "They call 9-1-1 and completely forget the driveway and forget that we have to get there, which makes it a bit difficult."

Green adds, "The stretcher is only lifted three or four inches off the ground, and you're dragging it through the snow, and you're dragging all that snow with you."

To reduce the number of shoveling-related calls they respond to, paramedics recommend shoveling snow in stages and moving slowly. Proper footwear can also reduce the risk of slipping.