Two children were taken to hospital this week after finding a can of pepper spray in a yard. Warmer weather means more hazardous objects, such as needles, might also be found. (Charlene Tebbutt/paNOW Staff)

By Charlene Tebbutt

spring safety

Melting snow reveals pepper spray, two boys taken to hospital

Mar 20, 2019 | 1:10 PM

The snow is melting and residents are being reminded to watch for potentially dangerous objects, especially in light of a recent incident in which two young kids were sent to hospital.

Two boys, age two and five, were taken to hospital Tuesday morning after spraying themselves with pepper spray. Parkland Ambulance confirmed the children found a can of pepper spray in the back yard of a residence in the 100 Block of 29 St. W. around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday.

Lyle Karasiuk with Parkland Ambulance said it’s important to dispose of sharp and potentially dangerous objects safely. That’s especially true with young kids around.

“This incident in question does highlight that we might find things that are not suitable to be played with,” Karasiuk said. “Now’s the time of year when all of us as residents should sort of take stock of our back yards, our areas, and be mindful of these hazards.”

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The Prince Albert Police Service also responded to the incident Tuesday, but said no charges will be laid. A police spokesperson said there is no way to determine how the pepper spray came to be in the yard, adding the incident was “an unfortunate accident.”

Karasiuk said there are ways residents can safely dispose of hazardous objects, such as needles, as the snow continues to melt. Residents should wear leather gloves and use plyers or something similar to grab the needle from the plunger end, not the sharp end, and place it in a plastic bottle or other type of hard container, he said.

There are a number of locations around Prince Albert where discarded needles can be dropped off, including Access Place, next to the former STC terminal, designated drop off bins, at public health offices or the hospital, or at either of Parkland Ambulance’s two locations.

However, if you are uncomfortable touching a needle, Karasiuk said it’s best to call the professionals. Children should never handle needles or other hazardous objects.

“If you’re uncomfortable, please don’t put yourself at any risk whatsoever,” Karasiuk added.

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Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt