Put a Pet Oxygen Mask on Every Fire Truck
posted by: Sharon Seltzer 65 days ago
A homeowner in Ogden, UT was grateful when firefighters arrived on the scene at his smoke-filled house earlier this week. They pulled him and his old cocker spaniel to safety. But a few minutes after the rescue, the dog began having trouble breathing and died from smoke inhalation.
Did you know that an estimated half million pets are involved in house fires every year and that more than 40,000 of them die because of smoke inhalation?
But like so many statistics in the world of animal welfare, there is a simple fix for these sad facts; add a pet oxygen mask to every fire truck and ambulance in the country.
With the right equipment, firefighters and emergency medical responders say they could save the lives of many pets.
October is National Fire Safety Month and Bark 10-4 is using the occasion to launch a campaign that will get a pet oxygen mask on board every fire truck. These masks are effective on dogs, cats and other companion animals.
Information from a press release by Bark 10-4 reported that there are more than 30,000 fire departments and emergency medical offices nationwide and many of them don’t have the funds to buy a pet oxygen mask for each of their trucks.
So Bark 10-4 has created a sponsorship program for the public to purchase a mask for their local fire department. The mask costs $25.00 and the sponsor can designate which specific fire department receives the gift.
“Vets have used oxygen masks designed especially for animals for years,” said Lisa Huston of SurgiVet, the manufacturer of the mask. “These masks have found their way into the hands of first responders primarily through word of mouth and the generosity of compassionate pet owners. This program will go a long way toward raising awareness about a product that can save a lot of pets’ lives.”
Last spring the Rocky Mountain Telegraph reported a story about a house fire that was fully engulfed by flames when firefighters arrived. Inside they found the bodies of three newborn puppies and their mother. As they carried each one outside, they realized that one of the puppies moved a little.
They cooled off his body with water and placed their newly donated pet oxygen mask over his face. The puppy responded to the treatment.
Click here to learn more about the Bark 10-4 Campaign.
Read more: animal welfare, animal safety, bark 10-4, pet oxygen masks
comments
Is this program for the US only? Who should be informed for this to happen in Canada also?
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why is this inappropriate?
Yes because animals are a part of the family and they should be saved as well if at all possible and that is a fact.
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why is this inappropriate?
I thought all fire trucks had them. Obviously, I was wrong. I am always amazed when watching the news and they show a fireman who is giving mouth-to-mouth to a pet or he/she is using an oxygen masks on a cat or dog. Bravo to our fireman and women, and to having oxygen maks on board!!
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why is this inappropriate?
yes i do these dogs risk their life;s same as humans they breath in smoke to,i hope they in vent a fire proof suit for dogs,our fire men & women r our hero;s they rick their life;s as will my heart goes out to them all dogs & humans
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why is this inappropriate?
The FD can just use regular human 02 masks. Our PACU unit is saving our o2 masks and recycles them for our volunteer fire dept that is another option too for peeple to do.
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why is this inappropriate?
The FD can just use regular human 02 masks. Our PACU unit is saving our o2 masks and recycles them for our volunteer fire dept that is another option too for peeple to do.
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why is this inappropriate?
I thinks its a great idea. I have never even thought about it b4. I have a dog that died in a housefire I had. I wonder now if her life could have been saved using the mask. I am definitely going to find out if my FD has one and if not will make that donation. WOW thanks for sharing that.
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why is this inappropriate?
Our pets are like are children and YES they should have a fighting chance in chance of a fire. I'm going to look into getting one for my home and possible donating to our local fire truck. Bless the fire fighters, they do their best and maybe if we all pull together we can help make their job a little easier and brighter. Our pets may not be human, but they have a soul who shows love and compassion. We would not turn our backs on our human children, let's remember that our pets are no different(other than the hair). Maybe if we all look toward our community for help and donate the masks needed, we could all rest a little more~
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why is this inappropriate?
Firefighters do indeed always attempt to rescue pets in a house fire. It is not a rare occurrence for a firefighter to attempt to revive a cat or a dog, and any equipment that helps them do this job should be available.
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why is this inappropriate?
I know a fire fighter who donated three pet oxygen masks (one per truck) to the department he works for :D He read this and got his boss to now 4 other departments are buying a pet oxygen mask for all their trucks :D Thank you so much for writing this article you have saved lives.
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