Roanoke Fire-EMS has teamed up with Invisible Fence Brand’s Project Breathe Initiative. This project supplies local fire departments with pet oxygen masks, specially designed to fit over a canine muzzle. These lifesaving devices can also be used on other house pets, including cats and ferrets. To date, Invisible Fence has donated more than 1,600 pet oxygen mask kits throughout the U.S. and Canada.
A house fire can be devastating, and losing your pet in the fire is unimaginable. It is estimated that at least 40,000 house pets die in fires each year, mostly from smoke inhalation. Many of these animals could have survived if they had been treated immediately with oxygen. Human oxygen masks do not fit an animal’s facial structure and therefore are not as effective as one made specifically for a pet.
Throughout history, there have been stories of “hero” dogs who bark to wake their owners or run into flames to rescue people. Now, Invisible Fence is returning the favor by donating three of these kits to the Roanoke City Fire and EMS Department.
At the grant presentation at Fire Station #1, volunteers from the SPCA came to demonstrate the oxygen masks. Along with their handlers, Minnie the cat and dogs Olive and Bob came to strut their stuff. Each animal had a turn breathing through the masks and they all seemed to take it quite calmly. With three sizes of masks, they will be able to help any size pet.
Chief Hoback said that the city has 12 stations and only three masks, so the masks will stay on the battalion trucks that respond to each and every fire. “Since most pets are on the floor, it is now possible to save them. We used to use adult oxygen masks, and I am sure we will use these pet masks quite a bit during fire season, which is getting ready to start,” said Hoback. “Pets are part of the family, they are your best friends and your kids.”
The kit includes a training manual, three masks, a leash and a carry bag. Unresponsive pets can be attached to an “ampu-bag” so CPR can be performed on them.
Minnie, Olive and Bob are all available for adoption through the SPCA.
By Carla Bream [email protected]