US fire service obtains pet oxygen masks
A philanthropist has donated a number of specially-designed oxygen masks to help pets that have been trapped during house fires.
Animal lover and US citizen Marian Jordan brought the issue to the attention of the North Tahoe Fire Protection Unit and a pilot programme was launched, the Sierra Sun has reported.
Marian donated two of the oxygen masks and funding was raised for four more sets, providing animals in the region with emergency aid during fires.
Dave Zaski, public information office for the unit, said that when the service had attempted to help animals caught in the fires they had previously adapted human oxygen masks.
"Now they fit perfectly - it gives us the opportunity to resuscitate dogs and cats if they're in a smoke-filled environment," he explained.
Bark 10-4 is the US campaign to equip the fire service with enough oxygen masks to resuscitate animals injured and endangered by fires.
It aims to ensure that all 30,000 fire departments and EMT officers are equipped with oxygen masks suitable for pets.
Posted by Jenny Richards
29/01/2010 10:57:39
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