Oxygen Masks for Pets
updated: Feb 25, 2013, 10:45 AM

Source: Ventura County Fire Protection

Ventura County Fire Department engines will soon be carrying equipment that will help save the lives of pets overcome by smoke during a fire. The Emma Zen Foundation of Orange County is donating pet oxygen masks for every fire engine and rescue squad in the department.

The masks will be presented at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 28, at Fire Station 43 in Simi Valley.

The Foundation estimates 40,000 family pets die every year due to fire and fire-related issues. The pet oxygen masks are cone-shaped and designed specifically to the fit the muzzles and snouts of dogs, cats and other household pets.

"These masks will definitely help our firefighters save pet?s lives," said Captain Mike Lindbery. "Right now when we try to resuscitate a pet all we can do is use a mask designed for humans and „blow by? air, hoping it will provide enough oxygen to the animal."

Each engine will carry an assortment of masks in various sizes and their accessories. The masks work with the human oxygen systems that are already part of the standard equipment on the engines.

"Pet resuscitation is not a high-frequency event for us," said Lindbery, "but when a family escapes a house fire and their pet doesn?t, it?s devastating. These masks will give us a better chance of bringing those pets back."

Event:

- Pet Oxygen Mask Donation

- Thursday, February 28, 2013

- 10 a.m.

- Fire Station 43 - 5874 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley (Ventura Co. Thomas Guide 499-A3)

Visuals:

- Firefighters and Fire Apparatus

- Pet Oxygen Masks (pets will be available to demonstrate how the masks work)

- Firefighter Interviews

- Animal Control Interviews

- Emma Zen Foundation Interviews

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)