Words by Smiley Team
Special oxygen masks designed for pets are being trialled in London.
The equipment has been donated by the non-profit Smokey Pets to the London Fire Brigade and each kit includes three sizes of domestic pet oxygen therapy masks, two rope leads and two sizes of muzzle.
A cat in Paddington was rescued from a house fire and became the first animal to receive this groundbreaking treatment. Thanks to the kit provided by Smokey Pets, the cat was able to recover.
“Crews did a great job in challenging conditions to tackle this house fire and then were able to focus on the pets they had rescued,” said Station Officer Nathan Beeby, who was at the scene. “Having something specially designed made so much difference as the mask is properly sealed around the animal’s muzzle and all the oxygen is going into their lungs.”
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“The crews all thought it was a great piece of equipment that was easy to use with the training they had all had, quick to get to work with and ultimately saved the cat's life,” added Nathan. “Having the specialist equipment there also put the occupier at ease and they were really happy with the outcome.”
The kits are being trialled in the London boroughs of Battersea, Paddington, Richmond and Hammersmith and, if the trial is a success, they will be rolled out to fire services across the city.
“Of course a firefighter’s priority is always to save any human life, but we know how precious people’s pets are to them and we also know owners will put their own lives at risk by trying to return to a burning building to rescue them,” said Dave O’Neill, The Brigade’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Operational Policy.
“This new equipment will allow our crews to safely provide oxygen to any animals which need medical attention in the immediate aftermath of a fire. They will also bring a bit of hope and positivity to families in a traumatic situation.”
DONATE: Choose to financially support Smokey Pets, and help fund the creation of more oxygen masks designed for pets.
