Fire departments get pet rescue kits, training
Area fire departments will be getting free pet oxygen kits along with training on how to use them this month, thanks to a sponsorship from Canon Hill Veterinary Clinic in partnership with the Washington County Animal Rescue Team.
The kits will include multiple oxygen masks, a leash and a carrying case and other essential items. The masks can be used to treat smoke inhalation for conscious pets or to resuscitate them. The masks fit can be used on most traditional pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and birds, according to a news release from CART.
The release said that the county has an average of more than 500 reported structure fires per year, many of them affect family pets.
“Firefighters will often retrieve a pet from a burning structure, but without the proper equipment, pet oxygen masks, the pet may not be revived,” the news release said.
The training will include how to approach animals at the scene, how to apply the masks, how much oxygen to give them and where to transport them. Fire departments that attend the training will receive the kits. According to CART, the training will be continuous until all departments are equipped with the kits.
“…This project will insure that the pets involved in a fire-related incident will have the best chance of survival, on scene and during transport,” the release said.
The upcoming dates and locations for the training are as follows:
- Bentleyville Fire Department, 900 Main St., Bentleyville, 6 p.m. Monday.
- North Strabane Township Fire Department, 2550 Washington Road, North Strabane, 7 p.m. Jan. 24.
- South Strabane Township Fire Department, 172 Oak Spring Road, South Strabane, 7 p.m. Jan. 30.