WATCH: Lancashire's firefighters use new equipment to save pets' lives
Lancashire's firefighters will now be carrying around special oxygen masks which they'll use to save pets' lives during house fires.
Lancashire's firefighters will now be carrying around special oxygen masks which they'll use to save pets' lives during house fires.
The nine masks will be on-board fire engines across the county thanks to a donation by charity Smokey Paws.
The equipment treats the pets for smoke inhalation in the same way as humans.
These masks are specially designed to fit the faces of animals, meaning oxygen will reach their brains faster.
WATCH: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service show Rock FM how the equipment works:
Station Manager Tom Cookson who is responsible for Response and Emergency Planning says:
“Escaping from a fire is difficult enough for humans but there are some pets that are kept in cages or in a particular room in a house which can be extremely traumatic for them if a fire breaks. We attend thousands of house fires each year and from time to time there are pets still in the house when firefighters arrive at the scene.”
“In the past, we have had to use the same oxygen masks that we use on humans and these are obviously a lot bigger and a lot more difficult to use on pets that are terrified. The difficulties in using these masks on animals reduce the effectiveness of the treatment that we provide and so these new masks for pets that are designed to specifically fit their faces will help our attempts to treat animals affected by smoke, and every second counts.”
“The support that we have had from Smokey Paws has been fantastic and I want to thank Pets at Home, Pets Choice and members of the public who have helped pay for these masks. I know that their money will contribute to saving the lives of pets around Lancashire.”
Lynn Carberry from Smokey Paws said: “The nine sets of masks being given to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are a great start to equipping all of Lancashire’s fire stations.” “The fire service tries hard to revive pets using human oxygen masks but these are not designed for use on animals. The pet oxygen masks are specifically designed for dogs, cats and smaller animals like rabbits, snakes and mice and therefore are more efficient than trying to use human masks.” “We raise the money for the life-saving pet oxygen masks and replacements via public donations and company sponsorship. Everyone can become involved; schools can arrange fundraisers and we are seeking shops willing to take our donation boxes.” Smokey Paws is actively encouraging members of the public or Lancashire businesses to make donations so that these pet oxygen masks are available at fire stations across the county. People can donate via their website www.smokeypaws.co.uk