This in from the council, in their own words, Ed
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has been given three new special pet oxygen masks that are designed to help animals rescued from fires.
They are designed to fit the mouths of animals from large dogs down to guinea pigs. Currently, if a pet is rescued from a fire and requires oxygen, firefighters use masks designed for humans which are often too big.
The pet oxygen masks have been provided free of charge by the organisation ‘Smokey Paws’ thanks to a donation from national pet care company Animals at Home.
Pets also suffer from effects of smoke
Mick Keenan, local senior officer for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“In the event of a fire in a house, once all family members are safe, their attention then turns to the safety of their pets who often mean the world to them and are a major part of the family. They want us to do all we can to rescue them.
“Pets often try to hide when they are scared and, just like humans, can suffer from the effects of smoke inhalation. We often do our best to resuscitate animals such as dogs, cats and rabbits and use standard oxygen masks but these do not always work well.
“These special pet masks will make a big difference, because every second counts after a fire.”
Lynn Carberry, owner of Smokey Paws which provided the masks, added:
“We raise money for lifesaving oxygen masks for animals because they play a vital part in rescues. It is our vision to provide every first responder in the UK with these important pieces of equipment.
“All our equipment donations are made possible through fundraising activities, like this donation from Animals at Home, and I am very pleased we are able to support the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.”
More information on Smokey Paws, including how to donate, can be found on the Website.
