Breathe easy
REGION: Horowhenua pets caught in fires have an extra chance at life after a woman donated animal resuscitation masks to four fire stations.
Horowhenua pets caught in fires have an extra chance at life after a woman donated animal resuscitation masks to four fire stations.
After Levin resident Kim Damerell saw a video on Youtube of a dog being resuscitated after a house fire overseas, she had an urge to find out what equipment was available in New Zealand.
Although the masks were available, no Horowhenua fire stations had them so she raised funds to donate four sets, worth about $100 each.
On Thursday, Damerell gave the masks to the Foxton Volunteer Fire Brigade who will distribute them to the Levin, Shannon and Otaki fire stations.
In each set there are three sizes of masks; one for larger pets such as dogs, one for smaller dogs and one that fits cats, rabbits and rats.
‘‘I’ve heard of animals dying in fires. I know if my house caught fire and my dogs had issues it would be nice if they could be saved.’’
Damerell hoped it would inspire more fire stations to get animal resuscitation masks as owners often didn’t know how to save their pets.
‘‘There’s a lot of people that, even though they love their dogs, wouldn’t give them the kiss of life or they wouldn’t know what to do.’’
The masks were easy and fast to slip on, Damerell said. They connect to an oxygen tanker and sit on the animal’s mouth within seconds.
Foxton chief fire officer Shaun Sayer said it could be distressing for owners dealing with a pet who was caught in a fire.
‘‘Pets are a part of the family. At least we know we’re able to attempt to save a life. It’s something that we hope we don’t need but it’s another kit in the tool box.’’
At the moment ‘‘mouth to muzzle’’ resuscitation was the best option but not many firefighters would attempt it, Sayer said.
Sometimes animals took off when a fire started but others would stay in the house and often be overcome with smoke, he said.
Manawatu¯ assistant area commander Rodger Calder said he believed no Manawatu¯ fire stations had animal oxygen masks.
‘‘We have had a number of animals that have perished.’’
The masks would give firefighters another opportunity to save animals, Calder said.