Department Receives Donation to Help Save Pet's Lives

St. Charles County Ambulance District paramedics have become some of the best-equipped in the nation to save a pet’s life. That’s because on December 16, 2011, Invisible Fence of St. Louis donated thirty-five pet oxygen mask kits to the organization.  Sarah Drew Rouse, of Invisible Fence of St. Louis stated that each ambulance and supervisor vehicle will be outfitted with a kit containing 3 pet oxygen masks properly sized for small, medium, and large pets.

This donation is just a small part of Invisible Fence Brand’s Project Breathe, which was established with the goal of equipping every EMS provider America and Canada with pet oxygen masks. These masks allow first responders to give oxygen to pets who are suffering from smoke inhalation. The masks often save pets’ lives.  Martin Limpert a spokesman for the ambulance district stated that although paramedics were able to successfully resuscitate two dogs in the past six months by adapting their regular equipment, it can be rather cumbersome.  Limpert said that the new pet oxygen masks will be much more efficient and will be a great asset in treating injured pets.  The donation comes just in time for the holiday season, where the risk of fire can be high due to increased use of candles, electric lights, and more.

Limpert and Sarah Drew Rouse both echoed similar sentiments concerning the loss a family suffers due to the tragedy of a fire. “Lives are turned upside down. Pets are valued family members. We want families to know that their pet can be cared for if tragedy strikes.  These masks will give residents comfort in knowing that paramedics have a tool to help save their pets if they are suffering from smoke inhalation.”

Limpert added that obviously, human patients are the first priority, but in those instances where time and circumstances permits, paramedics will have the proper equipment to intervene.

Invisible Fence Brand has donated a total of more than 10,000 pet oxygen masks to first responders all over the U.S. and Canada throughout the life of the program. A reported 50+ pets have been saved by the donated masks so far.

Source:  SCCAD.com