In several Florida counties, firefighters have prepared themselves for such scenarios by acquiring oxygen masks designed to fit over the noses and mouths of a host of critters. These masks help resuscitate animals disabled by smoke inhalation, and their purchase is typically funded by community donations--not county coffers. Masks come in several sizes, accommodating pets from cats and dogs to snakes and even exotic birds.
"We understand that pets are part of the family," says Alan Harris, public education information officer of Seminole County, which is one of the first to utilize these new oxygen masks. "Traditionally, we treat more cats and dogs at house fires than humans." That's because most people are able to escape from fires themselves or are out of the house when they occur. However, this means pets are at high risk of being left behind in a blaze.
Nearby, in Palm Beach County, the fire department is taking animal rescue one step further. The county is enlisting the help of local veterinarians to provide emergency services as well as train its officers in animal CPR--which is remarkably similar to human CPR but on bodies that are quite different in size and shape. "We're not just jumping on the bandwagon," says Captain Bill Peters of the county's EMS division. "If we're going to be using these masks, we're going to help pets the whole way."
