Southwick Fire Department EMT Brian Schneider demonstrates how to use a pet oxygen mask on Captain, a black Labrador, as Animal Control Officer Tracy Root and EMT Chris Brown look on. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
SOUTHWICK – Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association Charities, Inc (MVMA) has launched a 2013 Pet Oxygen Mask Campaign, benefitting over 100 Massachusetts municipalities, including Southwick.
In 2008, the MVMA Charities, Inc. launched the MVMACI Pet Oxygen Mask Program to outfit every municipality in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with a pet oxygen mask kit. Over half of the state’s communities now have these kits. The 2013 Campaign is underway to “finish the job,” said MVMA Charities, Inc. President Dr. Suzanne Starr.
“We are excited to complete phase one of this program and make sure that all first responder vehicles are equipped with the emergency equipment needed to save the lives of our pets,” said Starr.
This set of three masks is designed to fit dogs and cats that might be victims of smoke inhalation, excess water inhalation, or other respiratory emergencies. Southwick EMTs Brian Schneider and Chris Brown stressed that the masks are for use in an instance of fire or other emergency. If a pet is in distress from another ailment, pet owners should contact their veterinarian, not the fire department.
In one year alone, nearly 30,000 fire incidents were reported in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with almost half happening in residential homes. In order to ensure the proper care and safety of pets during these unfortunate occurrences, the Pet Oxygen Mask Program has been established by the MVMACI, and have adopted a two-tiered mission to distribute rescue masks. Initially, the goal was to place one mask kit in each town and city across the state. Phase two of the program is to place one mask kit in all of the 452 fire stations in the state. Currently, approximately half of the cities and towns in Massachusetts are equipped with pet oxygen mask kits.
Brown and Schneider both said while the need for a pet oxygen mask in Southwick is not great, they do have an occasional incident where it would be a benefit.
Animal Control Officer Tracy Root said having the mask would make a difference.
“It would definitely be a benefit to the fire department and the animals,” said Root.
The mask is designed for use on unconscious dogs and cats, Schneider said.
“It can also be used as a blow assist,” he said.
