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December 2, 2004
Holly Smith
Asst. Community Information Director
COUNTY FIRE CREWS EQUIPPED TO ASSIST FURRY FIRE VICTIMS
Firefighters live by the motto “To protect life and property.” But there’s nothing to say the life they attempt to save has to be human.
Volusia County Fire Services units now have equipment designed especially for furry victims.
“It’s not uncommon for firefighters to attempt to treat dogs and cats who have suffered smoke inhalation from a house fire,” said County Fire Services Director Jim Tauber. “They used to treat them using devices designed for humans. Now they have tools to provide life-saving oxygen to any small animal in distress.”
The County’s 22 frontline rescue units are equipped with a kit of small animal oxygen masks, thanks for a donation from H.E.L.P., a non-profit organization based in Orange City. Each kit contains three sizes of masks designed to fit small felines to dogs over 50 pounds. Masks fit standard resuscitation bags used for humans.
Each year, County firefighters assist as many as eight animals that have suffered smoke inhalation, Tauber said.
Volusia County Fire Services staffs 22 fire stations across the county.
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