Colvill adds pet rescue equipment to its emergency supplies

Submitted by star on Fri, 10/10/2008 - 1:18pm

The Colvill Volunteer Fire Department, recognizing that pets are part of the family, has obtained equipment that could save a beloved animal’s life. SurgiVet Animal Oxygen Recovery Masks can be used to resuscitate a variety of animals—from parakeets and poodles to lizards and Labradors.

If the animal has a chance at life, the Colvill Fire Department wants to be ready. The oxygen masks are inexpensive to have on hand. The masks connect with tubing to the same oxygen tanks used for humans, so there is no additional cost. The Colvill Fire Department was able to purchase a set of three masks (small, medium and large) for $60. The reusable masks have a rubber gasket that forms a tight seal around the animal’s snout and provides life-saving oxygen.

“We’ll try the masks on any muzzle or snout that fits—dogs, cats, snakes, lizards, birds—we want to save these important members of the family,” said McFarlane.

The animal oxygen masks are an initiative of HELP Animals, Inc. of Orange City, FL. More information can be found at www.helpanimalsinc.org or by calling McFarlane at (218) 387-9404.