Masks could save pets’ lives

This story first appeared in the Sept. 26 edition of the Kansan.

The Newton Fire/EMS Department received a donation to help prevent pets from falling victim to smoke inhalation in a fire.

During a demonstration ceremony Thursday afternoon at the Third Street fire station, Invisible Fence of Central Kansas presented two oxygen recovery mask kits for pets to the department.

Each kit has three mask sizes — one for large dogs, one for small dogs and one for cats.

Newton was selected as the first donation in Kansas. Beth Ericson, owner of Invisible Fence of Central Kansas, lives in Newton and wanted her hometown to be as prepared as possible to help every member of a household that might be involved in a fire.

“We want to thank Invisible Fence for their generosity and believe that these kits will help us save more pets,” Fire/EMS Chief Gary Denny said. “We can all recall a fire from the past where these kits would have helped save a pet.”

The masks are designed to fit with existing oxygen equipment. Ericson said the pet masks work exactly like the oxygen masks designed for people; they simply are designed specifically for dogs and cats.

It is estimated in 2006, more than 40,000 pets died in fires; most succumbed to smoke inhalation. In most states, emergency responders are unequipped to deal with the crisis.

The donation of these specially designed and potentially lifesaving animal oxygen mask sets will enable Newton first responders to efficiently administer oxygen to a stricken animal.

“We hope that by donating oxygen mask kits that we will contribute to saving more pets and hopefully protect pet owners that may risk their own life to save a pet in a fire,” Ericson said.