Bernardsville First Aid Squad Receives Life-Saving Equipment for Pets

Responding to a house fire last year, the Bernardsville Fire Company #1 First Aid Squad tried to resuscitate a family dog that had suffered severe smoke inhalation, but weren’t able to save the pet because they didn’t have the right equipment.

“It was devastating to the family and our volunteer rescuers,” said Captain Mary Ferrante.

So when she learned about Canine Saves – a campaign launched by Canine Company to donate pet oxygen masks to first responders in communities where its clients live – she immediately contacted the company and requested masks for the squad’s ambulances.

“Now, with the proper training and canine oxygen masks on our ambulances, we will have a fighting chance at preventing another pet being lost,” Ferrente said.

She also shared the details of the Canine Saves campaign with neighboring first responders, including those in Basking Ridge and Martinsville, who have also now received the masks.

So far this year, 18 fire departments and first aid squads in New Jersey have received more than 40 sets of masks from the company. “At Canine Company, we offer products and services to help pet parents keep their pets healthy, safe and happy at home and we support community programs that do the same,” said Renee Coughlin, of Canine Company. “We hope to donate masks to other first responders in communities where our clients live.”

Fire and EMS chiefs can apply at https://www.caninecompany.com/topic/charities.aspx.

Meanwhile, Ferrante is planning a training class to ensure her squad knows how to use the masks and will be inviting nearby first responders to join the session.

Canine Company provides at-home pet care products and services including the Invisible Fence® brand pet containment systems and Manners obedience training to pet parents across New Jersey, New York and the New England states.

About the pet oxygen masks

The pet oxygen masks are designed in a cone shape to fit securely over the snout of most animals. Each set comes in three sizes to fit many pets – from small mammals like rabbits up through giant-breed dogs. The masks connect to the standard oxygen tanks rescue teams carry.

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