Wall First Responders New Equipped with Pet Oxygen Masks

The Wall Community First Aid Squad recently received a donation of two sets of specially designed oxygen masks for pets from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

First Lieutenant Mathew Giachetti requested the life-saving masks after learning about the company’s donation program from a neighboring fire company. He will be training squad members on how to use the masks during an upcoming pet first aid class.

“Wall Community First Aid is dispatched to provide medical assistance with the Fire Departments, anytime there is an active fire, smoke condition, CO alarm, etc. We are always prepared to help human victims, but the donation from the Canine Company will now allow us to help any animals that may be victimized at the scene as well,” he said. “Many of us are pet owners, and this donation gives us piece of mind, that we can help out our four-legged friends as well. The decals for the homes that were sent to us with the life-saving masks, allows us to determine in a home has a pet, and look for that pet to treat during a fire or smoke event.”

Pets are at special risk during a home fire because they are unable to leave the house without help. The cone-shaped masks are designed for a pet’s snout, which human masks don’t fit. Each set includes masks in three sizes to fit pets from small mammals to giant breed dogs.

To ensure rescuers know there are pets in a home, Canine Company has offered free “Pets Inside” decals to local pet parents. The stickers are available from squad, or can be requested by mail through the Request a Decal form on Canine Company’s website.

Over the past decade, Canine Company has donated masks to first responders in more than 500 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey. At least 14 pets, including four in New Jersey, have been saved so far this year by first responders using the donated masks.

Other Monmouth County communities that have received donations this year include the Adelphia Fire Department, Atlantic Highlands EMS, Jackson Township EMS, Long Brand Fire Department, Oceanport EMS and Ramtown-Howell Fire Company. For more information, visit www.caninecompany.com.

The Wall Community First Aid Squad is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization founded in 1960. The squad is dedicated to providing emergency medical care to the citizens of Wall Township. Membership is 100% volunteer and WCFAS is always looking for new members. For information, or to apply, visit wcfas.org