Pet Oxygen Masks Donated to Forks Township

Saving lives in a fire doesn’t just include people; pets are vulnerable, too. So, when an inquiry was made at the Northampton County Fire Chiefs Association last month about pet oxygen masks, Chief Chuck Chapman jumped at the opportunity.

Last night, that tool – pet oxygen masks – arrived.

"Pets have perished in some of our fires. You never know, this might save another life," Chapman said. "When you go to a fire, it's the worst day of someone's life. Now we have another tool in the toolbox. Pets are like family."

On Monday night, Lee Lagomarsino, deputy director for Northampton County Rescue, delivered an "O2 Fur Life Pet Oxygen Mask" to Chapman.

The package contains a set of three masks – large, medium and small – a leash, an instruction DVD and a handbook. The masks can be used on dogs, cats, rabbits and even birds.

Nearly all firefighters have seen people try to rush back into a burning building to save their pets, and most understand that pets are indeed beloved family members.

With the right equipment, firefighters and EMS rescuers can often save a pet's life.

"Pets suffer smoke inhalation just like people," he said. "Firefighters have tried to improvise with pets, even using coffee cups to try and save them. Now they have the masks."

Veterinarians have used oxygen masks designed especially for animals for years. For the past year, they have become more available to fire departments, Lagomarsino said.

He said they were demonstrated at a veterinary center in Bethlehem Township last month and the calls for them started coming in.

Last month, Lagomarsino said 22 dogs were pulled out of a fire at a New Jersey kennel and the masks were used to save all but two of the dogs.

If you want to donate to help LV Cart distribute the equipment, each mask costs $75. The donation is tax deductible. To learn more about the donation and pet oxygen masks, visit LV Cart.