Phoenixville Fire Department Trains To Save Pets

PHOENIXVILLE, PA -- Humans aren’t the only victims of fire.

Cats, dogs, and other animals often suffer burns and smoke inhalation during emergencies.

The Phoenixville Fire Department is now equipped and trained to resuscitate pets, they announced.

“Many of our firefighters are animal lovers and have pets themselves,” the fire department said on Facebook. “We wanted to be able to add this extra level of training in hopes we can make a difference some day when a four-legged friend needs help while a family is already dealing with damage of their home due to fire.”

Their training will allow firefighters to attempt to resuscitate of pets found unresponsive in a home after a fire or as result of a vehicle crash where firefighters are already on location.

The training was provided by Ann Caulfield, a veterinarian, and Marianne Culmone, a nurse, both residents of Phoenixville, the fire department said.

In conjunction with training, kits known as “FIDO Bags” containing various size oxygen masks for cats and dogs, hae been placed on the Engines and Ladder truck.

The kits were donated by The Fetch Foundation of Scottsdale, Arizona and Caulfield through a Leadership Academy grant from the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, according to the fire department.

Fire companies and animal rescue groups in the Phoenixville area that are interested in this training may contact Caulfield at (610) 935-2726.