Pet Oxygen Masks Now On Chicagoland Apparatus

photo from 14 Paws Organization

Firefighters in Chicago and south suburban Matteson have recently gotten a new way to help save the lives of pets.

Oxygen masks will be distributed to the departments, and firefighters will be trained in how to use them.

The specialized masks are cone-shaped and designed to fit over the snouts of animals, including dogs, cats and some birds. The masks were originally intended for veterinarians.

Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford says in the past, firefighters have used their own masks to save pets.

Fire officials say firefighters won’t have to worry about being bitten by an animal they’re helping because the lack of oxygen makes them lethargic. Up to 150,000 pets die in fires every year, mostly from smoke inhalation.

Information from: Southtown Star, http://www.southtownstar.com