Local fire stations receive oxygen kits to save the whole family
Over the last few weeks eight local fire stations in and around Exeter have received a donation of specially designed animal oxygen kits from a local Insurance office.
With 46% of UK households owning pets and with over 42,000 house fire in the UK alone last year, there is no wonder over two Million UK people have lost pets in fires, not to mention how many animals could come to need them in wildlife sanctuaries and rehoming centers.
LV=’s Regional Community Committee in Exeter discovered Smokey Paws, who’s aim is to provide all fire engines across the UK with specially designed pet oxygen masks kit.
They purchased eight complete oxygen mask kits, to help those pets who might need medical help in the event of being caught up in a fire.
Smokey Paws believes that if oxygen is available at the scene it should be used as effectively as possible, alongside specially shaped pet oxygen masks which would enable the pet to get 95%- 100% oxygen as opposed to only 5% if using the human oxygen masks.
Smokey Paws Founder Brian Lockyer says “Specially designed pet oxygen masks are more effective on pets than the human masks often used to try and revive pets by first responders. By providing one special animal oxygen kit for each fire engine in the country as well as providing them to sanctuaries and shelters, we hope to enable first responders to save even more animals lives.”
Each kit contain three different size masks; small, medium and large to fit animals of all sizes from horses to mice and the kit also comes with oxygen tubes, a slip lead and breathable muzzles so that it is easier for the rescuer if the animal is in distress.
Some of the eight stations who have received the oxygen kits include Middlemoor, Danes castle, Topsham, Tiverton, Cullompton and Paignton.
Smokey Paws still has a long way to go in their animal lifesaving mission and they are looking for as much support as possible.
Emma Johnson, fundraiser at Smokey Paws said: "We urge anyone who is interested in supporting us, from businesses to community groups and individuals to get in touch with us today. Together we can save more pets lives."
For more information on Smokey Paws visit www.smokeypaws.co.uk
