City medic units carry oxygen masks for rescued pets

Four sets of veterinary-grade oxygen delivery masks for animals have been obtained by the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department from a program called Petmask.com. They are now in service on two medic units and ready for use if the need arises.

The mask kits are donated to firefighters, EMS Units, and Police K9 Units. The cone-shaped plastic masks, which come in three different sizes and fit snugly on snouts, can resuscitate animals suffering from smoke inhalation.

According to Manassas Fire Marshal Francis J. Teevan, the mask set is so versatile it can take care of just about any air breathing animal species from a tiny bird or reptile to a Saint Bernard dog.  The masks are economical, reusable, sturdy and easily cleaned and have a two-year manufacturer warranty.

Fire and Rescue Chief Brett Bowman was quoted as saying “The City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department recognizes that pets are an important part of our citizens’ family and that they are vulnerable to smoke inhalation because they hide in fear of the smoke and fire.  These devices will aid the firefighters and medics in possibly saving pets that are affected by the toxic smoke of a fire.”