News : Project Breathe: VFD receives donation of oxygen mask for pets

VFD Chief Gary McKenna demonstrates an oxygen mask with the help of his dog, Toby. After seeing in the news how a group of Vinton firefighters created a makeshift oxygen mask with a styrofoam cup to revive a small dog overcome with smoke after a recent house fire, Trent Donels, an owner of an Invisible Fence business in Cedar Rapids, chose to add the Vinton FD to the company's nationwide Project Breathe. He donated a kit of three differently-sized small animal oxygen masks that can connect to the breathing apparatus firefighters use. On Thursday, company representative Kevin Carlson delivered the kit to the VFD, and explained how to use it. Toby, the 9-year-old black lab mix dog belong to Fire Chief Gary McKenna, joined the firefighters as McKenna demonstrated how the mask covers a pet's nose and mouth to provide oxygen. The firefighters also heard some advice for treating pets affected by fire from Dr. Clyde Wilson, the long-time owner of the Vinton Veterinary Clinic. Wilson thanked the firefighters for their recent efforts to save Cookie, the dog owned by Luke Pohlmann and his daughter, Jade. Kevin Carlson of Invisible Fence, Fire Chief Gary McKenna and Toby, and Veterinarian Clyde Wilson. "I commend the fire department for not looking at the animal as 'just a dog or cat,'" said Dr. Wilson, who treated Cookie following the fire. The Veterinarian cautioned firefighters that even a normally friendly animal may be scared and disoriented after a fire, and "may not see you as a friend," warning them to be careful not to get bitten. There are two risks from smoke inhalation, explained the vet. First, there is the danger of asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning. To treat that, he advised firefighters to first clear an airway and then administer oxygen. Also, squeezing the animal's chest can help restore breathing. The second risk from smoke inhalation can come hours or even a day or two later, Dr. Wilson explains. The toxins in smoke can severely inflame the tissues of the respiratory system, causing a pet's airway to swell until it's nearly closed, or even pneumonia. Cookie had such a crisis the day after being rescued in a fire, Wilson said. He advised firefighters to pass on this information to pet owners after a fire. He also advised firefighters to wash a pet's eyes to remove toxic irritants and to offer the pet water to drink. About Project Breathe The Invisible Fence company started Project Breathe several years ago, providing one free pet oxygen mask kit to every fire station that requests one. The company's web site says as many as 10,000 pets have been saved through the program. To request a kit for another fire department, click HERE. See a story with a link to a video about the rescue of Cookie HERE.