We all know that the HRFE members are trained very well as MFR (medical first responders). From structure fires to car accidents, the need to be able to quickly and professionally assist the injured is a daily occurrence.
(A cat is unhappy but alive as he receives oxygen after being rescued from a house fire)
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But did you know? HRFE crews are also equipped to help our fur babies in distress too!
(HRFE Capt Thompson prepares a dog CPR doll at St John’s Ambulance)
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Using special gear, life saving techniques, including CPR has been applied to help keep our fur babies with us! First responders are ready to help our fur babies as much as they can!
(Air supply decal on HRFE engine 15)
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HRFE Capt Annette Thompson took some time to explain some of the differences a first responder has to take into consideration while treating our most common critters, a cat or a dog, at the St John’s Ambulance in Dartmouth, where pet first-aid is offered., and pet first-aid kits are available.
(HRFE Capt Thompson demonstrates sideways chest compressions at St John’s Ambulance in Dartmouth)
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With a main focus on cats and dogs, but adaptable in many cases, first responders such as fire crews encounter traumatic situations which could affect our fur family. Structure fires, car accidents, flooding and extreme cold affect our pets too, and our first responders work hard to ensure our pets can stay with us long after the tragedy.
(Animal air masks, tank and first aid bag from HRFE Eng 15)
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Most pet first-aid is very similar to what we may encounter with people, just smaller and furry. However, many fire crews are equipped with smaller and specific air masks for muzzles. Airway management is where the greatest difference is encountered when it comes to our pets., and the techniques are, in theory, similar…. but also not.
(A pet first aid kit is fully stocked from St John’s Ambulance)
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Three different sized air masks are available to rescue our pets through the HRFE, and in some cases, human masks may be needed if the breed of animal has a particularily flat snout. These masks cover the mouth and nose as oxygen bottles provide a steady stream of oxygen. Crews are also taught through pet first aid how to appropriately administer chest compressions, with the animals on their sides and using folded elbows as a guide, much different than CPR on a person!
(Fire crews are happy to have a responsive animal as they administer oxygen and remove him away from a fire)
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In any pet rescue, it is always ideal for the animal to be checked out by a vet to ensure there are no lingering effects. Sadly, not all pet rescues are always successful. Animals may panic in a fire for example and hide. Always inform responders if you are missing a pet and they will do their best to save your furry family.
(EHS administer oxygen to a scared kitty rescued from a fire)
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It is deeply appreciated and a shout out to our first responders that find all life worth saving, and thank you to St John’s Ambulance for providing a great service to help more people help more pets!
More information about pet first aid below!
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**** Info via St John’s Ambulance
Are you prepared for a pet emergency?
(A cat is carried away from a fire scene in Dartmouth. Checked over, the kitty was in purrfect condition)
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First Aid is an important tool for taking care of the ones you love. Many of us have taken a first aid course at some point in our lives for family, school or work related reasons and we have learned some important skills. Your animal companion is more to you than just a pet; they are a member of your family. As such, have you considered how to recognize a potentially serious condition, and help them if they are injured?
(Grumpy but ok, a kitty is checked over after a fire)
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Good first aid knowledge can help to save your pet’s life, reduce the potential for increased injury and promote fast recovery. First aid is not a replacement for going to your vet, but handling emergency situations properly right at the beginning can save you money by recognizing problems early and acting on them quickly.
(Muzzle masks and air tank from HRFE Engine 15)
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Pet first aid courses are designed to build an owner’s confidence to respond to an illness or injury situation, administer the appropriate care, or stabilize and transport a pet to the veterinarian. A good course will include preventive care to avoid illness and injury, how to use common household items to restrain and transport an injured animal, and some or all of the following:
- Pet proofing your home
- Shock, unconsciousness, vomiting, dehydration and diarrhea
- Animal fights and bites
- Internal and external bleeding
- Wounds and infections
- Poisons
- Artificial respiration and airway obstruction
- Abdominal thrusts for choking
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Administering medications
- Parasites, insect bites and stings
- Eye, ear and nose injuries
- Injuries from heat and cold
- Spinal, bone and joint injuries
- Porcupine quills
- Skunk sprays
- Seizures
- Delivering puppies or kittens
(Same kitty as before. Two crew members secured and checked over the feline and administered oxygen after a fire)
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Attending a course in person allows for hands-on learning with life-sized specialty animal manikins. Along with practicing CPR, choking and bandaging, animal manikins can be used to demonstrate how to adapt common household items such as jackets, sticks, newspaper, saran wrap, duct tape, Benadryl, old cell phones, ties, belts, rope, scarfs, etc. into first aid tools.
Finally, a good first aid course will provide you with a resource manual for handy reference and a specially designed pet first aid kit.
Consider the newly developed, St. John Ambulance Pet First Aid course. With everything included above, it will be the best 6 ½ hours you spend on learning how to keep your pet safe and healthy.
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DYK? St John’s Ambulance provides civilian courses in pet first aid? Contact your local branch for more information about the program.
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**** Via Camp Courage
Camp Courage Fundraiser Alert
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