Arlington Fire Department Unveils New Pet Recovery Equipment
Oxygen Masks Become Standard Equipment on Emergency Response Vehicles

October 21, 2006

On October 20, the City of Arlington introduced new emergency rescue equipment for pets. The ceremony at Fire Station No. 15 on Eden Road included oxygen mask demonstrations, pet recovery success stories and special remarks from District 2 City Council member Sheri Capehart and Arlington Fire Department officials.

Other participants included Arlington Animal Services, Assistance Dogs of Texas, Dog Scouts of America, Doberman Pinscher Club of Dallas and the Great Dane Club of Greater Dallas, Inc.

Recovery oxygen masks for pets have become new standard equipment on all Fire Department emergency service vehicles. The masks are designed to provide oxygen to animals, specifically large and small dogs and cats rescued from a structure fire. Until now, the department has relied on oxygen masks designed for human beings.

The masks will be used when an animal is rescued in a structure fire and has suffered a non-lethal amount of smoke inhalation. The mask provides oxygen to the animal to assist with its recovery until it can be transported to a veterinarian for medical examination. The masks will not be used for medical emergencies. Citizens are reminded to call their veterinarian for emergency medical care. Contact Animal Services for all other assistance.

This new program is funded by private and public contributions. The goal is to equip all first-responder vehicles with oxygen masks by November 1.