PRESS RELEASES - OCTOBER 2006

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

October 17, 2006

Who:
City of Arlington to introduce new emergency rescue equipment for pets.

When:
2 p.m. Friday, October 20
Ceremony to include oxygen mask demonstration, pet recovery success stories and special remarks from District 2 City Council member Sheri Capehart and Arlington Fire Department officials. Other participants: 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.

Where:
Fire Station No. 15 located at 906 Eden Road in south Arlington.

About the Recovery Masks:
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 Recovery 02 Masks are designed to fit the snout of a dog or cat so that oxygen may be provided in a more efficient manner, helping the animal recover from smoke inhalation,” said Battalion Chief David Carroll.

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 if a stray animal requires medical assistance. For more information about the new Recovery 02 Masks, call AFD at 817-459-5500 or www.ci.arlington.tx.us/fire

Funding Partnerships:
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.

Special Note to News Media:
Excellent video and photography opportunities.