Midland Park First Responders Now Equipped with Pet Oxygen Masks

Just in time for National Fire Prevention Month, Midland Park first responders have a new tool in their arsenal. The Fire Department and Ambulance Corp each received a pet oxygen mask kit from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

The kits were requested by firefighter Jeffrey Allyn after he learned about the company’s campaign to outfit first responders with the life-saving equipment.

Family pets are at special risk during a home fire because they cannot to leave the house without help. An estimated 40,000 die each year nationwide from smoke inhalation. Human oxygen masks do not fit the shape of most pets’ snouts, making it difficult for first responders to provide life-saving oxygen on scene.

The donated masks are designed for the shape of an animal’s snout. Each set includes masks in three sizes to fit a wide range of pets – from small mammals like rabbits to giant breed dogs.

According to Canine Company, donated masks have been used by first responders to save more than 18 pets – including six dogs, 11 cats and a rabbit – over the past year.

To ensure rescuers know there are pets in a home, Canine Company is offering free “Pets Inside” decals to local pet parents. Decals will be available at the fire department's October 10 Open House. They also can be ordered from Canine Company by completing the Request a Decal form on the company’s website.

“Our company’s mission is to help families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. “We do that not only with the products and services we offer, but with our charity programs too. We are grateful to Midland Park’s first responders for their concern for the well being of family pets.”

Canine Company has donated over 150 sets of the masks to first responders in 55 communities so far this year. Other Bergen County fire departments and first aid squads that have received donations include Mahwah, Ramsey, Fairlawn, Fort Lee, Northvale and New Milford.

Canine Company, which is based in Connecticut, provides at-home pet care products and services including the Invisible Fence® brand systems and Manners dog obedience training to pet parents across New England, New York and New Jersey. Through its Canine Love campaign, the company supports pet rescue and provides pet oxygen masks to first responders. For information, visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-3647.