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| Glendale firefighters use an oxygen mask to revive a cat saved from a fire. |
Thanks to a donation from the Sun Valley Animal Shelter, firefighters from the Glendale (Ariz.) Fire Department carry “Fido Bags” when they respond to fire incidents. The bags contain emergency medical supplies, including specially-fitted oxygen masks, to provide first aid to animals. In the last few weeks, firefighters used an oxygen mask twice to revive cats rescued from burning homes, the Arizona Republic reports.
The latest incident occurred on Dec. 10, when a cat named Smoky was rescued from a house fire. Firefighters used the oxygen mask to treat the cat for smoke inhalation. “Smoky is expected to be fine,” firefighter Daniel Valenzuela told the Republic.
On Nov. 29, firefighters used the oxygen mask to treat a kitten pulled from another burning home.
According to Elio Pompa, a deputy fire chief with the Glendale Fire Department, firefighters expect to find pets at six out of 10 residential fires. Glendale firefighters have carried the “Fido Bags” on their trucks since April, when the Sun Valley Animal Shelter made a $4,000 donation to help pay for the emergency kits. “Hopefully, we can save some animals,” said Barry Korb, president of the animal shelter.