Fire service gets pet friendly oxygen masks onboard

Paul Jones, from the fire service, says the masks will make a "big difference"

Pet friendly oxygen masks are now being carried onboard a fire service's appliances to help save people's four-legged friends.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said the masks would ensure 85 to 90% of oxygen would be successfully administered to animals.

In contrast, the use of human masks had only been able to give up to just 15% of oxygen to pets.

Operational group trainer Paul Jones said wider availability of the pet friendly masks would make a "big difference".

'Better service'

Purchased from non-profit organisation Smokey Paws, the lifeline kit would provide essential care to pets at the scene of fires.

Unlike human masks, the animal gear has a conical shape to fit over the snout.

"Firefighters attend a wide range of incidents and providing oxygen to animals through a makeshift system is nothing new," Mr Jones said.

"However, the introduction of the Smokey Paws equipment allows us to upskill crews to provide evidence-based trauma care and give a better service to our communities."