New Equipment Helps First Responders Save Pets' Lives

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- All ambulances of the Narberth Volunteer Medical Service Corps, serving Lower Merion and sections of Conshohocken, will now carry a special, lifesaving device for pets caught in fires, thanks to the generosity of a local veterinary hospital.

The device,"O2 Fur Life," is a specially designed mask to provide oxygen to dogs and other pets overcome by smoke at fires.

Narberth paramedic Scott Kramer came up with the idea after seeing a dog rescued and revived at a fire in another Montgomery County community. However, the ambulance crews needed money.

Dr. James Bianco and his staff at the Ardmore Animal Hospital quickly stepped forward, raising the cash in just one month.

Both ambulance members and the vet staff cautioned that after 1st responders provide initial lifesaving care for a pet, an emergency veterinary staff must take over, transporting the injured animal for additional medical treatment.

Dr. Bianco explained that his hospital and others have long had masks and other equipment to help animals who need it, but now that lifesaving equipment will be instantly available at fire scenes and hopefully will help save pets.