March 31, 2017 - Redlands firefighters,
responding to a house fire Thursday afternoon, used a specially designed
pet oxygen mask to resuscitate a puppy found unconscious and not
breathing inside the residence. No other injuries were reported.
Firefighters responded to reports of a residential structure fire in
the 1400 block of Patricia Drive shortly before 2:30 p.m. Thursday,
March 30.
Upon arrival firefighters found the house filled with smoke and a
fire burning in the kitchen. Two residential fire sprinklers had
activated and kept the fire from spreading further than the kitchen. It
took firefighters about 10 minutes to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters began salvage operations to prevent any further property
damage, and remained on scene until shortly after 4 p.m. to complete
the operation.
During a search of the residence during the initial response
firefighters located an 8-week old Shih-tzu puppy in the house. The
puppy was not breathing and firefighters began resuscitation of the
dog. Firefighters used a special pet oxygen mask to resuscitate the dog.
The puppy was improving at a veterinary hospital in Yucaipa as of
Friday morning.
San Bernardino County Medic Engine 9 responded to the incident to
provide assistance and continued to cover Redlands during the incident.
Loma Linda Medic Engine 252 also assisted with covering the city during
the incident.
Damage to the home is estimated at $50,000. The cause of the fire is
under investigation but is believed to be accidental and related to a
kitchen appliance.
Representatives of the Emma Zen Foundation and Furry Face, A Very
Cool Dog & Cat Store donated 12 Pet Oxygen Mask Kits valued at $100
apiece to the Redlands Fire Department in 2014. The masks have been used
numerous times since the donation.
The kits can be used to resuscitate pets of various sizes that have
been rescued from fires. Oftentimes, pets are home even when families
are not and are found overcome by smoke. The Pet Oxygen Mask Kits give
firefighters a fighting chance to save the life of a much-loved family
pet.
This lifesaving equipment for pets is designed to simulate proper pet
CPR and gives an adequate constant flow of clean oxygen to a pet in
need, making resuscitation both more practical and efficient. The mask
works for dogs, cats, birds, and other household-size pets with an
effectiveness not previously available. The foundation also publishes
training materials to guide emergency personnel in their pet rescue
efforts
For more information about the Emma Zen Foundation, visit www.emmazenfoundation.com. Learn more about Furry Face, A Very Cool Dog & Cat Store at www.furry-face.com.