(PAHRUMP, NV.) – In June 2014, the Pahrump Valley Professional Fire Fighters (PVPFF), in partnership with the town of Pahrump Fire Department, purchased three animal oxygen masks, to assist in saving lives of pets trapped and suffering smoke inhalation due to house fires. Pahrump Fire Chief Scott Lewis approved town funding for half the cost of the masks.
The PVPFF bought the three masks in order to maintain one within each each fire station engine in Pahrump Valley. They also purchased three replacement part kits to keep spares on hand at each of the stations. The sturdy polycarbonate masks contain dual vents and a rubber mounted 22mm oxygen adapter enabling unrestricted inhalation and exhalation of air. Each mask can also be quickly attached to an “Ambu-Bag,” should the pet require manual breathing assistance.These masks will assist the PVPFF significantly because (unlike people who attempt to escape their home during a blaze) pets instinctively look for hiding spots in homes to protect themselves from the fire. The oxygen masks are crucial to saving lives of pets by giving them oxygen before they could die of smoke asphyxiation. While PVPFF attempts to rescue pets safely out of burning structures, they are not able to revive them unless they have the proper oxygen masks made specifically for the animals.Justin Snow, president of the PVPFF states, “Many of my guys have pets and understand how they become an important part of the family. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for dogs and cats to panic and hide then get trapped in fires. This will give us another way to do all we can to revive them after we pull them from the fire.”
About the Pahrump Valley Professional Fire Fighters:
The Pahrump Valley Firefighters, International Association, of Fire Fighters Local 4068, established September 1, 2000, is a labor representative for 27 career firefighters of the Pahrump Valley Fire Rescue. IAFF Local 4068 advocates for the safety of firefighters and the citizens they serve and is also the driving force behind nearly every advance in the fire and emergency services in Pahrump, Nevada. The Pahrump Valley Firefighters IAFF Local 4068 is affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters, Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada, Nevada State AFL-CIO and National AFL-CIO. Website: www.iafflocal4068.org.
