New campaign wants a pet oxygen mask on every US fire truck

 

Losing your pet in a house fire is devastating and an all too common experience. While there is no exact number, the estimate of pets affected by fire in the United States is 500,000. And of that figure, some 40,000 die due to smoke inhalation, according to sponsors of a new campaign “Bark 10-4” who want to make sure every fire truck in the United States has a pet oxygen mask on board.

Driving the campaign is Smiths Medical, the manufacturer of the SurgiVet Pet Oxygen Mask and pet safety experts Bark Buckle Up in collaboration with fire departments nationwide. Bark 10-4 wants the public to understand the importance of having a pet oxygen mask at the scene of the fire and in turn sponsor the purchase of one for their local fire department.

Currently, most of the more than 30,000 fire departments and emergency medical service (EMS) offices nationwide have more than one truck, and funds to purchase pet oxygen masks often fall short, according to the announcement from the Bark 10-4 campaign. 

Courtesy of Bark 10-4

“Vets have used oxygen masks designed especially for animals for years,” says Lisa Huston, SurgiVet product manager at Smiths Medical. “These masks have found their way into the hands of first responders primarily through word of mouth and the generosity of compassionate pet owners. This program will go a long way toward raising awareness about a product that can save a lot of pets’ lives.”

A $25 sponsorship ensures that one mask can be purchased for a fire department; a $65 sponsorship buys a mask set, which includes a small, medium and large mask. As a sponsor, you designate the specific fire department to receive the gift. The mask will be delivered with the shipping/handling costs paid by Smiths Medical.

Sponsorship can be completed at http://www.bark10-4.com/ or from a link at www.surgivet.com.