Fire Departments Saving Pets' Lives with Fido Bags

It is estimated, that in the United States 500,000 pets are affected by a fire each and every year. Sadly, many of these pets die or suffer from smoke inhalation. As many pets are considered to be a loved and treasured member of the family, they must receive care and treatment just as humans who are affected by a fire. This is where Fido Bags come into the picture. Many fire departments across the United States are now armed with Fido Bags to help save pets' lives. These Fido Bags are now included in emergency responder's life saving equipment.

What are Fido Bags?

Fido Bags include the necessary tools and equipment needed to care for pets that have been affected by a fire. Fido Bags contain oxygen masks, which are specially designed for the use of animals. With these oxygen masks, fire fighters are able to treat pets who have suffered from smoke inhalation on the scene instead of waiting to be taken to a veterinarian, which increases the survival rate for those pets who have been affected by a fire.

Fido Bags also include tools needed to treat burns. Often, pets are burned during fires, which is why the Fido Bags are essential for treating animal burns on site, reducing the risk for infection and further damage. Fido Bags contain burn sheets, protective restraints, bandages, and saline used for rinsing burns and wounds.

Fido Bags also include food and water dishes, as well as pet food. Pet treats are on hand to help stabilize the animals. With the equipment included in Fido Bags, pets are able to be cared for and stabilized prior to being transported to an animal hospital for further treatment.

Fido Bag Program

Fido Bags are sponsored by the Fido Bag program, which is associated with The Fetch Foundation. In order for fire departments to utilize this life saving equipment for pets, a fire department must be sponsored or receive donations to be supplied with the Fido Bags. Fire departments that receive Fido Bags receive special training to learn how to use the equipment and tools that are provided within the Fido Bags. The fire fighters learn how to properly care for pets, such as administering oxygen and how to properly care for injuries a pet might sustain from a fire. Fire fighters are even taught how to administer certain medications to pets to relieve pain and aid in saving the pet's life.

References:
"The Fido Bag Program" The Fetch Foundation
"Fire Prevention Parade" Glendale Daily Planet
"Fire Fighters use Fido Bag" AZ Central