More than 500,00 domestic animals, commonly referred to as four-legged family members, are affected by fires each year in the U.S., and of that number, an estimated 40,000 of them die from smoke inhalation alone.
For the most part, local fire departments are not equipped to provided first aid to pets suffering from smoke inhalation because fire departments are only equipped with human emergency supplies. Their oxygen masks normally available to them are too flat and small to fit a pet’s face.
Because of this, retired doctor Jerry Lakin, a Bullhead City resident, opened his heart and dug deep into his pocket to help save local animals in times of need.
After Dr. Lakin spoke with his longtime friend Mohave County Sheriff’s K-9 Deputy John Wilson, the deputy then talked with the various Colorado River Basin first responders. When Deputy Wilson discussed the need for FIDO BAGS for first responders with Dr. Lakin, the doctor decided to purchase 28 of specially designed gym bags that are made to take care of pets.
Dr. Lakin purchased four FIDO BAGS for: Golden Shores, Mohave Valley, Fort Mojave Mesa and Bullhead City districts; and four to the MCSO Search and Rescue Units in Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Kingman and the Arizona Strip, and one will be sent to Beaver Dam Fire Department located in the Arizona Strip. Additionally, Dr. Lakin purchased four for the MCSO Boating Program and five for the MCSO K-9 teams that patrol the entire county. Deputy Wilson and his K-9 Doc normally patrols the Colorado River District Mohave Valley and Bullhead City, Deputy S. McCleary and his K-9 Grimm patrols the Colorado River District and Lake Havasu City areas, Deputy J. Fellish and his K-9 Brutus patrols the Arizona Strip area, Deputy K. Gunnoe and his K-9 Bruno patrols the Kingman and surrounding areas, and Sergeant K. McCool and his K-9 Chase also patrols the Kingman and surrounding areas. However, if needed, the K-9 teams will respond to anywhere in the county when needed.
Sheriff K-9 officials say the kits that are carried in the K-9 units are only for the K-9 dogs, going on to say they could also use the FIDO BAGS for other dogs if they had something going on in the field.
FIDO BAGS that are produced by The fetch Foundation, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
According to The fetch Foundation’s website, “… Oxygen is the first thing any living and breathing being (human or animal) needs after being in a fire.
“Since fire departments are only equipped with human emergency supplies, the oxygen masks available are too flat and small to fit a pet’s face. The star feature of the FIDO BAG® is a specialized breathing apparatus that is formed to fit any pet’s muzzle. This specialized cone-shaped oxygen mask allows for a secure seal on the pet’s face giving them the breath of life. Many pets also receive injuries and burns during a fire or accident. Therefore, specialized burn sheets, bandages, rinsing saline, and protective restraints are also in the FIDO BAG®. Once the pet is stabilized, collapsible water dishes are filled and cuddly toys are kept at hand to comfort the pet while in route to the local animal hospital.
“We’re happy to have something to treat our four-legged family members within our district,” said Mohave Valley Fire District Fire Chief Ted Martin. “It makes it easier to treat a pet if the mask fits properly.”
– Butch Meriwether
