Animal Emergency Workshop

On Sunday, April 7th a workshop was hosted by the Greene County Animal Response Team at the Carmichaels & Cumberland Township Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall. The event was cosponsored by the Carmichaels & Cumberland Township Volunteer Fire Department and Teddy Bear Care, Corp after a recent house fire in Carmichaels brought forward the topic of rescue breathing and CPR in animals after several pets succumb from smoke inhalation.

Susan Levy, the coordinator of Somerset CART, taught the first two-hour class on Missing Animal Response During Disasters and Emergencies. Susan taught many useful techniques to capture frightened cats and dogs after natural disasters, vehicle accidents, fires and other emergency incidents.

The afternoon session was lead by Karen Sable, the Assistant Chief for Westmorland/ Fayette/Allegheny CART and coordinator for the CART Pet Oxygen Mask Program. She is a pet technician certified in Pet First Aid & a CPR instructor since 2011. Karen also serves as a responder with The American Humane Society and Red Rover. Karen instructed the participants - a mix of fire fighters, EMTs, volunteers with local rescues, members of Squadron 606 of the Civil Air Patrol and many animal lovers/protectors.

She brought with her a Resusci-Rover, a CPR mannequin that can be used to practice animal CPR and rescue breathing. Susan demonstrated the use of oxygen masks in pets including proper fitting. Participants were very interested in the instruction on bleeding, choking, hypothermia, heatstroke, poisoning, etc.

Several Pet Oxygen Mask sets were provided to local fire companies and Greene CART by the Pet Oxygen Mask Program Additional information, like how your fire company can apply for a free Pet Oxygen Mask Set through Invisible Fence can be obtained by visiting https://www.invisiblefence.com/ or contacting Greene CART by emailing greenecart@gmail.com or 724-966-8687.

Many unique pieces of information were presented through out both classes regarding pet safety and treatment of injuries. Handouts were provided and phone apps were recommended for future reference. The individuals attending the class received certificates for completion and have the skills to use in an emergency that could save a furry friend’s life.