Multiple first responders from agencies within the cities of Lafayette and Louisville showed up to a Lafayette firehouse to train alongside veterinarians and veterinary technicians with BluePearl Pet Hospital. “If you have an animal that’s unresponsive, really sick or needs oxygen time is of the essences,” said Dr. Jamie Selman, a veterinarian at BluePearl Pet Hospital.
Dr. Selman led the course with a packed room of first responders. It included firefighters, emergency medical technicians, animal control officers and police. “I think it brings peace of mind that first responders can recognize a sick pet and provide CPR if needed,” Dr. Selman said.
During the class, students were able to practice with a CPR dog manikin. They were also able to wrap and check the vitals of a real live dog named Beau. “We don’t do a lot of life-saving measures to pets often but a lot of dog and cat lovers so that training is invaluable,” said Fire Chief Pete Bradshaw, a fire chief in Lafayette.
This course was not required to take, but was voluntary. “It’s peace of mind for us we can help if your pet is in a situation,” said Bradshaw.
The Lafayette Fire Department recently purchased specific oxygen masks for pets if they are needed in an emergency response situation. “They bought oxygen masks for animals because the confirmation of a snout is different than a person,” Dr. Selman said.
BluePearl Pet Hospital suggests putting sticks on residents’ front door or windows to alert first responders to pets that are inside the home during an emergency situation. “We deal with sick people a lot so a sick pet is a lot different,” Bradshaw said.
