The Hôpital Vétérinaire de la Montérégie, which collaborated with François Côté, Chief of Operations for the Chambly Fire Department, is proud to announce that its service is now equipped with oxygen masks specially designed for cats and dogs!
Thus, in the event of a fire, if a firefighter finds an unconscious animal, they will be able to provide oxygen in a more suitable way—something that can make all the difference.
Since the start of the RéanimO2 program in April 2006, nearly 500 masks have been distributed throughout Quebec, in more than 160 municipalities, from Laval to Saint-Hyacinthe, including the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Baie-Comeau, Montreal, Lac-Mégantic, Quebec City, Gatineau, and now Chambly.
Thanks to this project, launched nearly 20 years ago by Dr. Michel Pepin in collaboration with the veterinary community, hundreds of cats and dogs have benefited from these masks and had their lives saved thanks to their efficient use by firefighters.
Let us remember that during a fire, victims are always very happy and relieved to find their little companions safe and sound—companions they believed lost forever. It is for these priceless moments of happiness that veterinarians and firefighters join forces to increase the chances of survival for those considered by many to be members of the family.
