Fire Inspector Katelyn Qualey recently launched a one-woman push to outfit Sarasota County emergency response vehicles with pet oxygen masks for creatures of all shapes and sizes.
Qualey said the masks work on gerbils, ferrets and rabbits, as well as dogs and cats.
"Several people in the department thought we had them and we only had a few," she said.
She visited a veterinarian looking for information about the masks and word spread.
Veterinarian Ronni Tudin heard Qualey's story and sent out an e-mail prompting other veterinarians like Robyn Sego, Heidi Ward and Anne Chauvet to show support and help pick up the tab.
Until now, Sarasota County firefighters used masks intended for people to pump air into pets.
"These are necessary because of the shape of the mask," Chauvet said. "That's really the main thing. The shape in humans, our face is a little flatter."
At Station 11 on Stickney Point Road, Fire Chief Mary Bouteiller last week demonstrated a mask on Boone, a boxer.
Boutieller said the masks also make it possible to use other life-saving tools on animals.
"If they need even further care we can attach one of our ambu bags and actually assist their respirations," she said.
Qualey said every Sarasota County fire station now has a mask. She raised enough money to buy 47 sets at a cost of $55 each. Each set comes with three masks to fit any size snout or beak.
"I can't even describe how excited I am," Qualey said. "I'm so happy. I'm happy for the pets, for the lives than can be saved, and I'm happy for our community."
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