Pet protection

Firefighters are equipped with pet protection to aide in emergencies.
On March 11, the Owatonna Fire Department was given a presentation by Invisible Fence on how to use recently donated oxygen masks and kits gifted to the OFD through Invisible Fence’s Project Breathe.
“Invisible Fence showed us some different techniques to deal with pets and explained to get the owners involved,” said Ryan Seykora of the Owatonna Fire Department. “The animals are calmer if their owners are able to assist.”
Seykora was motivated to seek out additional tools to help save animals’ lives from his experiences on emergency calls. “The biggest thing was that I had been on some calls where animals didn’t make it, and I felt that we could do more to change that outcome,” he said.
From there he sought out more information on animal rescue and happened to spot social media posts that prompted him to research and find Invisible Fence’s Project Breathe. After reaching out to the program, Seykora and his fellow firefighters were given a new tool in their rescue arsenal.
“There are four kits, one for each firetruck, and they have three different sized oxygen masks,” Seykora explained. “There’s a guide on which size is appropriate based on weight.” The kits also come with a leash and an oxygen tube.
Along with the masks, the Fire Department also received some training on how to use them properly. “Invisible Fence explained how you approach the dogs from behind and then slide the mask on,” Seykora said. “They also reiterated the importance of getting the pet’s owner involved, that way we could better understand the temperament of the pet a little more.”
“Cats can be a challenge,” he went on to say concerning the fact that cats, and some dogs, due tend to hide or scurry away while under duress. “We have to try and be proactive on this. Also understanding the alertness of the animals, even if a pet seems to be alert, we might still need to administer oxygen.”
Seykora is grateful for Invisible Fence’s donation, as well as their presentation.  “I’m very appreciative by the fact that they were able to come down and demonstrate,” he said. “Donations are one thing, but the fact that they were able to give us a guide and prepare us better is great.”
“A lot of people here, myself included, have pets,” Seykora explained. “So, to be able to protect and save them was important. I have two dogs and two cats, and I constantly think that if there was an emergency at home, that it would be a challenge.”
Now, with both the donations and presentation by Invisible Fence, Owatonna Fire will be better able to face those types of challenges. “The biggest thing is that it’s always the toughest part of the job if you’re not able to come through for a person or an animal, but now we can attempt to deal with a pet that is unresponsive and that gives us a lot of hope and a lot of gratitude,” Seykora said.
Although Seykora and his fellow firefighters hope they never have to utilize the new kits, if that day should ever come, they now have the tools and training to better approach such a challenge.