In 2008, members of the Hoodland Fire District responded to a house fire in
Rhododendron where they found an unconscious Husky. Firefighters did what
they could to revive the dog, including performing a “blow by” with a mask
designed for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on humans.

It worked; the dog survived, was treated and released by a veterinarian and
now lives with a firefighter. But the experience of reviving a dog with the
human mask made a lasting impression with Senior Firefighter Joe Schwab.

“One of the things that stuck with me was we didn’t have the tools to do
that,” said Schwab. “They don’t fit an animal, it doesn’t provide any positive
pressure. They’re ill-fitting, but it’s what you have so it’s what you use. We
didn’t know any different.”

Earlier this year, Schwab adopted a dog of his own (a Dalmatian named Jake)
and wanted to solve the problem by adding CPR mask kits designed for
animals to the district’s response rigs. Schwab reached out to the community
to help raise funds for the masks, and the response was impressive.

The mask kits, each including three masks fitting animal snouts the size of
cats and dogs, cost $75 each, and it was shortly after Schwab started his
effort when a friend donated enough for one. The community’s interest
surged, culminating with mountain residents Kimi Lotz and Lisa Goyne
chipping in enough for 10 of the kits.

“Our four-legged guys are kids, so we’d be pretty devastated if we lost them,”
said Lotz, noting the couple has two dogs and a cat. “I think it’s pretty
awesome. They really have something pretty special going on.”

Schwab reports enough donations came in from the community for the district
to acquire18 kits, more than enough to put one on every truck that carries
oxygen (a total of 11), and has donated five of them to the Sandy Fire
District.

“These animals mean something substantial to these people,” Schwab said.

“For me it’s a really great chance that could have a very real outcome
somewhere. Every single mask is a chance.”

Schwab plans on continuing raising funds to help other districts in Clackamas
County get masks.

“It’s kind of becoming a trend in the fire and EMS area right now,” said John
McKay, Firefighter and EMS Coordinator for the Sandy Fire District. “It’s good
for our community, people love their animals.”

Schwab and two other medics from the Hoodland Fire District also took part in
an animal medic course, learning how to perform physical exams and other
first aid treatments. He stressed that all animal owners would benefit from
taking a course at a vet or animal hospital on how to treat hurt animals.

Anyone interested in making a donation, visit emmazen.com. When making a
donation, please note “Team O2 Oregon.”