Staffordshire pets can breathe easy thanks to vets’ fire service donation

A STOKE veterinary practice has donated specialist pet breathing equipment to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, which crews can use to save the lives of dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals that have been caught up in fires. Harrison Family Vets, in Longton, has supplied oxygen masks in a full range of sizes that have been specifically designed to sit alongside existing equipment and emergency response kits in the fire service’s vehicles. The independent and family-owned veterinary group expanded into Staffordshire earlier this year, with the aim of offering high quality vet care at affordable prices, following a significant investment in its eighth cutting-edge veterinary practice on Longton’s Anchor Road Retail Park. Matt Humphrey, clinic director, said: “Pets are integral members of the family but smoke inhalation can often be fatal for them. “It significantly reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, leading to hypoxia, as well as damaging the airways and it can even cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Matt Humphrey, left, with Chris Craddock, second right, and registered veterinary nurses Hannah and Dan

“In these situations, every second counts and concentrated oxygen is a crucial intervention for pets experiencing respiratory distress from smoke inhalation. “This equipment will immediately improve oxygen levels in the bloodstream, helping to alleviate breathing difficulties, reduce inflammation, promote faster healing of damaged airways and ultimately it will prevent families suffering even more heartache. “The reality is that without this equipment, firefighters can find themselves completely helpless when it comes to beloved pets that they rescue from smoke and fires, so we’re very proud to make this donation to support their amazing work.” Kristie Faulkner, operations director at Harrison Family Vets, said: “I’ve seen how devastating smoke inhalation can be after two young Staffordshire Bull Terriers were once brought into a clinic after a house fire and they couldn’t be saved. “It was heartbreaking for everyone involved and their owners were completely devastated. Although we hope Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service never has to use these kits, it’s reassuring to know that they have them there and they might prevent other pets having to suffer the same fate.” Chris Craddock, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are grateful to Harrison Family Vets for their generous donation which will help us administer oxygen to pets who sadly suffer smoke inhalation during a fire. “Unfortunately, pets are sometimes involved in house fires that we attend so this equipment will be used to save lives across Staffordshire.”