COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Efforts are underway to obtain more kits to rescue pets from the Colorado Springs fires.
These are called SED kits, inspired by former Colorado Springs firefighter Stephen Dubay, who loved animals.
The kit is small, but it makes a big difference in life-or-death situations. Mini oxygen masks help firefighters save many furry friends during emergency calls.
According to firefighters with the Colorado Springs Fire Department, animals are often the victims of fires.
In the event of a house or apartment fire, the immediate priority is to rescue humans, but after all work has been completed, if there are animals inside, firefighters will be dispatched to bring these animals to safety. I'll help you take it.
Steve Welch is Deputy Director of Operations. Welch said just as humans inhale smoke, so do animals, and fires can eventually damage their lungs.
“Well, I can tell you from personal experience that when we rescue animals that get stuck due to smoke, we put masks on them. It takes a few minutes, but usually within three to five minutes. “We're seeing positive effects. It only takes a few minutes,” Welch said.
The new SED kits were donated to the Colorado Springs Fire Department thanks to a grant from West Side Animal Hospital and the Colorado Springs Fire Foundation. The goal is to get at least 25-30 SED kits in each unit.
