VIDEO: “We're in there initially for the human life,” said Colorado Springs Fire Department Deputy Chief Steve Wilch.
Saving people is the first priority for firefighters.
When everyone is out, firefighters often witness panic about pets
“Firefighters, we are trained in our emergency medical skills, EMTs. But we also know we can deliver some of those lifesaving skills to a pet through the oxygen delivery and just through stimulation,” said Wilch.
Pets are often unable to escape a burning structure.
Even calm, well trained dogs get confused and can react unpredictably when there’s a fire.
“They know that something's wrong, but they don't quite have the capacity to be able to remove themselves from that danger,” said El Paso County Animal Law Enforcement Sergeant Nicole Michon.
“We go in there to rescue pets and if they have suffered smoke inhalation, oftentimes, they need a little helpm they need oxygen,” said Wilch.