Oxygen Mask Used to Revive Dog After Ohio Fire

Jan. 31, 2012
Firefighters revived a golden retriever puppy using an oxygen mask after finding the dog unconscious in a smoke-filled home.

GENEVA, Ohio -- Firefighters revived a golden retriever puppy using an oxygen mask after finding the dog unconscious in a smoke-filled home.

A call of a garage fire at 5400 W. Maple St., came into the Geneva Fire Department at 9:11 p.m. Sunday, firefighter Dale Arkenburg said Monday.

"Upon arrival, firefighters found a well-involved fire in the attached garage," he said. "We ran two hoses -- one to the garage fire and one to the front door of the house to keep the house from catching on fire."

Firefighters from Saybrook, Harpersfield and Madison townships assisted in fighting the fire.

No one was injured, but the house was heavily damaged by smoke and there were animals inside at the time, Arkenburg said.

"The two cats were OK, although one was very nervous and skittish," he said. "But when we found the 3-month-old puppy, it was unconscious."

The puppy was overcome by smoke, Arkenburg said.

Placing a small oxygen mask to the dog's face, firefighters were able to squeeze air into the animal's lungs. After several minutes of pumping, the puppy showed signs of life, he said.

"We felt he still needed medical attention for smoke inhalation, so the owner took him to the emergency veterinary clinic in Mentor," Arkenburg said. "I called today and he's doing fine."

Firefighters cleared the scene at 11:10 p.m. Sunday, he said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Copyright 2012 - Star Beacon, Ashtabula, Ohio

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!