Rescuers Use Pet Mask To Resuscitate Cat

Cat Saved From Apartment Fire; Second Cat Found Dead In Rubble

POSTED: Wednesday, December 19, 2007

PLANTATION, Fla. -- Rescuers had to use a pet oxygen mask to help resuscitate a cat found alone in an apartment during an early-morning fire, Plantation Fire Department Chief Robert Pudney said Tuesday.

The fire occurred in the Jacaranda Club apartments about 3:45 a.m. An upstairs neighbor called firefighters to report heavy smoke coming from the apartment below her.

When firefighters arrived, they didn't find an occupant. Instead, they found a cat barely breathing and lethargic when paramedics used the specialized pet mask to supply the cat oxygen. After about five minutes, the cat began to breathe normally.

"This was our third successful use of the pet masks," Pudney said in a statement. "They are proving to be an invaluable tool."

A second cat was later found dead in the rubble.

Firefighters are investigating the cause of the blaze.

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