Medics revive dog in Del Valle fire

AUSTIN,Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - Thanks to the quick thinking and life-saving skills from Austin/Travis County EMS, a family was able to see their once dog again.

It was Sunday afternoon when a Del Valle home went up in flames. The two occupants got out safely but their dog Audrey was still inside. Firefighters rescued her, and medics had to deploy their pet oxygen mask to revive the dog.

“Literally over the course of like 10 minutes, the progression of her recovery was nothing short of incredible,” said Pete Riefel, clinical specialist with ATCEMS.

The pet masks were donated to ATCEMS last year and they carry a kit of three inside each ambulance.

“This device actually fits over the muzzle of an animal. We can treat anything from a dog to cat or even potentially a large parrot. These things will provide oxygen in an emergency situation,” said Capt. Jason Beggs, ATCEMS.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, at least 40,000 pets die in residential fires each year, with thousands more injured.