On Wednesday, March 20, Rutherford County Fire-Resuce crew members participated in animal CPR training provided by Dr. Kristen Datte DVM, MS, DACVECC from Blue Pearl Animal Hospital in Franklin. 

Dr. Datte demonstrated the proper techniques for performing pet CPR on large and small pets of all kinds, as well as how to use the pet oxygen masks that were recently donated to RCFR by Invisible Fence.

All participants were able to practice on the rubber demo dog, to get a feel for how to do compressions, check for a pulse, and position oxygen masks.

Chief Larry Farley, Capt. Paula Todd and Commissioner/Public Safety Chairman Pettus Read, joined the class as well. Read was instrumental in facilitating the donation of the oxygen masks to Rutherford County Fire Rescue.

Firefighters risk their lives to save our friends and family, they also risk their lives to save our beloved family pets.

Just like humans need CPR and first aid treatments, dogs and cats need their own type of emergency medical attention. If the proper techniques are used, pets can be revived even before being taken to the veterinarian.

By learning just a few simple steps, RCFR firefighters are now equipped with the skills necessary to not only rescue but bring back to life our furry loved ones. 

Blue Pearl is a national provider of specialty and emergency veterinary care. Their veterinarians and veterinary technicians are dedicated to providing immediate treatment to pets in emergencies. 

Blue Pearl recently opened a new emergency animal hospital here in Murfreesboro, located at  2223 NW Broad St., providing pet owners with a convenient local hospital for overnight pet emergencies.