Animals in Ohio may soon be able to be treated by emergency first responders if hurt in fires or other potentially life-threating events if a bill passes through the Ohio legislature, according to The Dodo. If passed, the bill will allow for EMTs to provide oxygen, triage and other aid if an animal is suffering from smoke inhalation or other physical trauma after humans have been treated, as humans are a priority.
"Previously EMTs and paramedics were not able to treat animals because their scope of license prevented them from doing that," Rep. Steve Huffman (R-Ohio) said, according to The Akron Beacon Journal.
The bill, House Bill 187, is sponsored by Rep. Timothy Ginter (R-Ohio) and will also protect police animals injured during drug sweeps.
"Obviously, EMTs are not veterinarians, nor are we trying to make them into veterinarians with this bill," Ginter said in his testimony to the health committee back in May, according to EMC1. "I believe that this common-sense, permissive language will allow the EMTs to exercise judgment in handling various emergency situations."
Although a few areas already have this law in place, most do not. One that has successfully implemented the same principles is Florida's Manatee County.
"A few years ago we had a service organization donate animal oxygen masks for all fire departments to carry," said Lee Whitehurst, deputy chief of the East Manatee Fire Rescue District, who works closely with an emergency pet ambulance for animal transport to a local emergency pet hospital.
"We have a specially made oxygen box for small dogs, for cats, heart patients and respiratory patients," said Cheryl Brady, a former East Manatee volunteer firefighter and current owner of Vet Care Express Animal Ambulance. "We have really been able to help save a lot of lives."
