Resuscitation of animal
Control Measure Knowledge
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
It is possible to carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on animals. There are various sources of information about CPR for animals, including the Blue Cross website:
To protect personnel and other emergency responders, the animal should be appropriately restrained prior to providing CPR. For further information refer to Physical control or restraint of the animal.
Personnel carrying out CPR on the animal should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE). For further information refer to Personal protective equipment: Animal incidents.
If fire and rescue services decide that they will carry out CPR on animals as part of their incident response, this should be supported by appropriate risk assessments, procedures and training in the use of equipment.
Oxygen therapy
Oxygen therapy masks for companion animals, such as cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs are available. However, if speciality masks are unavailable or are unsuitable for the animal, oxygen therapy can be provided using masks designed for people.
Clinically, oxygen therapy is recommended for all unconscious animals, including those having suffered smoke inhalation, other respiratory distress or trauma.
Operationally, oxygen therapy should only be administered following an assessment of animal, environmental and situational risks, with the appropriate control measures applied. This should include appropriate restraint of the animal to protect personnel and other emergency responders.
Oxygen therapy should be administered by personnel who are trained in its use, with associated clinical governance, and have access to medical oxygen cylinders as part of their role.
British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA) has published advice and informative videos, in collaboration with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Animal Rescue Practitioners Forum and the RSPCA; these are available from the BARTA website: Using Oxygen Therapy Kits. Note that the Smokey Paws charity used to donate oxygen therapy masks for companion animals to fire and rescue services, but ceased activity in 2025.
Post-resuscitation care
BARTA recommends that all animals receive definitive veterinary care as soon as practicable following unconsciousness, smoke inhalation, respiratory distress or trauma. The fire and rescue service should place the animal into the care of the owner, a suitable person, a veterinary surgeon or an animal care specialist at the earliest opportunity, with this recommendation.