By Maria Sciullo
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
MT. LEBANON, Pa. — When it comes to pets, “mouth-to-snout” resuscitation saves lives.
Medical Rescue Team South Authority (MRTSA) in Mt. Lebanon is offering once-a-month sessions on canine CPR that also cover the basics of first aid for dogs.
The classes, which run about 2 1/2 hours, are standalone events offered by Steve Kiray, a search-and-rescue expert and dog trainer. Joining him is Rick Weisner of Castle Shannon, who also works in search-and-rescue as well as serving as full-time Emergency Medical Technician and firefighter in Castle Shannon.
“You basically go through the same steps as with a human: checking the airway circulation and following the ABC’s [airway, breathing and circulation],” said Mr. Kiray, who lives in Charleroi and has five dogs in various stages of search-and-rescue training.
Those signed up for the class, which is offered on the third Thursday of each month, can practice on Casper, a lab-like canine mannequin.
“Compression rates vary, depending on the size of the dog, but basically, compression and ventilation are the same as in a human being, it’s just a little different technique.
“You shut the mouth and breathe through their nose.”
While CPR is performed on humans while they are supine, dogs must be on their sides.
Stephanie Feehan, MRTSA office manager, said in general, there’s no reason to be squeamish.
“Actually, the dog’s mouth has less germs than a human’s.”
For now, participation is limited to eight students, which gives everyone more time to practice with Casper. A grant helped Mr. Kiray purchase the mannequin but the $25 fee for the class will go toward buying a second “dog” and expanding the program.
The search-and-rescue service is not funded by MRTSA.
The next class is Nov. 20. For more information, contact MRTSA at 412-343-5111.