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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the guideline provided by Toronto Fire Services?
Who is responsible for understanding and following TFS Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs)?
What is the main reason animals are at risk when left unattended in hot motor vehicles?
What happens to the interior temperature of a motor vehicle when a window is opened slightly?
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Who advises the public to call 911 in certain situations?
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What is the recommended action for the public in situations where an animal is left unattended in a hot or cold motor vehicle?
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How quickly can the interior temperature of a motor vehicle rise when it is idle?
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What can happen to an animal left unattended in a cold motor vehicle?
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What is the primary authority for TFS crews to enter motor vehicles to rescue and remove animals in distress?
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What should TFS crews do when dealing with an animal in distress in a motor vehicle?
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What is a sign of animal distress in a hot motor vehicle?
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What should TFS crews do to relieve distress and prevent heat stroke in an animal removed from a hot motor vehicle?
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What should TFS crews avoid when dealing with an animal in distress in a motor vehicle?
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What should be done if breaking the window of the motor vehicle is necessary for the rescue and removal of the animal?
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What is a sign of animal distress in a cold motor vehicle?
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What should be done after an animal has been safely removed from a cold motor vehicle?
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Who should be contacted for assistance if an animal is removed from a motor vehicle?
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What should be done if an animal is suffering from heat stroke, or at risk of hypothermia or frostbite?
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Study Notes
Animal Rescue from Hot or Cold Motor Vehicles
- Animals left unattended in hot or cold motor vehicles are at risk of serious illness or death due to heat stroke or hypothermia.
- Unlike humans, animals have a limited capacity to deal with heat, and their body temperature can rise quickly, leading to heat stroke.
Risk Factors
- In hot weather, the interior temperature of a motor vehicle can rise rapidly, even with a window slightly open.
- The most dramatic temperature rise occurs in the first 10-20 minutes the vehicle is idle.
- In cold weather, vehicles can hold in the cold, acting like refrigerators, causing hypothermia or frostbite.
Authority and Responsibility
- The Ministry of the Solicitor General advises the public to call 911 if they see an animal left unattended in a hot or cold motor vehicle and are concerned for its immediate safety.
- The Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA) gives TFS crews the authority to enter motor vehicles to rescue and remove animals in distress.
- TFS personnel are responsible for understanding and following TFS Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG's) during emergency incident operations.
Safety Precautions
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Wear appropriate TFS-issued Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) when responding to these incidents.
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Identify possible aggressive behaviors in animals, such as growling, hissing, barking, or exposing teeth and claws.
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Approach the animal calmly, wear PPE, and speak softly to ensure a safe and gentle removal process.
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(a) Wear PPE (i.e., gloves to prevent injury from bites).
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(b) Approach the animal calmly, making gentle movements.
(c) Speak to the animal with a soft, quiet, calm tone.
(d) Extend a hand for the animal to sniff.
(e) Avoid direct eye contact.
(f) Do not stand directly over the animal.
(g) Mitigate the chances for the animal bolting or running away (strategically
place personnel around the scene, create only one opening to the motor
vehicle).
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If break a window, always break window farthest away from animal.
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Assessing Animal Distress
- Look for key signs of animal distress in hot motor vehicles, including:
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Excessive panting
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Increased drooling
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Vomiting
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Anxious or dazed look
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Collapse
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Weakness
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Seizure
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Listlessness
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Once the animal has been safely removed from the vehicle, try to do the
following to relieve distress and prevent heat stroke:
(a) Take the animal away from a sunny or hot area to a cooler or shaded
area.
(b) Try to lower the animal’s body temperature with cool, not cold, water and a damp cloth.
(c) Provide drinking water and see if the animal is able or willing to drink. Do not force animal to drink.
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- Look for key signs of animal distress and possible hypothermia in cold motor vehicles, including:
- Shivering
- Rapid breathing or very slow breathing
- Increased urination
- Standing hair (goosebumps)
- Listlessness
- Pale gums, nose, ears, paws, or tail
Rescue and Removal
- If breaking the window is necessary, break the window furthest away from the animal to avoid injuries.
- Provide care to the rescued animal, including:
- Moving to a cooler or shaded area
- Lowering body temperature with cool water and a damp cloth
- Providing drinking water (but not forcing it)
- Using an oxygen mask if necessary
- In cases of hypothermia or frostbite, wrap the animal in a warm blanket and move to a warmer area, but avoid submerging in warm water.
Post-Rescue Procedures
- Animals suffering from heat stroke, hypothermia, or frostbite should be assessed by a veterinarian immediately.
- TFS Company Officers can contact provincial animal welfare inspectors, Toronto Police Service, and/or municipal animal services for assistance, including obtaining veterinary care.
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Description
Guidelines for Toronto Fire Services personnel to respond to incidents where animals are left unattended in hot or cold vehicles. This quiz covers the responsibilities and procedures to follow in such situations.
