Community firefighter saves African Grey
Eric instantly gave the bird oxygen, reasoning that since people require oxygen to recuperate from inhaling smoke, animals should as well.
During an off-duty call to a house fire, Community Group Firefighters Association’s (CGFA) Eric van Laylaveld went the extra mile, by saving the household pet – an African Grey parrot.
According to Eric, who has been a firefighter for 36 years, CGFA received a call from a local neighbourhood WhatsApp group on April 17, and given that he lives in the area and was off duty, he went to assist.
“As I arrived at the location, the security guard on scene had advised that the fire was in the kitchen, which could be seen through the windows. The owner of the property arrived and permitted my entry by opening the garage door,” elaborated Eric.
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“I opened the front door, and the security on the scene provided me with a garden hose, which I used to extinguish the fire. The smoke in the house was thick and filled the house. I opened numerous doors and windows as a private fire service arrived. While opening the sliding door in one of the rooms, I noticed a parrot cage, where the bird was lying at the bottom of it. Instinctively I took the cage outside to provide the bird with fresh air.”
Eric explained that as a firefighter, you are aware of the risks that you take and the dangers associated with the job, which include smoke inhalation.
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“Through all my years of experience, my actions have become instinctive, and I know that any person who has been a victim of smoke inhalation would require oxygen to better chances of survival. My thinking was that if it applies to humans, it will apply to animals as well,” added Eric, “I was very pleased to know that my actions saved a life. At CGFA, that’s what we’re about, serving and saving lives.”
CGFA is a recognised not-for-profit corporation that proudly serves the communities of the broader West and North-West Rand in fire and rescue emergencies. The organisation takes pleasure in developing relationships within the communities in which they work, ensuring that these areas benefit from their free services. CGFA is a community-based firefighters’ organisation dedicated to assisting local communities in times of need.
