Tool layout in any apparatus is often a personal choice but Heavy Rescues need additional thought put into where and how the tools are stored. However, Heavy Rescues that have a pump also need a tank which takes up valuable space. Rescues without a pump and tank have open storage compartments from the drivers to the passenger side.
Rescues without a pump or tank allows slide out drawers and bins that can be accessed on either side of the apparatus. When a heavy rescue is used as the blocking vehicle open rescuers need to get tools from the unprotected side. Slide out that can be pulled out on either side helps with scene safety.
Another layout is to use removable bins or crates to store struts in. This allows the rescuers to grab an entire two strut setup and deploy it to the vehicle.
Rescue Rigs
North Charleston Fire Department’s Heavy Rescue

Heavy Rescue
Below are links to more information about this heavy rescue:
Make sure you check out the Bumper to Bumper Extrication: Extrication from Inside the Auto Industry Book
Overall Pictures
Compartments Pictures
Cab Pictures
Rear Pictures
Rooftop Pictures
Rescue Rigs
Elkhart Fire Department Heavy Rescue

Elkhart Fire Department Heavy Rescue
When spec’ing its new Heavy Rescue, Elkhart Fire Department chose a 26′ aluminum SVI body mounted on a Sutphen Monarch chassis, which houses an X12 Cummins engine and Allison 4000 6-speed transmission. This Heavy Rescue apparatus comes with a 750 GPM Hale MBP75-29 Pump Station, a 70″ x 60″ Swing-Out Tool Board, KL Slim Light Tower, and much more.
Below are links to more information about this heavy rescue:
Overall Pictures
Compartments Pictures
Cab Pictures
Front Pictures
Rear Pictures
MISC Pictures
Rescue Rigs
James City County Fire Department Heavy Rescue
Check out this heavy rescue on the Pierce Blue Floor for its final inspection.

James City County Fire Department Heavy Rescue
Below is more information about this heavy rescue:
- Manufacturer: Pierce
- Make/Model: Velocity
- Body: Heavy Duty Walk-In Rescue
- Engine: Cummins L9 450 HP
- Axle: Front: Oshkosh TAK-4 22,800 LB | Rear: Dana 27,000 LB
- Dealer: Atlantic Emergency Solutions