Rescue equipment

In much of the United States the local fire department has become responsible for providing rescue, in some areas this is handled by the local police or Sheriff's department or a combination of all of the above.

While there are no nationwide standards defining the levels of rescue, these pictures give an idea of how much rescue equipment you can expect to find on rescue vehicles.

Hydraulic rescue tools better known to the public as "The jaws of life" have become a common feature at vehicle accidents. These were originally invented for auto racing but quickly found use in the emergency services.

Air tools are also common to see in use at vehicle accidents or a building collapse. Air chisels are used to cut away sheet metal or chip away concrete, air powered ratchets can be used to disassemble machinery, pneumatic struts can be used to brace trenches or collapsed buildings and air bags are used to lift heavy objects.

With the wide use of generators and powerful cordless battery powered tools, electric saws and drills are becoming very popular.

Cribbing blocks are primarily used to stabilize objects including vehicles, heavy machinery and partially collapsed buildings.


Basic rescue equipment This shows the minimum level of equipment that should be carried on apparatus that may participate in rescue operations. This is typical of most pumpers.	Light rescue equipment This shows the the minimum level of equipment that should be carried to be considered a light rescue. This level is typical of many ladder trucks.	Medium rescue equipment This shows the minimum level of equipment that should be carried on a medium rescue.	Heavy rescue equipment This shows the minimum amount of equipment that should be carried to qualify as a heavy rescue. Many heavy rescue trucks carry much more than this.

Hydraulic combination tool This is a combination cutting and spreading tool.	Hydraulic combination tool This is another combination tool.	Hydraulic combination tool And another combination tool.	Hydraulic cutter This is a cutting tool, while not as versatile as the combination tool it can cut much larger pieces or metal.

Hydraulic spreader This is a spreading tool, it can spread thicker metal and spreads much further than a combination tool.	Hydraulic spreader This is another spreading tool.	Hydraulic rams Rams are used to push objects apart.	Hydraulic ram Close up of a ram.

Hydraulic power unit Hydraulic tools require a pump to function. This is a small gas powered unit capable of operating one tool.	Hydraulic power unit Another view of the power unit.	Hydraulic power unit This is a larger gas powered unit capable of operating two tools simultaneously.	Hydraulic power unit Another view of the power unit.

Hydraulic power unit This is a small power unit for hydraulic tools.	Hydraulic line reels Hydraulic tools require lines for the hydraulic fluid to flow through. These are powered reels usually mounted on a vehicle.	Hydraulic line reel Close up of reel.	Mounted hydraulic rescue tools This shows a nicely organized vehicle mount with two hydraulic line reels, a power unit and an electrical cord reel.

Air bags Airbags are used to lift heavy objects a few inches at a time.	Air bag Close up of a medium size air bag.	Air cart This is an air cart used to power air tools or supply breathing air (more under breathing support).	Air cart Air cart with a cover.

Air chisel Air chisels are lighter and easier to use than hydraulic tools making them a better choice for some tasks.	Air chisel case Tool box for air chisel set.	Air chisel This is a heavy duty air chisel.	Air chisel case Storage case for air chisel.

Pneumatic strut Pneumatic struts such as this are helpful for stabilizing collapsed buildings or trenches.	Reciprocating saw and case Reciprocating saws are used for cutting metal and wood. They are lightweight and don't produce exhaust making them useful in confined areas.	Reciprocating saw This is a cordless reciprocating saw	Reciprocating saw case

Stokes basket The stokes basket is used for moving a patient out of an inaccessible area. It can be used to carry a patient up a slope or hoist them up a cliff with ropes.	Stokes basket This is another style of stokes basket.	Stokes basket Another view.	Miller board This is a spinal immobilization board useful for water rescues or for getting a patient out of tight spaces.

Rope bags	Rope bag	Rope bag detail	Rope rescue bag

Rope rescue equipment Various hardware and software for rope rescue.	Rope rescue detail Hardware for rope rescue. Anchor plate, carabiners, brake bar rack and belay system.	Rope rescue harness Class 3 harness for rope rescue.	Rope roller Rope rollers are used to help rope go over corners.

Webbing and carabiners	Carabiners	Tripod This is a folding tripod used for a variety of rescue situations.	Tripod in use

Cribbing Cribbing is used to support vehicles or collapsed buildings. Wood is a popular material because it is cheap, strong and readily available.	Synthetic Step chock Cribbing can be made of wood or plastic. This is an example of a plastic step chock.	Come-along The come along is a simple winch useful in many rescue situations.	Assorted rescue equipment This is an example of how much equipment can be carried on a light rescue.