In the line of duty, having all of the equipment you need accessible at the scene is critical. Transporting equipment and manpower with a heavy rescue often becomes a question of whether a walk in or walk around model would be a better fit. The biggest consideration here is space. Walk around rescues offer about a third more space, on average, as equipment is mounted using primarily external storage components. This, however, often sacrifices some ease of accessibility and a custom model should be considered to minimize the risk of injury to your crew when accessing equipment. When designed to meet your department’s specific needs, walk around rescues can be tailored to become an integral resource for your team.
Walk around rescues are used to transport equipment and manpower to the scene of a fire. Often referred to as the “mobile toolbox” of the fire department, a walk around offers a spacious interior for transporting a large crew while tools and equipment are stored using primarily external mounts and compartments.
Unlike the pumper and tanker units, walk around rescues are generally not designed to carry water. However, with a custom unit, you can opt to add this as a feature. You may opt to add accommodations for ladders and suction hoses as well.
Each unit has an automatic transmission, diesel engine, scene lighting systems, tower lights, generators, and your choice between a commercial (Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Mack, etc.) or custom chassis (Spartan). You can also choose between Federal, Whelen, or Code 3 warning light systems; roll-up or flush mount doors; and various seating tool-mounting, and SCBA storage options. Exterior compartments are installed on the low, mid, and high sides.
The body of each Metalfab walk around rescue is constructed using heavy duty extruded aluminum. This includes the 3” x 3” aluminum tube subframe, a minimum of four spring-loaded hold downs (to minimize stress on the body), a 3/16” aluminum plate made with 5052 marine grade aluminum, and proprietary extrusions specifically designed to fortify the body. Our customization services enable you to work hand-in-hand with us to tailor each component of the unit to your particular needs.
Because every department varies in levels of manpower, types of equipment, areas of response, and water sources, each department has different customization needs. With Metalfab, you will have the option to tailor warning light systems, scene lighting, storage, manpower seating, various body configurations and more to best suit the needs of your team.
If you decide that a custom walk around rescue is the right choice for your department, Metalfab’s sales team will meet with you to discuss your team’s needs and work in conjunction with our engineering staff to design and deliver a unit that your department will be proud to call your own.
Please contact us for further information or to schedule a free 20-minute consultation with one of Metalfab’s dedicated sales team members.