When it’s time to plan a new rescue build, choosing the right features is key. Your rescue needs to safely transport your firefighters, and it needs to protect the equipment they rely on during every call.
Here are some features that can make a big difference in safety, durability, and day-to-day use:
1. A Sabre-Vent System For Better Airflow
Bunker gear holds moisture, smoke, and contaminants. When it’s stored inside your rescue, all of that needs to be managed. This is where the Sabre-Vent system comes in. Sabre-Vent keeps air circulating through every compartment while the truck is parked in the station. It’s a simple way to protect your investment, extend the life of the truck, and keep your crew safer.
It works with a 400 cubic-feet-per-minute (cfm) blower unit that pushes air through a closed loop of perforated PVC pipe. This design delivers between 1,000 and 1,300 air changes per compartment every single day. You get consistent airflow from front to back and top to bottom.
It’s also easy to install on new or existing equipment. And because it reduces corrosion, moisture buildup, and mildew, it often pays for itself quickly.
Here’s why fire departments choose Sabre-Vent systems:
- Helps prevent rust inside compartments
- Reduces fumes and harmful vapours
- Cuts down on mildew and odours
- Fits all popular truck styles
- Blower can mount horizontally or vertically
- Even air circulation across every compartment
- Slim piping stays out of the way
- Supports long-term equipment protection
2. Zico QSD Swing-Down SCBA Brackets
Space inside a cab is always at a premium. With the Clean Cab concept gaining momentum, many departments are storing SCBAs outside the cab to reduce exposure to carcinogens. The Zico QSD Swing Down SCBA Bracket makes this easier and safer.
Instead of firefighters twisting or reaching into awkward spaces, the swing-down bracket drops the SCBA into a comfortable position. A firefighter can simply back into it and don the pack quickly while standing upright.
This design protects the crew from unnecessary strain and keeps the SCBAs accessible, even when stored high or low in a compartment. The brackets are made from high-tensile aluminum and require very little maintenance.
3. A Command Light Tower For Safer Scenes
Roadway visibility is a growing concern. Lighting is a major factor. Standard truck-mounted lights sit at eye level and create glare for both firefighters and motorists.
A Command Light Tower helps solve this problem. It rises above the truck to create clear, high-angle lighting that reaches farther down the road. This improves visibility and reduces the chance of blinding your own crew.
Command Light’s patented movement clusters all light fixtures together, similar to stadium lighting. This keeps all beams focused on the scene so none of the LED power is wasted. The towers come in different sizes and configurations, with options from several light head manufacturers.
If your department works roadway calls, a tower like this is one of the best safety additions you can make.
4. Custom Storage Layouts That Match Your Crew’s Workflow
Every department works differently. A rescue build should reflect that. Custom compartment layouts can save valuable seconds on scene and make everyday checks easier.
When planning your storage layout, think about walk-around access to your most-used tools, slide-out trays for heavier equipment, adjustable shelves you can update over time, clear labeling to keep everything organized, weather-resistant spaces for electronics, and dedicated compartments for medical gear.
When your layout is planned well, it keeps tools organized, reduces wear and tear, and supports smoother operations during high-stress calls.
If your department is already investing in Sabre-Vent, SCBA brackets, and enhanced lighting, pairing them with a layout designed around your workflow ties everything together.
5. On-Board Smart Charging Systems
Your rescue carries radios, flashlights, medical gear, and tools that all rely on batteries. A smart charging system makes sure everything is ready to go at any time. These systems keep equipment charged automatically while the truck is parked, using shoreline power. They also prevent overcharging, which helps extend battery life and reduces long-term replacement costs. With the increasing amount of electronic equipment on modern rescues, this has become a must-have.
Smart charging matters because it keeps all tools fully charged and ready, reduces battery failures during calls, protects equipment from overcharging and overheating, works smoothly with shoreline setups, supports both standard and lithium battery tools, and saves time by cutting down on manual charging during shift changes.
It’s an upgrade that removes a lot of stress. Your crew never has to wonder if their tools will hold up on a long call, and you get one more layer of reliability built into the truck.
If you’re planning a new rescue build, we’re here to help. Contact us at +1 800-561-0012 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions. We can recommend the right features based on your department’s needs and make sure your crew gets a rescue that’s built for long-term safety and performance.
