Kent firefighters deploy new rescue vehicle
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has added a new rescue vehicle to support its technical rope rescue operations across Kent and Medway.
According to KFRS, the unit responds to incidents involving rescues from height, depth, and complex lifting situations.
The new vehicle, based on an Iveco 4×4 chassis cab, replaces a previous Land Rover that had limited capacity.
The Land Rover required a second vehicle to transport all crew members and equipment, limiting efficiency during mobilisations.
KFRS stated that the new vehicle allows full crew transport and improved storage.
Crew input shapes vehicle configuration
KFRS said the vehicle was designed and built by Angloco, a UK-based manufacturer, with direct input from Kent firefighters.
The service explained that operational staff visited Angloco’s facility during the build process to influence layout and equipment access.
According to KFRS, the result is a vehicle configured specifically to meet the needs of technical rope rescue deployments.
The new cab includes a second row of seating, which the service said allows for full crew transport in one vehicle.
KFRS stated that this upgrade allows for greater flexibility in mobilisation and improves incident readiness.
Existing challenges with previous vehicle
Before the arrival of the new vehicle, the rope rescue team operated with a Land Rover.
KFRS said this limited unit lacked sufficient space for both personnel and equipment.
The service explained that a secondary vehicle was required to transport additional crew members and tools.
According to KFRS, this arrangement restricted rapid deployment and added logistical complexity during emergencies.
The new vehicle was introduced to resolve these specific operational limitations.
Service comments on collaborative build process
Jack Keogh, Workshop and Maintenance Manager at KFRS, said: “This new vehicle for the line rescue unit demonstrates KFRS’ ongoing commitment to the development of our specialist capabilities to help keep people safe.
“And, working closely with the manufacturer and including our crew’s firefighting insights has led to this vehicle’s precise design, making us all the more able to respond to emergencies across the county.”
Technical rescue capabilities in Kent
KFRS’s technical rope rescue team provides specialist support for incidents that cannot be addressed using conventional means.
The team handles complex situations where trained personnel are required to access difficult locations.
KFRS said that these can include cliff rescues, lifting casualties from confined spaces, or accessing infrastructure at height.
The new vehicle will support these operations by improving the speed and coordination of team deployment.
Further details on the specialist rescue teams are available on the KFRS website.
New rope rescue vehicle supports Kent response: Summary
Kent Fire and Rescue Service has introduced a new rescue vehicle for its technical rope rescue team.
The team operates across Kent and Medway.
The vehicle is based on an Iveco 4×4 chassis cab.
It was designed and built by Angloco.
KFRS firefighters contributed to its design.
The new cab allows full crew transport.
It replaces a smaller Land Rover unit.
The Land Rover required a second support vehicle.
KFRS said the upgrade supports faster, more flexible deployments.
Jack Keogh of KFRS praised the collaborative design process.
The vehicle is intended for rescues from height, depth and confined spaces.
KFRS said the update strengthens its specialist rescue capabilities.