The Toyota Proving Ground in Arizona is home to a team of emergency responders who rely on a custom Sequoia as their daily driver. The vehicle has been modified with emergency lights, a slide-out cargo system, and upgraded suspension to handle the challenging terrain of the facility's 12,000-acre test site.
This off-road EMT rig is designed for emergency situations where traditional vehicles cannot reach, and its advanced features make it an invaluable asset for the team. The Sequoia's air suspension has been modified with a Westcott Designs preload collar kit to provide additional lift and stability on rough terrain.
The vehicle's interior has been transformed into a medical bay, complete with a slide-out cargo system that carries essential emergency gear, including defibrillators, fire extinguishers, and medical supplies. The reflective graphics, wiring, and lighting were designed in-house without any aftermarket sponsorships, showcasing Toyota's attention to detail.
Despite the upgrades, the vehicle still looks like a factory-stock Sequoia from the driver's seat, with the center console filled with various knobs, radios, and emergency equipment. This allows the team to quickly access the gear they need during an emergency response.
The Proving Ground is a challenging environment that requires vehicles to be capable of handling high-speed loops, brutal ride-and-handling surfaces, and steep off-road obstacles. Accidents can happen, and the team must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively.
The facility is staffed 24/7 by four people per shift, with a heliport on site for serious emergencies. Most incidents are handled internally, but state or county assistance may be called in for major situations. The team's emergency response capabilities are crucial to the success of their testing schedules.
Toyota also has a pair of last-gen Tundra pickups that have been modified with an Ironman 3.5-inch lift kit and helper springs to support a 500-gallon water tank. These vehicles are essentially small fire trucks, designed to handle brush fires in the desert heat.
The team's experience is shaped by the unique environment of the Proving Ground, where they must be prepared for anything from venomous wildlife to extreme weather conditions. The off-road EMT rig is just one example of Toyota's commitment to providing specialized solutions for emergency responders.
This vehicle is a testament to the ingenuity and expertise of the team at the Toyota Proving Ground, who work tirelessly to develop and maintain their equipment in some of the most challenging environments on earth.
This off-road emergency vehicle showcases Toyota's commitment to providing specialized solutions for unique needs.
