Vetter Rescue Products

The world's most comprehensive range of pneumatic rescue equipment — from ultra-flat bags for the tightest spaces to 102-tonne 12-bar lifts, fall-rescue cushions and complete rapid response kits. Designed and manufactured in Germany since 1958.

Vetter Feuerwehrtechnik GmbH — Germany

Vetter has manufactured pneumatic rescue equipment for fire and rescue services since 1958. All lifting bags conform to EN 13731 (pneumatic lifting bags for rescue services) and are manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management. Each bag is individually pressure-tested and CE marked before leaving the factory in Witten, Germany.

What are Vetter Pneumatic Lifting Bags?

Vetter pneumatic lifting bags (also called rescue airbags or pneumatic rescue bags) are inflatable rubber-and-fabric cushions used by fire brigades and rescue services to lift, shift or stabilise heavy objects during vehicle extrication, industrial accidents and building collapses. They operate using compressed air — either from a standard fire service breathing apparatus cylinder or a dedicated control unit — and inflate in seconds to deliver controlled lifting forces of up to 102 tonnes per bag.

102 t
Max lifting capacity per bag (S-TEC)
1.6 cm
Min insertion height (Ultra Flat)
EN 13731
European standard for rescue lifting bags
1958
Year Vetter was founded in Witten, Germany

Vetter Lifting Bag Series — Quick Comparison

Series Working Pressure Max Lift Insertion Height Best For
S-TEC 12 bar 12 bar 102 t 2.5 cm RTC, heavy machinery, collapsed structures
C-TEC 12 bar 12 bar Up to 20 t 3.0 cm Universal use with large lifting stroke
Ultra Flat 8 bar 8 bar Up to 75 t 1.6 cm Tight spaces under vehicles, machinery
Mini Bags 8 bar Up to 36 t 2 cm Confined spaces, pushing, pressing, splitting
Classic 1 bar 1 bar Up to 71 t 5 cm Lorries, aircraft, high lifting stroke
Wedge 1 bar 1 bar 6 t per bag Variable Bus and coach accidents, angled lifts
Safety Cushions Low pressure Fall rescue from heights up to 25 m

Lifting Bags & Rescue Equipment

Select a product range to view full specifications and product details.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Vetter Lifting Bags

What is the difference between 12-bar and 1-bar Vetter lifting bags?
12-bar bags (S-TEC, C-TEC) operate at higher working pressure, which means smaller bags can generate very high lifting forces with a relatively low insertion height — ideal for tight vehicle extrication scenarios. 1-bar bags (Classic, Wedge) operate at lower pressure and achieve a much greater lifting stroke, making them better suited for lifting buses, lorries or aircraft where you need more vertical travel. Both types are EN 13731 certified.
Can Vetter pneumatic lifting bags be used in ATEX (explosive atmosphere) environments?
Yes. Vetter offers ATEX-certified versions of several bag series designed for use in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres — such as petrochemical plants, refineries and gas terminals. These bags use anti-static materials and special valve assemblies. Contact us to specify ATEX requirements when ordering.
What air supply do Vetter lifting bags require?
Vetter lifting bags are supplied via a Vetter control unit (dual or single control) which connects to a standard compressed air source — typically a 200-bar or 300-bar breathing apparatus cylinder, a vehicle-mounted compressor, or a cascade system. The control unit reduces and regulates the pressure to the correct working pressure for each bag series. Bags, hoses and controllers are supplied as complete sets or individually.
Do you supply Vetter bags to Africa and the Middle East?
Yes. Fire and Rescue Tech is an authorised Vetter distributor supplying fire brigades, civil defence agencies, oil & gas companies and industrial safety teams across Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and other African and Gulf markets. We handle import documentation, customs clearance and can arrange in-country training and product demonstrations.
Which Vetter lifting bag is best for vehicle extrication?
For road traffic collisions (RTC), the S-TEC 12-bar series is the most commonly specified. The 2.5 cm insertion height allows placement under crushed vehicles, and the 12-bar working pressure delivers high lift forces in a compact bag. The Ultra Flat bags (1.6 cm insertion) are used when the S-TEC cannot fit — for example under a vehicle resting on its door sill. Many brigades carry a set with both series for maximum flexibility.

Need a complete lifting bag system?

We supply Vetter products individually or as complete rescue sets with controllers, hoses and carry cases. Contact us for system configuration and pricing.

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