Abstract: A rescue vehicle or safety apparatus is disclosed which in its most basic form includes a self-propelled platform adapted to be suspended from a vertically directed line in turn connected to a movable or stationary point thereabove. So attached, the platform may be accurately maneuvered under its own power from a position somewhat laterally removed from the locus of an emergency such as a fire in a tall building or the like, to a position immediately adjacent the window or other opening in the building such that persons trapped therein may be moved directly into the rescue vehicle and accordingly be removed to safety. The vehicle may also be used for fire fighting and combating other emergency situations such as grain elevator explosions, oil tanker and other fires at sea, etc. and would normally be transported and directed in its use position by means of a helicopter, although not limited thereto.