Storage and entry door latches take a beating on an ambulance. At the scene, storage doors are frequently yanked open and slammed closed. The latch and handle mechanisms take the brunt of the force. Traditional handles are connected by tie rods to the latch, whether locked or unlocked. Our new design, disengages the tie rod from the handle when the door is locked, allowing the mechanism to “free float”, reducing the chance of bending or breaking the handle or tie rods, especially when pulling on a locked door handle. The deep pocket and beefy handle make it easier to grip, even when wearing gloves.