Emergency services around the world are facing increasing challenges due to rising call volumes, increasingly complicated incident scenarios, rapid technological change, and a shortage of staff. INTERSCHUTZ, which will take place in Hannover, Germany, from June 1–6, 2026, will showcase how responding organizations can position themselves for the future. Under the subject "Safeguarding tomorrow," it unites decision-makers, practitioners, manufacturers, and academics as the world's premier international trade show for civil protection and fire and rescue services.
This isn't just another private notification service or tech experiment. It was created especially to increase the confidence between first responders and the communities, and it is California's official channel, powered by the organizations the public already relies on.
“The demands placed on emergency medical services are changing noticeably worldwide,” says Hendrik Rawe, Global Director INTERSCHUTZ at Deutsche Messe AG. “International cooperation makes it possible to look beyond national systems. The exchange of experiences and solutions strengthens the resilience of emergency response structures – and helps save lives.”
Managing rising call volumes with constrained resources is a major concern for all emergency services stakeholders. New organizational and technical strategies are needed due to demographic shifts, regional differences, and a lack of qualified workers. INTERSCHUTZ shows how systems can be strengthened, responders relieved, and procedures expedited.
At the same time, incident scenarios are getting more complicated: severe weather, key infrastructure failures, or several catastrophes happening at once put a lot of pressure on coordination, leadership, and technology. Thus, the digitalization of emergency services is just as important as modern incident management, networked response assets, and reliable communication technologies. This is not only about new technologies; it's also about integrating them responsibly and dependably into daily operations.
International suppliers will showcase solutions for the whole rescue chain at the emergency services exhibition area at INTERSCHUTZ 2026. These solutions will include medical equipment, stretchers, medical supplies, rescue and special-purpose vehicles, digital applications, and services. As a result, INTERSCHUTZ offers a thorough summary of recent advancements and useful improvements for daily operations.
Companies that supply (vehicle-mounted) stretchers and chairs in the field of medical and rescue technology, such Stryker and Stollenwerk, are among the exhibitors. As the producer of the well-known PAX emergency backpacks, X-Cen-Tek, also known as PAX, will also be exhibiting in the emergency services industry. BINZ Automotive GmbH, one of the top manufacturers of special-purpose vehicles, will also be present, offering rescue and mobility-related solutions and services. Additionally, Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeug GmbH (WAS) will have an exhibit at INTERSCHUTZ. The trade show in Hannover, the state capital, is somewhat of a home game for the Lower Saxony-based business.
Ferno will showcase cutting-edge medical devices and transportation options. Roll-in systems, ambulance stretchers, bariatric stretchers, carry chairs, scoop stretchers, and equipment for water, ice, and air rescue operations are all part of its varied range. Highlights in technical rescue, cutting-edge rescue instruments, a variety of supplementary equipment, and digital solutions will be displayed by Weber Rescue Systems. Holmatro, a Dutch manufacturer, has announced the return of its Rescue Challenge and an attractive display with cutting-edge technologies. In this competition, actual vehicle rescue scenarios will pit 24 fire and rescue teams from around the globe against one another.
Transport systems, equipment for immobilization, resuscitation, suction, and oxygen therapy, a variety of bags and backpacks, and a comprehensive catalog of personal protective equipment for paramedics and medical staff are just a few of the approximately 1,700 goods that make up Spencer Italia's portfolio. Stretchers that are sold all over the world and what is billed as a revolutionary chair for transportation and evacuation are also part of the offering.
A comprehensive professional and conference program is offered in conjunction with the expo. For instance, one lecture event compares emergency services across Europe. Additionally, the "National Committee for Emergency Services" convenes delegates from all 16 federal states in Germany to deliberate about recent advancements and essential adjustments. This illustrates the states' federal accountability for emergency medical care in Germany.
INTERSCHUTZ examines emergency services in the context of a worldwide exchange platform. The trade show program takes into account various regional situations, ranging from large rural areas to densely populated urban areas. In order to sustainably relieve responders and consistently protect the populace, new emergency response systems must be constructed both now and in the future, as demonstrated by expert forums, live demonstrations, and best-practice examples from around the globe.
The Federation of European Fire Officers hopes to unite European fire chiefs in a premier conference style on June 3 and 4, 2026, during INTERSCHUTZ 2026 in Hanover with the first FEU Leadership Conference. More than 350 leaders from civil protection authorities and fire and rescue services around Europe and other nations are anticipated to attend, according to the group. In keeping with the INTERSCHUTZ motto, "Safeguarding Tomorrow," the event seeks to establish a premier European strategic forum for individuals influencing the direction of civil protection and fire services in Europe.
Clear-headed, forward-thinking leadership is more important than ever due to a confluence of factors, including hybrid threats, geopolitical instability, digital vulnerabilities, extreme climate events, and growing public expectations.
In order to examine how European emergency services must change to remain competent, resilient, and strategically aligned in an increasingly disruptive world, the FEU will bring together senior representatives from the European Commission, NATO, national fire and civil protection agencies, and international fire service leaders from the U.S., Australia, Singapore, and other nations over the course of the two conference days.
For more information as well as tickets for the FEU leadership conference, please check the website.
About INTERSCHUTZ
INTERSCHUTZ is the world's leading trade fair for firefighting, rescue, and civil protection. Taking place in 2026 in Hanover under the motto “Safeguarding Tomorrow”, INTERSCHUTZ showcases a comprehensive range of products and services in the fields of firefighting, preventive fire protection, rescue services, civil protection, communication and control center technology, as well as protective equipment. All information about the trade fair and supporting program is available at www.interschutz.de and is updated on an ongoing basis.
The INTERSCHUTZ portfolio also includes international events such as AFAC Australia (https://www.afacconference.com.au/), REAS Italy (https://www.reasonline.it/) and the China International Emergency Management Exhibition (CIEME: https://www.cieme.net/en).
About the Author
Ryan Baker
Ryan Baker is a writer and associate editor with prior experiences in online and print production. Ryan is an associate editor for Firehouse with a master's degree in sciences of communication from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He recently completed a year of teaching Intro to Public Speaking at UW-Whitewater, as part of his graduate program. Ryan acquired his bachelor's degree in journalism in 2023 from UW-Whitewater, and operates currently out of Minneapolis, MN. Baker, also writes freelances for the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) in his free time, while also umpiring baseball for various ages across the Twin Cities Metro Area.