Modern requirements in Emergency Services: INTERSCHUTZ 2026 as an international innovation platform
Hannover, Germany. Rising call volumes, increasingly complex incident scenarios, rapid technological change, and limited personnel resources are presenting emergency services worldwide with growing challenges. How response organisations can position themselves for the future will be demonstrated at INTERSCHUTZ, taking place from June 1 to 6, 2026, in Hannover, Germany.
As the world’s leading international trade fair for fire and rescue services as well as civil protection, it brings together decision-makers, practitioners, manufacturers, and researchers under the guiding theme “Safeguarding tomorrow.”
“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.”
Rising demands on emergency responders worldwide
A central issue for all stakeholders in emergency services is managing increasing call volumes with limited resources. Demographic change, regional disparities, and shortages of skilled personnel require new organizational and technological approaches. INTERSCHUTZ demonstrates how processes can be accelerated, responders relieved, and systems made more resilient.
At the same time, incident scenarios are becoming more complex: extreme weather events, failures of critical infrastructure, or multiple incidents occurring simultaneously place high demands on leadership, coordination, and technology. Modern incident management, networked response assets, and robust communication systems are therefore just as much a focus as the digitalization of emergency services. This is not only about new technologies, but also about their reliable and responsible integration into everyday operations.
INTERSCHUTZ exhibitors as solution providers in emergency services
In the emergency services exhibition area, international suppliers at INTERSCHUTZ 2026 will present solutions covering the entire rescue chain—from rescue and special-purpose vehicles to medical technology, stretchers, and medical supplies, as well as digital applications and services. INTERSCHUTZ thus provides a comprehensive overview of current developments and practical innovations for day-to-day operations.
Exhibitors include companies such as Stryker and Stollenwerk, suppliers of (vehicle-mounted) stretchers and chairs in the field of medical and rescue technology. X-Cen-Tek, also known as PAX, will also be exhibiting in the emergency services sector as the manufacturer of the well-known PAX emergency backpacks. BINZ Automotive GmbH will likewise be on site, presenting solutions and services related to rescue and mobility as one of the leading companies in special-purpose vehicle manufacturing. Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeug GmbH (WAS) will also be exhibiting at INTERSCHUTZ. For the Lower Saxony–based company, the trade fair in the state capital of Hannover is something of a home game.
Ferno will present innovative medical products and transport solutions. Its diverse portfolio includes roll-in systems, ambulance stretchers, bariatric stretchers, carry chairs, scoop stretchers, and equipment for water, ice, and air rescue operations. Weber Rescue Systems will showcase highlights in technical rescue, innovative rescue tools, a wide range of additional equipment, and digital solutions. The Dutch company Holmatro has announced an impressive booth featuring innovative products, as well as the return of its eponymous Rescue Challenge. In this competition, 24 fire and rescue teams from around the world will compete against each other in realistic vehicle rescue scenarios.
Spencer Italia’s portfolio comprises approximately 1,700 products, including transport systems, equipment for immobilisation, resuscitation, suction, and oxygen therapy, a wide range of bags and backpacks, and an extensive catalogue of personal protective equipment for paramedics and medical personnel. The offering also includes stretchers sold worldwide, as well as a chair described as revolutionary for evacuation and transport.
The exhibition is accompanied by an extensive professional and conference program. One lecture event, for example, focuses on emergency services in a European comparison. In addition, the “National Committee for Emergency Services” brings together representatives from all 16 German federal states to discuss current developments and necessary reforms. This reflects the federal responsibility of the states for emergency medical services in Germany.
As a global exchange platform, INTERSCHUTZ looks at emergency services within an international overall context. Different regional conditions—from dense urban areas to vast rural regions—are incorporated into the trade fair program. Expert forums, live demonstrations, and best-practice examples from around the world illustrate how modern emergency response systems must be designed today and in the future to sustainably relieve responders and reliably protect the population.
Premiere of FEU leadership conference at INTERSCHUTZ 2026
With the first FEU Leadership Conference during INTERSCHUTZ 2026 in Hanover, the Federation of European Fire Officers aims to bring together European fire chiefs in a premier conference format on 3 and 4 June 2026. According to the organization, more than 350 leaders from fire and rescue services as well as civil protection authorities across Europe and from other countries worldwide are expected to attend. The event adheres to the INTERSCHUTZ-motto “Safeguarding Tomorrow” and aims to create a leading European strategic platform for those shaping the future of European fire services and civil protection.
In light of a convergence of pressures – including hybrid threats, geopolitical instability, digital vulnerabilities, extreme climate events, and rising expectations from citizens – the need for clear-headed, future-oriented leadership has never been greater.
Over the two conference days, 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 United States, Australia, Singapore, and other countries to explore how European emergency services must evolve to remain capable, resilient, and strategically aligned in an increasingly disruptive world.
For more information, as well as tickets for the FEU leadership conference, please check the website .
