From 26 to 28 June 2025, Messe Dortmund once again became a unique magnet for rescue, fire and disaster control professionals as 112RESCUE offered a multitude of inspiration for the future of civil defence and emergency response.

Dortmund, 2 July 2025 – The third 112RESCUE rescue, fire and disaster control show proved to be the industry's central platform for innovation with a total of 315 exhibitors from Germany and abroad showcasing the latest products, concepts and technologies from medical equipment and robotics to emergency vehicles and fire station infrastructure. This year's show focussed in particular on social and political challenges, namely rampage and threat scenarios, extreme weather events, the future of procurement, rescue robotics and safety research.

“112RESCUE has established itself within a very short period of time as a capable and well-positioned forum. The breadth of topics, the high level of participation and the depth of expertise demonstrate the industry's thirst for dialogue, innovation and shared solutions. The fact that we were able to welcome a growing number of exhibitors to forward-looking formats with high levels of international participation confirms we're on the right track. We can see that this show brings together not just new products, but – above all – topics of future importance across the entire emergency response industry,” said Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue.

Exhibitor participation was nearly 10% up on the previous year. The international character of the event is particularly noteworthy, continued the Messe Dortmund boss: “Companies from eleven countries were represented. This emphasises the role of 112RESCUE as a cross-border forum for dialogue and interaction on matters of safety, rescue and protection.”

Christoph Schöneborn, Managing Director of the Association of Fire Brigades in North Rhine Westphalia (VdF NRW) and conceptual partner of 112RESCUE, added: “This year's“ 112RESCUE has once again been a resounding success. More trade visitors, more exhibitors, more in the accompanying programme – we're on the right track. All the more reason for us to look forward to the next show in 2027.”

High level of exhibitor satisfaction

112RESCUE 2025 was given very good ratings by the exhibiting businesses. According to an independent survey, around 95% of respondents said their expectations of the show had been met or even exceeded. The high relevance of the event becomes particularly clear when looking to the future, with almost 89% of exhibitors planning to participate again at 112RESCUE 2027.

Top marks from show goers

112RESCUE 2025 succeeded once again in increasing visitor satisfaction by a significant margin compared to last time. According to an independent survey, 91% of visitors rated this year's offering as the same or better than last year's event. The entire range of products and services at the show was given an average rating of 'good'. The range of products and services specifically geared towards innovations and forward-looking trends as well as the extensive supporting programme also received good feedback. The breadth of the audience was especially noteworthy, with visitors coming to the show from all relevant disciplines including the fire services, rescue services, emergency medicine, disaster control, administration, industry, commerce, educational institutions and voluntary work. This excellent mix underlines the high relevance of 112RESCUE as an interdisciplinary platform for civil emergency response. At the time of the survey, over 90% of visitors already said they want to attend the next show.

Realistic deployment scenarios, specialist vehicles and heavy equipment

This year's 112RESCUE again offered a varied programme with numerous focal points. Technological innovations played a major part in this, with visitors able to experience the latest systems for assisting in operational deployments, including automated solutions for situational awareness and deployment coordination. The daily protective clothing fashion shows on stage in Hall 6 also attracted a lot of attention.

In the outdoor area, the focus was on realistic deployment scenarios, presenting current rescue equipment and techniques as well as precautions for special hazard scenarios. Health precautions for emergency personnel, for example related to contamination, was also addressed in a true-to-life way using mobile systems.

Further ideas and inspiration came from the research and development disciplines, with young businesses, start-ups and scientific institutions presenting innovative approaches and products such as digital solutions for deployment management and new concepts for safety-related equipment. Current projects were presented in various formats and panels, highlighting issues in the worlds of science, technology and real-life practice.

A broad spectrum was also covered in the field of emergency and rescue medicine, with exhibits including conventional medical equipment and modern applications for documentation, communication and preclinical care. In addition, high-calibre specialist conventions contributed significant extra content to the show, with the Rescue & Emergency Medicine Congress offering in-depth insights into medical developments, the Tactical Situations in Emergency Services convention focusing on deployment strategies for complex hazardous situations, and the N4 Netherlands Network Meeting strengthening cross-border engagement, especially with Dutch organisations.

Another centre of emphasis were modern solutions in emergency vehicles and road safety. As well as conventional types of vehicle, renowned manufacturers and retrofitters presented a wide range of innovative fire service vehicles through to specialised rescue transporters.

A key specialist topic at this year's show was the construction of high-capability fire stations. On the Main Stage, experts discussed current requirements for the planning, architecture and functionality of modern fire stations. The focus was on optimised operational processes, future-proof space designs and sustainable construction methods.

At the new Women in Rescue Corner, 112RESCUE once again put social commitment, equal rights and diversity in the rescue sector centre-stage. This speciality zone provided a central go-to hub for dialogue, networking and personal development within the entire rescue community. This applied equally to full-time and voluntary employees and to people taking care of operational or strategic tasks. The Women in Rescue Award also reflected this holistic approach, with the award going to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution, demonstrating special responsibility, expertise and commitment. The award was expressly aimed at committed players from all parts of the rescue services. The award was presented for the third time this year, organised by an initiative of Messe Dortmund together with the German Maltese Cross and the 'Florentine NRW' network of the Association of Fire Brigades in North Rhine Westphalia (VdF NRW). The award was presented by Dr Daniela Lesmeister Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of the Interior in North Rhine Westphalia, to Tanja Hellmann from Dortmund Fire Service for her personal engagement and commitment to the sector.

The next 112RESCUE show is already being planned and will be held in 2027 as the central meeting point for fire safety, rescue, disaster control and civil defence professionals.

112RESCUE 2025 – What people had to say

Christoph Schöneborn, Chief Executive of the Association of Fire Brigades in North Rhine Westphalia (VdF NRW) (conceptual partner of 112RESCUE)

“This year's 112RESCUE has once again been a resounding success. More trade visitors, more exhibitors, more in the accompanying programme – we're on the right track. All the more reason for us to look forward to the next show in 2027 – will we all be back in Dortmund then?”

Janine Kurlemann, Team Leader, NRW Rescue Service Personnel Recruitment & Retention at the German Maltese Cross

“112RESCUE is developing into a central meeting point for the 'blues-and-twos' family and for the German Maltese Cross here in NRW and across Germany. We can see this reflected in the great response at our stand. The show gives us an excellent platform for engaging, interacting and networking with decision-makers, specialists and interested parties in the rescue services and the emergency management and disaster control organisations. We're also particularly pleased to see how many committed colleagues are making the journey to Dortmund. 112RESCUE manages to bundle relevant matters of interest and promote dialogue between the front line, innovation and training. That's exactly what we an aid organisation are looking for. The fact that this has developed so well in what is the third show is a strong signal for the great future this show has ahead of it.”

Marco Schauff, Head of Marketing and Communications at the NRW section of the German St John's Ambulance service

“At our two stands this year, we at St John's presented ourselves as an attractive employer and a dependable partner in rescue services and disaster control. This year, too, we had a lot of excellent discussions and told visitors about our Universal Disaster Response Unit and practical training. Many thanks to all visitors, co-exhibitors and the 112RESCUE trade show team.”

Florian Gehrig, National Civil Defence Officer at the NRW section of the 'Arbeiter Samariter Bund' employee welfare organisation

“112RESCUE 2025 was an excellent opportunity for us in the local ASB to present our organisation and our civil defence operations to a broad specialist audience. We were especially pleased with the in-depth dialogue with exhibitors and people from other organisations which was enriching from a technical point of view and also initiated some new collaborations. 112RESCUE is increasingly developing into a central platform for networking, innovation and recruiting young talent – exactly what civil defence in NRW needs. We would like to express our thanks for the professional organisation, and we're already looking forward to next time.”

Prof Clemens Kill (M.D.), Senior Chair of the German Society for Rescue Services and Preclinical Emergency Medicine (DGRN)

“The German Rescue Service Symposium at 112RESCUE offered trade visitors presentations and interactive workshops on up-to-the-minute matters of interest in emergency medicine. This event is an ideal addition to the trade show in terms of development training and networking for our rescue personnel and has received very up-beat feedback.”

Maximilian Braune, Managing Partner at Carl Henkel GmbH & Co KG
“112RESCUE was our first trade show – and it's still the only one we attend regularly. With great numbers, clear focus and the right audience, it's proven again this year that it's the perfect forum for us. We've deliberately put up a big presence because we want to show how we're positioning ourselves in the market. The show's located in the middle of our sales territory between North Rhine Westphalia and southern part of Lower Saxony and is certainly not something we'd want to miss out on.”

Anna Karten, Regional Segment Manager, Fire Services & Governmental at Dräger

“112RESCUE has very convincing features including highly qualified visitors and excellent organisation by Messe Dortmund. As a central sales region with a high density of full-time fire brigades, Germany's 'Ruhrgebiet' industrial heartland is ideal for us. We got a great response to our new communications system and were able to inspire both decision-makers and users. 112RESCUE has been growing noticeably for three years – we'll be back in 2027.”

Dirk Zeisler, Team Assistant for Practical Driving Programmes at the German Road Safety Council (DVR)

“Dortmund is an ideal location – with excellent logistics, good accessibility and affordable hotels. The dedicated trade show team were very helpful to us throughout. The show is an exciting specialist event where we met many decision-makers and the entire blues-and-twos scene. It's been a perfect networking event with a good number of visitors. Our goal of flying our flag and highlighting the topic of driving safety while responding to emergencies was met in full.”

Birk Lehmann, CEO of ElBe Sonderfahrzeuge GmbH

“The open round-table discussion groups really helped us to engage, network and gain fresh inspiration. The infrastructure at the venue was excellent, and the organisation very smooth – the dedicated trade show team was always flexible and had quick answers to all questions. We've been involved from the very first show and are already looking forward to the next one.”

Maike Carroll from Marketing at Bavarian Red Cross commercial and services company 'H+DG'

“112RESCUE 2025 has been an all-round successful event for us. We were particularly pleased with the rescue clothing fashion show – a great idea and the ideal opportunity to effectively present our Titania clothing range offering optimum comfort during deployments. The show is very exciting overall as it combines trade visitors, innovation and sharing of experience in a special way. We're very happy with the response and had a lot of success from a technical point of view as well as enjoying the discussions and the direct feedback from visitors.”

Thomas Mayr, Managing Director of Optic Barrier GmbH

“For me, 112RESCUE was a real B2B quantum leap! The many discussions really brought people together – the networking was fantastic. I've received excellent feedback for our privacy screen systems in particular. Even before the show ended, I was able to agree initial collaborations with another exhibitor to expand our product portfolio to include fire protection walls. Even by Day 2 I'd already far exceeded the goals I'd set myself. It couldn't have gone better.”

Melina Löwecke, Unit Manager at RHOT Bochum-Essen (rescue dog tracking technology)

“With up to ten people and just as many rescue dogs at the stand, we were always really busy – and that immediately attracted attention. We wanted to demonstrate the synergies between rescue dogs and modern technology in a true-to-life way, which was met with great enthusiasm by visitors. The atmosphere was consistently up-beat, and many stayed with us for extended periods to chat and find out more. In this way, we were able to get the right messages out, putting rescue dogs and technology centre-stage and making our association really visible.”

Jens Keblat, Board Publicity & Press Spokesperson at Hänsch Warnsysteme GmbH

“We're delighted to see a considerable number of the numerous professional and volunteer fire services and other aid organisations here at 112RESCUE. The comprehensive conference programme and the enjoyable supporting programme make it possible to bring lots of decision-makers together in one place. A valuable opportunity to hold numerous high-quality discussions in a short space of time. The direct dialogue with specialists and managers provides us with important ideas and inspiration and reinforces collaboration within the entire blues-and-twos family.”

Jens Fangmann, Sales Manager at Alpha Robotics Germany

“This is the second time we've taken part, and we were able to make excellent contacts here last year. This year we're presenting our new product, and the show offers the opportunity to do this in a very comprehensive way. Robotics, in particular, is becoming increasingly important, and 112RESCUE gives us the ideal platform to make this very topic visible. It's the ideal place for us to fly our flag.”

Robert Grafe, Chief Executive of the German Rescue Robotics Centre

“Robotics is becoming an increasingly important topic in the world of emergency response, and 112RESCUE provides the perfect setting for this. The Rescue Robotics Days are a real success: they're very well received and show how relevant robotics is. We're delighted to be part of that.”

Dr Wolfgang Malms, Head of Municipal Procurement at Kommunal Agentur NRW

“112RESCUE gives access to an excellent network. That was what we wanted, and we've definitely achieved it. We've had lots of good discussions and met important decision-makers at the venue. Our morning presentations, in particular, were very well attended and offered interactive dialogue at a high professional level. The exhibitor evening also provided excellent networking in a relaxed atmosphere. All in all, it was an all-round successful platform for making contacts and maintaining existing networks.”

Heidi Tiedt, Marketing Manager at WEBER-HYDRAULIK GmbH

“We've been at 112RESCUE since the first year in 2023, and this is the third time we've exhibited our product range – very successfully, I'm pleased to say. The response has been consistently positive, the trade audience was very active, and we've been able to generate high-quality leads. We're especially pleased to be in contact with the volunteer fire brigades and a young audience. Children and young people in particular show great interest, and they are the decision-makers of tomorrow. Customer loyalty works extremely well here. The exhibitor evening was a real highlight – a valuable opportunity for networking in particular.”

Dennis Böhmer, Research Associate at Fraunhofer BIG DATA AI

“We want to use artificial intelligence in a targeted way to facilitate operations and provide the best possible support to the emergency services. We rely on data, experience and feedback from the field to refine our solutions. It's precisely these end users that we meet here at 112RESCUE, and that's what makes the show so valuable to us. The atmosphere at the venue is open and committed – we're having lots of constructive discussions and making exactly the contacts we need for our work.”

Sybille Trojan, Managing Director of equipment provider ITURRI Feuerwehr- und Umwelttechnik GmbH

“Our aim at 112RESCUE was to establish selective contacts with fire services and aid organisations, and that's been a great success all round. The show attracts a wide range of trade visitors and has the perfect infrastructure. The specialist content programme, in particular, was a real highlight and offered great added value for everyone who took part. For us, 112RESCUE is a trade show highlight in the industry and a firm diary date.”

 
EXHIBITION AT A GLANCE

112 RESCUE – THE FIRE SAFETY, RESCUE, EMERGENCY RESPONSE & CIVIL DEFENCE SHOW
The trade show offers a broad overview of what's available on the market, with exhibitors showing tried-and-trusted, leading-edge and also future products, applications, services, ideas and solutions in all areas of protecting civilian populations. It also features live demonstrations in safety-related disciplines.

DATE: 
26 - 28 June 2025

EXHIBITORS:

315 exhibitors from 11 countries

NUMBER OF VISITORS:

Over 15,000 visitors

EVENT ORGANISER:

Messe Dortmund GmbH

CONCEPTUAL PARTNER:

• Verband der Feuerwehren in NRW e.V. (VdF NRW, the Association of Fire Brigades in North Rhine Westphalia
  
  

PATRONS:

• NRW State Ministry of the Interior
• NRW State Ministry of Labour, Health & Social Affairs

HALLS OCCUPIED:

Halls 4, 5, 6 and outdoor area A2

NEXT SHOW:

Scheduled for 2027 (exact date to be announced shortly)

TARGET VISITOR GROUPS:
The show is specifically aimed at decision makers and those with an advisory influence on purchasing matters at municipal and state level, and spanning both voluntary and paid staff in fire departments, rescue services, heavy equipment agencies, relief organisations and the entire disaster control sector. The show will equally be of interest to societies and associations (e.g. public sector institutes for occupational accident insurance and prevention, and chambers of commerce), local and state politici ans as well as job seekers and training providers and anyone with an interest in rescue, protection and safety.