The very first 112RESCUE was held at Messe Dortmund between 14 and 17 June 2023, bringing together those involved in fire safety, rescue services, civil defence and disaster control under one roof. Germany's first buyer-meets-seller forum and high-content supporting programme for the entire emergency response sector presented a comprehensive showcase of innovative products, applications and new approaches to all challenges.

Dortmund, 22 June 2023 – The new 112RESCUE show got off to a flying start at Messe Dortmund from 14 to 17 June 2023 and is now set to become an annual event. It covered all essential aspects of public safety and emergency response with a keen eye to the future. The importance of the new trade show with a wide-ranging supporting and conference programme was underlined by the involvement of two government ministries, with the North Rhine Westphalia State Ministry of the Interior and the NRW State Ministry of Labour, Health & Social Affairs both acting as patrons of the show. The new civil defence hub was honoured by a personal visit to the show by Herbert Reul, Minister of the Interior in North Rhine Westphalia and patron of the show. On his tour on Saturday, he took a close look at equipment including an armoured ambulance which was being exhibited exclusively for the very first time. He also presented the new Women in Rescue Award (WIR Award) together with chief show organiser Sabine Loos. "Good interaction between fire safety, rescue services, disaster control and civil defence is crucial in emergency situations. The Covid crisis and recent severe weather disasters have left no doubt about that. These challenges make it all the more important to keep abreast of new trends and opportunities. However, 112RESCUE in Dortmund is more than a showcase for the industry, it is a marketplace in the best sense of the word, where the focus is on experts engaging and interacting. At the end of the day, it's people – not equipment – that save lives,” said Herbert Reul, Minister of the Interior in the State of North Rhine Westphalia.

Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue, continued: “We're delighted that we've been able to launch the new 112RESCUE show here in North Rhine Westphalia – Germany's most populous state – covering all aspects of emergency response, and that we've succeeded in attracting high-calibre exhibitors to the inaugural event, eliciting a host of favourable responses from across the industry.” The inaugural show attracted over 236 commercial exhibitors from a total of nine different countries, "proving a great source of inspiration and an innovation driver in many ways with numerous new products and innovations being shown for the very first time. The fact that the inaugural show has been such a success is a great incentive for us to keep on developing and refining 112RESCUE together with our conceptual partner, the Association of Fire Brigades in North Rhine Westphalia (VdF NRW), and our other 112RESCUE industry partners with all our shared commitment and expertise,” she continued.

“The 112RESCUE launch has created a civil defence 'epicentre' in Dortmund for the first time, pulling together all key protect-and-respond disciplines. As well as a host of technical highlights, the new forum focused primarily on the linkages between the various rescue sectors, looking ahead together and engaging in-depth within the organisations,” explained Christoph Schöneborn, CEO of the Association of Fire Brigades in North Rhine Westphalia (VdF NRW).

Visitors and exhibitors very satisfied

Trade visitors were delighted with the extensive exhibition and the quality of exhibitors, with over 90% saying they were looking forward to coming to the next event in 2024. Almost 91% of visitors also praised the compact range of products on offer. Around 82% also gave high marks to the expert discussions held. Over 90% of the exhibiting businesses have said they want to have stands at the next 112RESCUE show.

Unique: Women in Rescue – women to the fore in the rescue services

In collaboration with various partners, the very first 'blues-and-twos' show was dedicated specifically to the potential of women in the traditionally male-dominated domains of fire and rescue. The special Women in Rescue speciality zone sent a clear signal for greater equality and appreciation of female emergency responders. Social media itself played an important part on the final day of the show at 'Women in Rescue' where Silke Müller, Lower Saxony's first digital ambassador, addressed this topic.

The newly established Women in Rescue Award was presented to Lea Urbach who has been volunteering for the Breinig (Stolberg district) branch of the German Red Cross for nearly 20 years. She was honoured for her selfless commitment, representative of all the women who worked with great dedication during the 2021 flood disaster in western Germany: she had travelled from Hanover to her home town on the eve of the flood disaster and then worked tirelessly for her fellow citizens even though she herself had lost belongings and was forced to spend a week in emergency accommodation. By making this award, the initiators – the VdF Women in the Fire Service Network, the German Maltese Cross, the German Robotics Centre and Messe Dortmund – demonstrated their recognition of outstanding achievements in the rescue services. At the same time, the award was also intended to be a call to everyone to support and encourage women in the rescue sector.

Diverse – the 112RESCUE supporting programme

Visitors to the show found a rich supporting programme waiting for them free of charge, offering high-quality input, with yet another speciality zone dedicated to the latest findings in systematic analysis and risk control. At the CAREER CAMPUS, universities, training centres, associations and institutions presented a comprehensive range of vocational and on-the-job training offerings. At the RESEARCH & FUTURE innovation hub,leading research institutes, start-ups and forward-looking businesses were given a platform for the topics of flood and fire protection, digitalisation and the latest trends and research output concerning rescue services. At Flamecoach, a source of virtual reality fire safety training, fascinating expert visitors gave insights into the computerised future of fire safety simulation.

Bang up-to-date – big-name conference programme featuring diverse range of topics

A major convention programme of specialist conferences and symposia really put the finishing touch to 112RESCUE. The two-day rescue and emergency medical treatment convention organised by Prof Dr Clemens Kill from the German Society for Rescue Services and Preclinical Emergency Medicine (DGRN) took place on the second day in partnership with the North Rhine Westphalia Emergency Doctors' Syndicate (AGNNW). The organiser of the Technical Rescue Conference – Electromobility was Dortmund Fire Department. Similarly, the German Rescue Service Symposium of five significant national rescue and emergency medical centres was held live and online for the first time as part of 112RESCUE.

Exhibits – for rescue operations and emergency response

A wide range of rescue equipment (powered and unpowered) was included in the diverse exhibitor offerings, with Carl Henkel, a high-quality equipment supplier for extreme rescue operations, presenting a fire-fighting robot from French company Shark Robotics which was used, for example, during the fire in Notre Dame cathedral. A converted hydrogen vehicle also attracted great interest at Henkel's special vehicle construction stand. Desautel, the French market leader for fire-fighting vehicles and specialist in fire safety and extinguishing technology, brought along various vehicles including some for use in forest fires. Another expert in fire safety and large-scale forest fire fighting, ICONOS, presented proven solutions and applications. Other special vehicles were presented by suppliers INEOS and LUEG as well as the German St John's Ambulance service which showed a Unimog emergency ambulance and a new amphibious vehicle.

Matschke & Müller, a global specialist supplier of fire boats, showed a powerful fire boat for rescue operations in waterways and flood areas. DRF Luftrettung brought along a helicopter for emergency rescue and ICU patient transfers. The non-profit organisation is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. A special highlight and a world-first was an armoured ambulance on exclusive display from Maxis Group which specialises in mobility and safety solutions in extreme risk situations. Also at the venue was a dummy horse demonstrated by com cavalo, an expert training company for large equipment-assisted animal rescue operations. Last but not least, Dortmund Fire Department, in cooperation with the German Robotics Centre, showed various applications from the world of robotics as well as potential uses for drones.

Fit and fun – sport for rescuers

Sports enthusiasts were also able to experience numerous sporting activities, with a tour part of the FireFit Championships Europe streaming live at the stand of FireSports Dortmund, one of the organisers of popular fire brigade competitions. The challenge had stopped off at Dortmund's Phoenix Lake from 16 to 17 June. In addition, the BalanceSchmiede Centre for Applied Sports Science presented a specific training programme. The Association of Fire Brigades in North Rhine Westphalia also put on action-packed youth sports events.

Meet & Greet – experiencing popular brand ambassadors up close

In Hall 6, experts and interested visitors had the opportunity to establish contact with well-known brand ambassadors. Probably the best-known faces in the rescue sector include Luis Teichmann (of '5 Sprechwunsch' fame) and Christian Mahnsen (alias Samy Splint). Ann-Sophie Keszler, Sina Setale and Celina Woll came to the show to represent woman-power on social media. Other brand ambassadors such as Niklas Röder, Maik Stelli, Bernd Ültzhöfer and André Willer (alias 'FeuerwehrWilli') also appeared at 112RESCUE.

Sebastian José Engels won first prize in the 112RESCUE competition. He can look forward to a visit from brand ambassador 'FeuerwehrWilli' to his unit, the 'Sankt Augustin Volunteer Fire Brigade' in Meindorf, in the not-too-distant future. In addition, 30 other winners each received a genuine 'FeuerwehrWilli' mug.

Networking at 112RESCUE

In addition to evening events that changed daily, a get-together for all rescue personnel got underway in the exhibition centre grounds on the penultimate day of the show – initiated by the Association of Fire Brigades in North Rhine Westphalia (VdF NRW), which also includes the Fire Service Network for Diversity and the Network for Women in the Fire Service. The Blue Light Beach was the venue on Friday evening for various events including selecting the winner of the FireSports Dortmund 'FireFit Challenge'.

2024 dates already fixed

The date for the next 112RESCUE has already been set. The next show is to be held between 5 and 8 June 2024 – at Messe Dortmund of course.

112RESCUE 2023: What people had to say about the show

Dr Jan Heinisch, Chairman of the Association of Fire Brigades in North Rhine Westphalia (VdF NRW)

“As conceptual partner to 112RESCUE, we're delighted with the way the show went. Interest levels among trade visitors was outstanding and met with great approval, especially from the exhibitors. The sector has responded very well indeed to the new show, as reflected in the visitor numbers. The exhibitors' evening provided an excellent opportunity for networking. The choice of Dortmund as venue has proven nothing short of ideal for 112RESCUE.”

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

“With its multi-day programme of expert presentations on rescue and emergency medicine, 112RESCUE has taken a new and unique path as a trade show for the entire rescue sector. Over three days, several hundred participants attended talks by experts from five nations and discussed key topics related to emergency care. I am convinced that the combination of trade show and trade convention has succeeded in creating an attractive and forward-looking concept that focuses on our most important resource: rescue personnel.”

Dr Sophie von Preysing, NRW Regional and State Director of the German Maltese Cross

“From our point of view, this début has been a success. That's also the message we've been getting from the many visitors. It was important that the show's conference programme attracted so many decision-makers to 112RESCUE. Thanks to Messe Dortmund, we were able to present our topics of 'Women in the Rescue Services' and 'Resilience' in a great way, which is very pleasing and for which we are very grateful.”

André Lüddecke from the Press and Public Relations Office at Dortmund Fire Department

“For us, the world of firefighting doesn't stop at the Dortmund city limits. We've been able to engage in good discussions and share ideas with experts in different regions and different specialisms. So we're delighted that 112RESCUE has got off to such a good start.”

Michael Sonntag, Head of Civil Defence Health Protection at the German Red Cross (Northern Rhineland)

“The number of trade visitors, high-level decision-makers and well-known companies is remarkable, and we're excited to see how the show is going to develop in the years ahead.”

Stefan Albrecht, President of the Northern Rhineland branch of the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG)

“As a voluntary association, we're at the show to present our broad portfolio. We want to inspire interested visitors to volunteer with our association, and we also want to approach other aid and rescue organisations in a very targeted way to establish networks and engage on a technical level. This year, our focus is particularly on disaster control, as many people are still unaware of what we do in this area. Next year we'd like to broaden that out a bit.”

Rüdiger Körmann, Deputy Head of the German St John's Ambulance service's 'Johanniter Academy NRW'

“112RESCUE is the first show in NRW to cover the complete spectrum of rescue services. We had an excellent audience of trade visitors, decision-makers and representatives from the Ministry of the Interior. Messe Dortmund has great air-conditioned halls and excellent infrastructure, and is easy to reach. The supporting programme also attracted additional visitors to the stand. The first 112RESCUE is a success for us across the board. Next year we want the same stand location – only bigger.”

Robert Grafe, CEO of the German Rescue Robotics Centre (DRZ)

“112RESCUE has been a resounding success. We were able to establish very diverse contacts and bring together different research topics. Overall, the show has added a lot of value, and we look forward to seeing it become a permanent fixture.”

Daniel Wasilewski from Partner Management (West) at non-profit air rescue foundation DRF Stiftung Luftrettung gemeinnützige AG

“North Rhine Westphalia and Dortmund in particular are important locations for us. When many people think of air rescue, they think of the Alps or coastal regions. Here, we can showcase the diverse application potential of our helicopters and point out selective propositions of interest to this part of the world. At the same time, we've been able to see interesting offerings from the other exhibitors and expand our network. The show itself is fantastic. There's an excellent atmosphere in the halls. On top of all that, it's nice to be able to set up our stand in an air-conditioned hall.”

Markus Bölte, Technical Advisor at THW heavy rescue plant operator (Dortmund branch)

“Our main concern was to be part of the show. Given the high number of attenders and the great interest among trade visitors, I'd say we've succeeded in that. We were very impressed with 112RESCUE and would like to come back next year.”

Baptiste Cohen from Sales Operations at Shark Robotics

“112RESCUE is our first trade show in Germany. We are already well established in many EU countries and would also like to export more to Germany. In this respect, discussions at the show are going fantastically well, and we've also met potential new suppliers for our systems. If 112RESCUE carries on like this, we'll become regulars.”

Andreas Beckschulze, Fire Service Segment Consultant at RKF-Bleses GmbH

“We've been able to have a lot of in-depth professional discussions at 112RESCUE. The Messe Dortmund location is also fantastic, especially for us dealers in NRW. We really enjoyed the show and will be back next year.”

Elmer Tackenberg from the Bergisch-Land Fire Brigade Advisory Service at Desautel Firetrucks

“Our expectations were exceeded even in the first couple of days. Special praise goes to the team at Messe Dortmund. This pilot project has a very specific clientèle with specific needs and requirements. The team had optimum answers to all questions that arose. We are already planning a bigger stand for next time. Simply brilliant!”

Klaus Albert, Head of CBRN Protection at deconta Holding GmbH

“We reckon this show has great potential. North Rhine Westphalia is the state with Germany's highest density of rescue services. At the same time, there are also many of our customers at the venue who have even brought our custom-made products with them. This is helping us attract new customers, maintain existing contacts and discuss new opportunities.”

Carsten Füllwock, owner and CEO of Matschke u. Müller GmbH & Co KG

“112RESCUE has been a huge success for us. We've been able to present our niche product, the 'PIONER Multi III Fireboat RTB 2' and the new product 'ALUCAT W10 RTB 2' to great effect. The launch of our products at the show was particularly successful. We were also very pleased with the numerous initial conversations we were able to have. Overall, the show was extremely positive for us.”

Jörn-Bo Hein, Senior Manager at JUTEC GmbH

“At 112RESCUE we've been able to hold numerous productive discussions and win key potential customers. The atmosphere has been exuberant and positive. This show is an excellent platform for presenting one's products. In particular, we were able to present our fire protection blanket for e-mobility and found that the high-temperature fabric is clearly seen as a key differentiator. This realisation was highly instructive.”

Jan Henkel, CEO of specialist vehicle manufacturer SONDERFAHRZEUGBAU HENKEL

“Considering it was the first time 112RESCUE was held, things have really gotten off to an impressive start. There was a great mix of trade visitors and the general public. Many trade visitors told me they also want to be there next year as exhibitors.”

Maximilian Jankowski, Managing Director of Maxis Group

“At the show, we had the opportunity to engage in lots of exciting discussions. In particular, we found the venue in Dortmund to be extremely appropriate to this subject matter. 112RESCUE was a great event, and we look forward to participating again next year.”

Tobias Thoren, Sales & Marketing Manager at isotemp

“As a manufacturer based in North Rhine Westphalia, exhibiting at 112RESCUE was a bit of a no-brainer. We think the concept of the show is superb, because NRW hasn't had this kind of event to date. We simply loved the show. It got off to a great start, and we'll definitely be back next year.”

EXHIBITION AT A GLANCE

112 RESCUE – THE FIRE SAFETY, RESCUE, EMERGENCY RESPONSE & CIVIL DEFENCE SHOW

The new trade show will offer 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 will also feature live demonstrations in a variety of safety-related disciplines.

DATE:

14 – 17 June 2023

(5 – 8 June 2024)

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 7 (youth area), outdoor grounds

VISITORS:

Approx. 13,000 visitors

EXHIBITORS:

236 exhibitors from nine countries

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 politicians as well as job seekers and training providers – and anyone with an interest in rescue, protection and safety.