Holmatro event to bring firefighters to Hannover for global rescue challenge
Holmatro has announced that its third international Rescue Challenge will take place at INTERSCHUTZ 2026 in Hannover, Germany.
According to the company, the event will run from 1 to 5 June 2026 and feature 24 teams from different countries competing in live vehicle extrication scenarios using Holmatro tools.
Each team will be assessed by an independent panel and will receive equipment training beforehand.
Holmatro said the challenge was designed to support firefighter learning and allow participants to demonstrate both technical and medical skills under pressure.
Registration is free and open to international fire and rescue teams until 1 September 2025.
Teams to face 20-minute extrication scenarios with live victim simulation
Holmatro stated that each team will be given a 20-minute extrication challenge designed by the event organisers.
The scenario will involve a ‘live victim’ trapped inside a modern vehicle, with the full details of the simulation kept confidential until the challenge begins.
Holmatro said the rescue tools used will be from its next-generation Pentheon range and will be provided by the company on-site.
An experienced group of international assessors will score each team based on tool use, medical assessment, victim handling and on-scene coordination.
The company added that participation is not limited to existing Holmatro users, and teams using other rescue tools are welcome.
Masterclass and equipment training included as part of entry
Before taking part in their scenarios, Holmatro said that teams will undergo a familiarisation training session as part of its Masterclass Extrication Techniques.
According to the company, this training will be delivered at its outdoor booth near Hall 26 during INTERSCHUTZ 2026.
Holmatro explained that assessors will observe and debrief each team after their challenge to provide feedback on strengths and areas for development.
The company said this structure was intended to promote learning as well as competition.
Each team must include a team leader and a designated medic or first aider, and all members are required to have experience in road rescue.
Entry conditions, language requirements and event logistics confirmed
Holmatro stated that each team must consist of six members and will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.
The company confirmed that English will be the primary language used at the event, and participants must either speak English or attend with an interpreter.
Only 24 teams will be selected, with limits on the number of entries per country and continent.
Holmatro said that PPE must be provided by the participants, and only Holmatro hydraulic rescue tools will be used during the scenarios.
Teams will be required to submit a group photo and short introductory video if selected, and consent to use of images and footage from the event.
Winners to be awarded tool sets worth €60,000
Holmatro confirmed that prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best Overall Team, Best Technical Team and Best Team Spirit.
The company said these prizes will consist of Holmatro rescue tool sets with a total value of €60,000.
An award ceremony is scheduled to take place on the final day of the event, with remote participation possible for teams unable to attend in person.
All teams will receive feedback, a recording of their performance, Holmatro merchandise and VIP access to the company’s exhibition stands.
Live coverage of the Rescue Challenge will be streamed on Holmatro’s social media platforms throughout the week.
Holmatro Rescue Challenge 2026 to be held at INTERSCHUTZ in Germany: Summary
Holmatro has announced the return of its international Rescue Challenge at INTERSCHUTZ 2026.
The event will take place from 1 to 5 June in Hannover, Germany.
A total of 24 teams will participate in 20-minute vehicle extrication scenarios involving a simulated live casualty.
Each scenario will be judged by independent assessors using a defined scoring system.
Participants will use Holmatro’s Pentheon rescue tools, provided on site.
Teams must complete a pre-challenge familiarisation training and extrication techniques masterclass.
Entry is open to international rescue teams with experience in vehicle extrication.
Registration is free and closes on 1 September 2025.
All participants must provide their own PPE and meet the English language requirement.
Prizes worth €60,000 will be awarded in three categories.
The event will be live streamed on Holmatro’s social media platforms.