INTERSCHUTZ postpones Community Days

by EventsFeatured News

INTERSCHUTZ Community Days, a major event in the world of fire, rescue, and safety, has been postponed for a year due to concerns over its viability. Originally scheduled for 15-17 May at the exhibition centre in Münster, the event will now take place in Magdeburg in May of next year.

Bernd Heinold, INTERSCHUTZ Project Manager at Deutsche Messe AG, stated that the decision to postpone the event was not an easy one. However, given the current situation and the high level of commitment required from all involved, the organizers felt it was the best decision to ensure the event’s success.

The FireFit Championships, one of the central elements of the INTERSCHUTZ Community Days, will be part of next year’s event in Magdeburg. Daniel Berger, who is responsible for the championships, expressed his disappointment at not being able to present them in Münster but is already looking ahead to next year’s event.

INTERSCHUTZ is the world’s leading trade fair for fire, rescue, civil protection, and safety. The next edition of the event is scheduled to take place in Hanover from 1 to 6 June 2026. It covers all products and services related to fire protection, rescue services, civil protection, communication and control center technology, and protective equipment.

ThoroughTec exhbits hi-fidelty ARFF at INTERSCHUTZ

by Featured NewsProducts

ThoroughTec Simulation, a leader in heavy equipment simulators and workforce performance optimisation solutions, is demonstrating its new, hi-fidelity CYBERDRIVE ARFF Operator Training Simulator at INTERSCHUTZ this week.

Firefighters that visit hall 12, stand B35 will be able to test drive the simulator, under a wide range of conditions, fighting fires on various aircraft types, from helicopters to multi-engine passenger jets.

Visitors will be able to and experience how, at the click of a button, instructors enjoy complete control over simulated incidents, controlling everything from the weather and time of day to location and difficulty of the scenario.

The simulators exercises are designed to be real and challenging that even the most experienced firefighters will be challenged.

ThoroughTec’s product provides the ability to train in the application of various extinguishing agents, many of which are now prohibited for use in training. In the simulator, ARFF crews face no restrictions perfecting application techniques without safety or environmental concerns and critically, without any of the associated wear-and-tear costs on your prime mission equipment.

CYBERDRIVE hi-fidelity full-mission simulators incorporate a 6 Degree-of-Freedom, military-grade motion platform; panoramic, 270° high-definition projected displays; a full replicated vehicle cabin including all OEM instruments and controls.

A dual-screen instructor station and intuitive software training tools allow instructors to create highly customisable exercises, monitor operator performance in real time and automatically record the sessions for post-mission debriefing.

Being able to review the vehicle’s sub-systems, situation parameters and view a ‘live’ 3D After-Action Review (AAR) of events can be crucial to help operators understand where mistakes were made and how they might be remedied.

INTERSCHUTZ opens its doors

by Breaking NewsEvents

INTERSCHUTZ officially opens its doors today in Hannover. Brand-new topics, innovations and a broad supporting program consisting of conferences, competitions, workshops and live training are all on show at the trade fair for fire brigades, rescue services, civil protection and safety/security which will runs until June 26.

What to expect

Against the backdrop of the current geopolitical challenges, the accompanying humanitarian crises and the increasing natural disasters caused by climate change, INTERSCHUTZ provides the urgently needed framework to engage in international discourse and jointly develop solutions to protect human lives.

“INTERSCHUTZ is more important today than ever before,” emphasized Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe AG. More than 1,300 exhibitors from over 50 countries are looking forward to seeing their customers at the exhibition.

Parallel to INTERSCHUTZ, the German Fire Brigades Association (DFV) is organizing the 29th German Firefighters’ Day, to which the citizens of the city of Hannover and all international exhibition guests are invited. The event will kick off with a “Blue Light Mile” on Sunday in advance of the exhibition in the Hannover city center.

DFV President Karl-Heinz Banse is also looking forward to INTERSCHUTZ: “This is going to be a successful exhibition, indeed it is going to be a great 29th German Firefighters’ Day! At last, we can meet in person again, discuss technical issues, set the political course, and maintain and expand our national and international network of fire brigades. I’m really looking forward to the big events: Hannover will be the center of the firefighting world from 20 – 25 June 2022.”

Digitalization, population protection and sustainability

With the lead theme “Teams, Tactics, Technology – Connecting Protection and Rescue” , INTERSCHUTZ makes it clear where the journey is headed in the future. The digitalization of the firefighting and rescue sector is driving innovation and making a significant contribution to enabling emergency services to work even faster, more purposefully and more effectively. Visitors can get an overview of the wide range of solutions.

The first port of call on the subject of digitalisation is Hall 16: From the “digital twin” to modern communications and control center technology, it is full of innovations. The use of drones for reconnaissance flights, rescue and firefighting robots, the latest 5G applications and digital features on personal protective equipment will also be on display here and in the other halls.

“Speed, safety and quality are essential criteria for successful firefighting and rescue service operations,” said Dirk Aschenbrenner, President of the Association for the Promotion of German Fire Protection (vfdb). “Today, digitalized processes are already helping to improve operational procedures.” A look at industry and the economy gives an idea of the possibilities that can be exploited in the future to digitally optimize the emergency response system.

INTERSCHUTZ will also focus on other important topics, including civil protection. In times of increasing crisis situations, disaster management organizations are facing challenges as never before. The latest developments in robotics and the prototype of a pontoon boat at the stand of the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief show the direction in which civil protection will be heading in the future.

The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, together with numerous partners, will present the pilot project “Laboratory Care 5,000”. At the voluntary humanitarian organization Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, rescue missions are simulated via virtual reality, making the new demands on teams visible.

Product innovations also await guests at the exhibition in the area of vehicle technology. Alternative drive systems for emergency vehicles, for example, will play a major role at INTERSCHUTZ in Hannover. The pioneer here is the global Rosenbauer Group, which will be presenting, among other things, the world’s first fully electric turntable ladder at its stand in Hall 27.

The Berlin Fire Brigade is also bringing a Rosenbauer fire truck with electric drive to Hannover. In addition, electric vehicles for emergency command or transport of injured persons will be on display at the exhibition.

These, as well as other topics, can be covered in live, hands-on training sessions for emergency personnel at INTERSCHUTZ.

Six days of excitement and information

INTERSCHUTZ highlights also include the Holmatro Rescue Challenge (Monday to Friday) and the Firefit European Championships (Monday to Saturday), in which the best international firefighters compete against one another. In full gear and with breathing protection; among other things, they will have to climb a twelve meter high tower and pull up a fire hose.

After the impact machine, participants will run through a short slalom course and then pick up a filled fire hose to extinguish a target fire. In the final sprint, the goal is to rescue an 80 kilogram dummy and carry it to the finish line. It will be interesting to see whether the world record of 1:11 minutes will be broken at INTERSCHUTZ 2022.

Things will also get exciting at the new Hackathon@INTERSCHUTZ – a competition on the topic of civil protection and disaster control (23 – 25 June). This is about who comes up with the best ideas and strategies to incorporate artificial intelligence into crisis and situation management.

Civil protection will also be the focus of the CP Symposium on 21 – 22 June. In addition, there are various presentation stages at the stands of partners and exhibitors. The central INTERSCHUTZ Forum in Hall 26 will offer visitors more than 130 presentations where they can join in the discussion.

The conference covers all important aspects of the exhibition and focuses on one topic area each day: Preventive fire protection (Monday), Civil protection and disaster management (Tuesday), Forest fires and firefighting (Wednesday), Digitalization (Thursday) and Rescue services (Friday). The conference program will be broadcast live on the web, giving interested parties who cannot be on site this year the opportunity to follow INTERSCHUTZ live with all its exciting topics.

Digital participation also includes the networking feature, which allows out-of-town visitors to connect digitally with attendees at the exhibition via the INTERSCHUTZ website.

Platform for international exchange and mutual learning

Networking and exchange is also the goal of numerous international firefighting and civil protection delegations. Globe-trotting experts from more than 15 countries, including Australia, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Korea, plan to use INTERSCHUTZ to gain an overview of the industry’s advancements and expand their network.

“INTERSCHUTZ is the industry’s Number 1 platform for international exchange,” Mr. Köckler emphasized. He is particularly looking forward to the three Partner Countries France, Italy and the USA, which will be in the spotlight from Tuesday to Thursday. Experts will report on the special features of fire protection, safety and rescue in their countries at the joint country stands and in the stage program.

Italy, for example, is one of the countries with the highest natural disaster risk. In addition to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, floods and storm surges, the country also frequently has to contend with forest fires – an issue that is increasingly becoming a challenge in Germany as well under the influence of climate change.

Help for Ukraine

In addition to the three Partner Countries, Ukraine will also be in the spotlight at this year’s INTERSCHUTZ. Many fire brigades and aid organizations are doing their best every day, not only in the country but also in neighboring countries where Ukrainian refugees have been sheltering since Russia launched its war.

INTERSCHUTZ has launched a fundraising campaign in order to make an active contribution and to support the people in Ukraine, as well as the fire brigades and rescue units based there: “We will donate one euro to the good cause for every visitor to INTERSCHUTZ,” Köckler announced.

100 percent of the donations will go to the “Firefighters Aid for Ukraine” fund organized by the German Fire Brigades Association (DFV), and the donation check will be handed over to the responsible persons on Saturday, 25 June within at the DFV Delegates Meeting.

Tickets & COVID policies

Tickets for INTERSCHUTZ can be purchased on the INTERSCHUTZ website (www.interschutz.de) or at the box offices at the entrances (North 1, West 1 and 2, South 1). Day tickets cost 24 euros, concessionary tickets are 19 euros. The season ticket for the entire duration of the fair is 54 euros. Admission is from 9 AM to 6 PM Monday to Saturday. The digital offerings (conference, networking) can be used free of charge.

There are no longer any COVID-related access restrictions to the exhibition grounds. No vaccination status is requested, nor is evidence of a negative COVID test required. In addition, there is no general requirement to wear a mask, but for personal protection, wearing a mask indoors is recommended. The specifications of the respective exhibitors apply at the exhibition stands. Masks are still compulsory on public transport.

Show Preview: INTERSCHUTZ returns to Hannover

by Breaking NewsEvents

The world’s leading trade fair of fire safety professionals is set to take place this month with over a thousand exhibitors from 50 countries and delegates from all over the world

Scheduled to take place on Hannover, Germany, seven years since it last brought the fire industry INTERSCHUTZ finally returns this month and is set to welcome fire safety professionals from across the globe. The show will feature solutions and products from industry leaders, provide answers to some of the industry’s biggest issues and offers a forum for discussion of key trends. Focussing on the future, the event is a showcase across industrial sectors and national borders.

Staged over six days, INTERSCHUTZ will provide a platform for market leaders to present their innovations and puts the focus on the lead theme: Teams, Tactics, Technology – Connected for Protection and Rescue. It is also set to be a place of action and excitement where the likes of height rescue specialists, smokejumpers and firefighters demonstrate their unique skills and all the latest kit at popular events on the open-air site.

Across the week-long event, the agenda is full of current issues and developments including: civil protection with a focus on vehicles and equipment, fire fighting and fire extinguishing technology, associations, communications and control centre solutions, security and organisational equipment, rescue services, first aid and medical equipment, personal protective equipment and fire prevention. 

For the first time, INTERSCHUTZ has  also dedicated a complete hall to the topic of digitalisation where companies and research institutions will be presenting solutions for the digital networking of systems and players.

The international trade fair will bring together stakeholders and thought leaders from trade associations, politics and industry as well as those with day-to-day operational experience. It is a show that will see business at its heart as it highlights the world’s providers of fire and rescue services, civil protection, and safety and security solutions as it shapes their business cycles.

There will be 1,000 companies from 50 countries as well as the participating associations and organisations will present the solutions for the challenges of our time. Anyone who wants to learn about the latest emergency management innovations and developments heads for Hannover when the gates open on INTERSCHUTZ.

What to expect at INTERSCHUTZ

The economic, ecological and political challenges of our times make the fair an important driver of change. The spread of global warming and the resulting natural disasters have already changed everyday life for many helpers and rescue forces – a challenge made more complex by the Coronavirus pandemic and the humanitarian emergencies caused by ongoing political conflicts.

The fire industry are among those on the front lines tackling these issues which all require new approaches and solutions. Digital technologies for the support and connectivity of key players are becoming increasingly important, which is why INTERSCHUTZ 2022 will specifically focus on digital transformation processes and so visitors can look forward to an extensive program both live on-site and online.

The lead theme of INTERSCHUTZ 2022 is: “Teams, Tactics, Technology – Connecting Protection and Rescue”. According to INTERSCHUTZ Project Manager Bernd Heinold, the trade fair is targeting two aspects that are crucial for the present and the future: the use of innovative digital solutions and cooperation between the various players and institutions.

“The keyword is connectivity at all levels,” Heinold explained during a press conference in Hannover, ahead of the fair. “Digitalisation has fundamentally changed all areas of life and continues to do so. The same is true for emergency response – from firefighters to rescue services right through to disaster responders, all over the world.”

For the first time, INTERSCHUTZ has dedicated a complete hall to the topic of digitalisation. In Hall 16, companies and research institutions will be presenting solutions for the digital networking of systems and players. New technologies are opening up myriad new preventative options and ways of coping with crises and hazards for the fire industry. Everything that happens generates data, which can be captured and cross-matched in vast quantities and used to develop key insights and analyse alternative courses of action for a whole range of requirements and situations.

As increased interconnectedness and integration goes hand in hand with increased dependence on technology infrastructures, INTERSCHUTZ will look at the best way to enable societies to deal with modern crisis situations.

Another new feature of the show is the ‘Smart Public Safety Hub’ at the center of Hall 16, where various companies will be networking under a single roof and demonstrating joint, interdisciplinary application scenarios – for example, including the use of drones to assess the situation or support rescue forces, communication between an airfield firefighting vehicle positioned in the outdoor area with the control center in the hall, or the digital description and analysis of deployment sites on a multi-dimensional scale.

At INTERSCHUTZ, it is not only the exhibitors’ solutions that are digital, but also the event formats. For the first time, visitors and exhibitors be able to experience different scenarios up close on the demonstration grounds in a combination of real and virtual displays. These may include everyday disasters as well as current or conceivable catastrophes and crises and with the help of modern media technology, the participants are integrated into the presentation.

Also new is the INTERSCHUTZ Digital Conference, which is scheduled to be broadcast from 21-23 June in the Media Factory, allowing interested parties who cannot make it to the event the opportunity to learn about the various aspects on show. Like the INTERSCHUTZ Central Forum in Hall 26, the program will cover all the major industry topics, including the electrification of emergency vehicles.

Bernd Heinold explains that, despite the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, the interest of exhibitors from Germany and abroad is extensive with more than 1,000 companies from 50 countries registered to present their products and solutions in eight halls and three pavilions, plus the outdoor area from 20 to 25 June.

However, he says the acquisition phase is far from over: “We are confident of achieving a similar result on the exhibitor side, the same as in 2015,” he said. After Germany, the top five exhibitor nations include Italy, the UK, the United States and the Netherlands. The broad international character of INTERSCHUTZ will also be demonstrated by three separate ‘Country Days’, dedicated to the neighbouring countries of France on Tuesday 21, Italy on Wednesday 22 June, and finally the US on Thursday 23 June.

What’s on the agenda

Staged over six days, INTERSCHUTZ features eye-catching exhibitions and engaging forums on the many aspects of fire fighting, rescue services, civil protection and safety and security.

Civil Protection: Disaster management mobilisations pose major logistical as well as technical challenges. Solutions for meeting those challenges – everything from tents for stay, accommodation or sanitation purposes, mobile power supply or flood protection – will be on show in the civil protection display area at INTERSCHUTZ 2022.

Fire Fighting: Fire brigades from around the globe are faced with an ever-changing set of catastrophic scenarios and major emergencies caused by natural disasters and climate change require closer interaction among the various players. INTERSCHUTZ will showcase vehicles and equipment, hardware and software as well as research and development up close and first-hand. Digital technologies and connected operations in the face of an emergency will be displayed at exhibition stands and discussed in related conferences.

Communications and Control Center Solutions: Increasing urban densification and continuously changing operational scenarios demand innovative digital solutions and seamless cooperation between all players involved. Within the new Digitisation and Transformation display sector, current and future requirements for networked solutions will be put forward and discussed.

Rescue Services: The rescue services are faced with a number of new challenges and developments, not least demographic change, telemedicine, a skills shortage, and large-scale catastrophic incidents. They are under constant pressure to scrutinize their strategic direction and to keep up to date with the latest technologies, which is why INTERSCHUTZ is so important as it will provide a comprehensive survey of the latest emergency-sector products.

Protective Equipment: The requirements for personal protective equipment are becoming more and more individual. From smart textiles to integrated communication solutions for fire protection, rescue services and civil protection, at INTERSCHUTZ there will be the entire range of PPE for all areas of application.

Fire Prevention: Modern building designs, bigger dimensions and densely built-up areas are leading to new requirements for preventive fire protection. INTERSCHUTZ covers all the relevant areas, from planning to implementation. Here you can swap ideas with specialists from around the world within the framework of this, the industry’s networking hub for preventive fire protection.

Parallel to INTERSCHUTZ, the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV) is organizing the 29th German Firefighters’ Day, which will attract many more firefighting fans to Hannover. The event is being organized under the motto ‘Safety.Life’ in cooperation with the state of Lower Saxony, the Lower Saxony Fire Brigade Association, the City of Hannover and the Hannover Fire Brigade. Immediately before INTERSCHUTZ, a blue light mile has once again been planned for downtown Hannover. There, the people of Hannover will already get in the mood on the Sunday before the fair.

Action and excitement during the trade fair will be provided by various competitions and live training courses, including, for example, the “S-Gard Safety Tour,” the “Holmatro Rescue Challenge,” and the “Firefit Championships Europe,” which will be held in Germany for the first time after the INTERSCHUTZ Community Days in the summer of 2021, will also be returning to the exhibition grounds.

All in all, visitors can look forward an extensive program of congresses, workshops, training sessions, live demonstrations and competitions in addition to the products on show in the exhibition.

Tickets for INTERSCHUTZ can already be purchased online at www.interschutz.de.

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Vintage fire engine parade to close INTERSHUTZ

by EventsFeatured NewsProductsVehicles

On the final day of INTERSCHUTZ 2022, around vintage 50 fire engines will drive through Hanover in a long procession, closing out the week-long conference. Together, the vehicles have around 2,000 years or more under their belt.

This convoy will make its way from INTERSCHUTZ to downtown Hannover in the morning and, after a stop in front of the New Town Hall, back to the exhibition ground, tying into the 29th German Firefighters’ Day.

But not only vehicles from yesterday and the day before yesterday are on the road: The oldies meet together with the motorcycle-riding fire brigade fans “Red Knights” (International Firefighters Motorcycle Club): Tradition meets modernity.

Both at INTERSCHUTZ and during the planned two-hour stop in front of the town hall, there will be an opportunity to have “petrol talks” with the drivers of the fire engines and motorcycles – as experts like to call their shop talk about the various high-horsepower models.

“Right at the opening of the last INTERSCHUTZ day, the participating vehicles will be available for visitors to visit on the INTERSCHUTZ site,” commented Thomas Ruß from the Lower Saxony State Fire Brigade Association, who is organizing the event as project manager for the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV). “In the late morning, the start towards the city center is planned.”

Fire safety startups to present at INTERSCHUTZ

by EventsFeatured NewsProducts

At INTERSCHUTZ 2022 in Hannover, Germany, startups will be presenting their new, interesting services and products in the area of emergency response at a large joint booth (hall 16/F48) from 20-25 June.

Among the 20 companies presenting is Brand Punkt, a startup founded by Hermann Zengeler, which offers a professional e-learning program to prepare them for emotionally stressful missions.

Zengeler, among other things, was the chief of a fire department for 25 years before giving up his job in the civil service. Together with his partner Carina Ott, he founded Brand Eins to prepare people mentally-emotionally for emergency service. 

Brand Punkt will present Fireproof360°, an e-learning program designed to prepare firefighters for stressful situations, stabilize their motivation and make them strong for mentally demanding service. 

Firedrill is also represented at the joint stand, hoping to bring the topic of fire prevention into the digital age. Jens Thiemann, one of the two managing directors. launched the startup two years ago and so far numerous companies have already used his app, which enables employees to independently complete the safety exercise regularly prescribed in companies on their smartphones.

“At the same time, this enables them to develop a routine and be better prepared for emergencies – without having to rely on random participation in the group exercises that rarely take place,” explained Thiemann.

Exercises are conducted exclusively in the real environment at the workplace using augmented reality. The exercise shows the main escape route from the starting room to the assembly point and must be completed in full. The application also displays helpful additional information along the route, such as the location of fire extinguishers and fire alarms.

“Firedrill is the new and flexible solution for hands-on evacuation drills in a changing workplace – even or especially because of the Corona pandemic,” Thiemann added. “Thanks to mixed reality technology, the exercise is not simply consumed like a video, but actively experienced on site.”

G3 Systems confirms Interschutz 2022 presence

by Featured NewsIndustry SectorsPublic Events

G3 Systems Limited has confirmed its participation at Interschutz 2022, the world’s foremost fire, rescue, civil protection, and safety/security trade show, from June 20-25, 2022, at the Deutsche Messe Hannover, Germany.   

Interschutz was last held in 2015, and the pandemic caused the show to be postponed in both 2020 and 2021.

Joining around 1,000 other companies from 50 countries, G3 Systems will be presenting its outsourced fire and rescue service capability to industrial, aviation and critical infrastructure customers from around the world.

With around 160,000 visitors expected to visit the show over 6 days, G3 Systems will demonstrate how its 24/7 fire and rescue services can minimise risk and improve on-site safety; protecting staff, visitors and facilities while enabling operations to continue in full compliance with national and international fire and safety standards and regulations.

Based in Portland UK, and currently celebrating 20 years in business, G3 Systems Fire & Rescue Services include structural and aviation rescue and fire-fighting services, emergency dispatch and response, incident command, fire safety, fire inspection and investigation, equipment and vehicle maintenance, testing and compliance, firefighter training and Medical Crash Crew / Ambulance Services.

In addition, G3 Systems provide waking watch services and client training in emergency response procedures, as well as through-life logistics support via mobile Field Service Engineers and forward deployed support staff.  Over 80% of its personnel work at its client’s facilities around the world.

G3 Systems will be present at Stand A51: Hall 17.

INTERSCHUTZ USA 2020 moving forward with scheduled October dates

by Americas - Events

INTERSCHUTZ, in Hannover Germany, has clarified any questions the industry had declaring it is moving forward with its launch of INTERSCHUTZ USA, Oct. 14-17 2020, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre. It is doing so with the full support of the Philadelphia Fire Department, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) and the Pennsylvania Convention Centre Authority (PCCA). INTERSCHUTZ USA, in its inaugural year, will be the first major trade show held at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre in 2020.

“We are committed to the safety of all participants involved,” said Rachel Lesczynski, INTERSCHUTZ USA Show Manager. “Our audience is a community of firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and first responders. This community thrives on sharing insights gained from global events. We are prepared and willing to implement all safety precautions required to safely conduct INTERSCHUTZ USA in October.”

INTERSCHUTZ USA is a new type of event, bringing the world’s fire service together. Addressing current international travel challenges, the show team is developing plans to allow international speakers and participants to participate in this unique event virtually.

“It certainly has been an eventful week,” said Ed Nichols, Vice President with Hannover Fairs USA. “The Mayor’s announcement related to canceling public events through February caused some confusion. This does not apply to private events like INTERSCHUTZ USA. We also had an announcement from the Governor limiting the number of people that can gather indoors at this time (July). That has not been extended to October, so we want everyone to know that we’re moving forward with this event and are working with state and local officials to develop plans to bring our audience together safely. No decisions have been made regarding October suggesting we cannot.”

“We are excited to host INTERSCHUTZ USA in Philadelphia,” said Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel, Deputy Managing Director and OEM Director, City of Philadelphia. “One of the greatest attributes of the City of Philadelphia is its resiliency, and we are excited to demonstrate that in welcoming INTERSCHUTZ USA in October. The fire-rescue and EMS communities need training and collaboration like this more than ever before, as training opportunities have been limited, but the expectations of our public justifiably have not changed. We are proud to be able to provide this opportunity to these global communities.”

INTERSCHUTZ USA will take place Oct. 14-17, 2020 in Philadelphia. Classroom-style workshops and live training for firefighters will be held throughout the area on Oct. 14. The Pennsylvania Convention Centre will hold all exhibit and classroom events Oct. 15-17.

For more information visit www.interschutzusa.com

MSA launches Digital Week to bring new safety technology to firefighters

by Projects

MSA Safety Incorporated recently launched a week-long event – called MSA: Connected – that used digital technologies to offer firefighters and first responders the latest information on various product and technology-based safety solutions. “The timing of MSA: Connected is not a coincidence,” said Yohan Morel, MSA Senior Marketing Manager, First Responder, Europe. “Interschutz, the world’s largest trade fair focusing on fire service and security, was originally scheduled for this week in Hannover, Germany. Because we recognise the value and knowledge our customers gain by attending conferences like this in person, our vision was to create a unique experience for customers that helps them stay connected with the latest in firefighter safety technology.”

Among the many activities scheduled were a series of live webinars that offered participants the opportunity to connect directly with MSA safety technology experts. Topics for these sessions included voice communications, technology standards, best practices to help reduce contamination risk, among many others.

The new M1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) was also showcased in the company’s portfolio. Designed to meet the European Norm 137 (EN137) safety, health and environmental protection standards, as well as ATEX intrinsic safety standards for usage in hazardous or explosive atmospheres, the M1 SCBA is fully customizable and can be configured to meet a broad range of firefighter needs and brigade budgets.  Among its innovative features are a padded harness that is fully water-repellent, the industry’s lightest-weight backplate, and an advanced hip belt that evenly distributes SCBA weight for much improved ergonomics.

“Fighting fires requires durable equipment built to perform in extreme conditions,” said Jason Traynor, MSA’s General Manager for Global Respiratory Protection and Fire Helmets.  “Based on our extensive voice-of-customer research while designing the M1 SCBA, it quickly became clear that fire brigades want a range of SCBA options at a cost and configuration that’s right for them. Positive customer feedback and recent key order wins provide confidence that we’ve really hit the mark with our new M1 SCBA.”

During the week MSA provided an exclusive outlook on their new technologies coming in 2020/2021 and presented a vision for the future. MSA is dedicated to innovating on behalf of firefighters around the world to help ensure their personal protective equipment keeps them safer than ever before possible.

gb.msasafety.com/msa-connected

INTERSCHUTZ postponed until June 2021

by Events

INTERSCHUTZ, which was scheduled for June 2020, will be postponed by one year. This is the mutual decision of the organisers and partners of the trade fair for fire and rescue services, civil protection, safety and security. The reason is the coronavirus, which directly affects both exhibitors and visitors of INTERSCHUTZ and requires them to be available for duty at other locations. INTERSCHUTZ will now take place from 14 to 19 June 2021 in Hannover.

About three months before the actual start of the event, it is now certain that the next INTERSCHUTZ will take place in summer 2021. “The people who under ordinary conditions would have come to INTERSCHUTZ in June this year are precisely those who are most needed due to the coronavirus crisis,” says Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Member of the Managing Board, Deutsche Messe AG. “As INTERSCHUTZ, we are part of the industry. With our decision, we, therefore, take responsibility and provide security in planning”. More than 150,000 visitors from all over the world attend INTERSCHUTZ. However, in times of pandemic, helpers and rescuers are needed to maintain supplies and security.

The same applies to exhibiting emergency aid organizations or authorities with security tasks whose capacities are needed elsewhere. But also exhibitors from the industry are directly or indirectly involved in the crisis situation, such as manufacturers of protective equipment, suppliers of digital deployment technology or even vehicle manufacturers whose customers cannot or are not allowed to visit a trade fair in this situation. “We were on an excellent path – and we are aiming for a strong INTERSCHUTZ,” says Gruchow. “Under the current conditions, however, this is not possible. We, therefore, would like to wish all the players and the entire INTERSCHUTZ community all the best and every strength for the tasks ahead. We will see each other in Hannover in June 2021, where we will have the opportunity to take a detailed and analytical look at the pandemic – and what we can learn from it”.

Postponing a trade fair on the scale of INTERSCHUTZ has an enormous number of organizational consequences. The 29th German Firefighters’ Day will also be postponed until next year: “The synergy between the trade fair and the top firefighters’ meeting is important to us – the postponement is a joint decision,” explains Hermann Schreck, permanent representative of the President of the German Firefighters’ Association (DFV). The most important questions arising from such a postponement for exhibitors and visitors of INTERSCHUTZ will be published in an FAQ on the INTERSCHUTZ homepage. Further questions will be clarified via the usual communication channels.

INTERSCHUTZ has a network of strong partners who have also voted for a postponement and who will now work with Deutsche Messe to set the course for a successful event in June 2021.

Dirk Aschenbrenner, President of the German Fire Protection Association (vfdb):
“vfdb as a strong supporter of INTERSCHUTZ welcomes the decision. As a network of experts for protection, rescue and security, we spoke out without hesitation in favor of postponing INTERSCHUTZ after the latest developments. Especially as organizers of the non-commercial segment of INTERSCHUTZ, we know that thousands and thousands of members of the fire brigades, rescue services and disaster control have been waiting for the world’s leading trade fair with enthusiasm. But we also know that they, in particular, are sympathetic. After all, they will be facing special challenges in their daily work over the coming weeks and months. Our greatest concern is the safety of the population. The postponement of INTERSCHUTZ is both responsible and appropriate in view of the current situation. We are also aware that even if the situation eases, the numerous exhibitors from Germany and abroad will still need sufficient time for their INTERSCHUTZ preparations. As vfdb, we will use the remaining months to process and communicate this event, which is highly relevant for civil protection. As regrettable as the current, unprecedented situation is, we will learn from it. And INTERSCHUTZ 2021 will undoubtedly be supplemented by a further topic.”

Hermann Schreck, permanent representative of the president of the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV):
“We were very much looking forward to the 29th German Firefighters’ Day and INTERSCHUTZ. However, in view of the development of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, maintaining the operational readiness of the fire brigades and rescue services has top priority for us in all considerations. The planning for the DFV’s large joint exhibition stand and the accompanying events will of course continue at national and international level.”

Dr. Bernd Scherer, Member of the VDMA Executive Board, and Managing Director, VDMA Fire Fighting Equipment:
“INTERSCHUTZ is the future forum for the firefighting technology industry, an industry that produces safety for people. In the current situation, this applies even more – to emergency and rescue services, but also to industry. After all, manufacturing companies also face ambitious challenges in economic terms, for example when proven supply chains are interrupted or production sites are affected by quarantine measures. Fortunately, none of this has yet been the case for manufacturers of firefighting technology. On the contrary: We are still in a unique economic boom phase. Nevertheless, or perhaps precisely because of this, we would like to hold an INTERSCHUTZ trade fair in which all forces are concentrated on what makes this unique exhibition of our industry so special: innovative technology and committed people who are completely dedicated to fire protection and rescue services. We look forward to it – together with you in June 2021!”

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