
Interschutz
Hannover, Germany
June 1-5, 2026
From all over the world a total of 74 teams have registered to participate in the Holmatro Rescue Challenge 2026!
We are very grateful that so many firefighters and rescuers have signed up to show their skills in this event. Registration is now closed and all registrants will be informed as soon as possible.
We are proud to announce that Škoda will be our partner for this event, offering a unique learning opportunity to the teams. They will compete to free an entrapped 'live victim' from late model Škoda cars, using Holmatro’s next-gen Pentheon rescue tools.
And the three winning teams go home with fantastic prizes, with a total value of € 60,000!
#holmatrorescuechallenge

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About the event
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Details for teams
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Latest Škoda cars
At the Holmatro Rescue Challenge in Germany, 24 teams from all over the world will show their skills in realistic vehicle extrication scenarios. Using Holmatro’s next-gen Pentheon tools they will compete to free a ‘live victim’ from the latest Škoda cars. Make sure to follow #holmatrorescuechallenge to stay informed!
INTERSCHUTZ 2026
This is the third international Holmatro Rescue Challenge and it will again be hosted by INTERSCHUTZ in Hannover, Germany. Take a look here for an impression of our previous Rescue Challenge: INTERSCHUTZ 2022.
At INTERSCHUTZ 2026, the Holmatro Rescue Challenge will take place from Monday-Friday, 1-5 June (just outside Hall 26, where you will find our indoor booth as well).
Participating teams
A total of 24 international teams will compete in the Holmatro Rescue Challenge. The lineup will be presented on this website early 2026.
Program
- Monday – 5 teams competing
- Tuesday – 5 teams competing
- Wednesday – 5 teams competing
- Thursday – 5 teams competing
- Friday – 4 teams competing, followed by the Award Ceremony
Unique scenarios
The teams will be challenged to respond to a unique 20-minute vehicle extrication scenario. The exact scenario, designed and supervised by the event organization, will remain confidential up to the very start. A group of experienced international assessors will be present to judge and score each challenge to determine the overall event winners.
Learning event
The aim of the Holmatro Rescue Challenge is to facilitate a safe learning environment for firefighters and rescue workers. Before getting hands on with their scenarios, each team will receive a Holmatro Equipment Familiarization Training as part of a Masterclass Extrication Techniques. These training classes will take place on the Holmatro outdoor booth, so feel free to watch and learn.
Latest Škoda cars
We are grateful to Škoda for offering rescuers from all over the world the chance to get hands on experience with the latest Holmatro tools on modern Škoda cars. These cars will be lined up for the scenarios right next to the challenge terrain, you can’t miss them!
Prizes worth € 60,000
Besides the honor of winning the challenge, the three best teams will be rewarded with fantastic prizes: Holmatro rescue tool sets with a total value of € 60,000! The prizes will be presented to the winners in the following categories:
- Best Overall Team
- Best Technical Team
- Best Team Spirit
Don’t forget to watch the Award Ceremony that will take place on Friday afternoon.
Live broadcasting
The Rescue Challenge will be broadcast live by streaming video on Holmatro’s social media channels. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok to stay updated about the event!
We look forward to meeting you at INTERSCHUTZ 2026!
Any questions? Take a look at the FAQ or contact us!
Frequently asked questions – Visitors
Where can I find which teams are participating?
The lineup of the 24 teams that will participate in the Holmatro Rescue Challenge will be published on this website early 2026.
Do I need a visa to visit Germany?
Depending on the country where you live you may need a Schengen visa, for which you need to apply at the German embassy. Please check out the Schengen Visa website for all details and a list of countries whose nationals need a visa.
How do I arrange my hotel for the Holmatro Rescue Challenge?
You need to make your own hotel reservation. The following agencies can assist you in finding a room: Visit Hannover or hotelreservation.de.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like to receive additional information, please send an email to challenge@holmatro.com. You can also contact Ms Manon Hart (for general questions) or Mr Ronald de Zanger (for technical questions) at +31 162 589 200.
Show your skills in a unique learning event
The Holmatro Rescue Challenge offers teams from all over the world a chance to participate in a safe learning environment. What can you expect:
- Challenging 20-minute vehicle extrication scenarios to free an entrapped ‘live victim’ using Holmatro next-gen Pentheon tools. Each team will participate in one scenario.
- Supervised by experienced international assessors, who will judge your team’s command, medical and technical skills. Judging criteria include use of the Team Approach, medical assessment, tool use techniques, victim handling, on-scene communication, general performance and overall team spirit.
- Each team will receive a debrief about their performance, providing a learning opportunity for all involved.
- The latest Škoda cars will be used for the challenge; The perfect opportunity to practice the skills of your team on a modern vehicle.
- Before their challenge each team receives a Holmatro Equipment Familiarization Training as part of a Masterclass Extrication Techniques.
Besides the honor, the three winning teams will be rewarded with fantastic prizes of Holmatro Rescue Tool sets with a total value of € 60,000! The prizes will be presented to the winners in the following categories:
- Best Overall Team
- Best Technical Team
- Best Team Spirit
- Free INTERSCHUTZ entrance tickets and parking tickets for two days.
- You will be Holmatro VIP guests at our indoor and outdoor booth.
- Your team will receive constructive feedback and a review of the team's performance by a highly experienced independent jury.
- You will receive a video of the team's performance at the challenge.
- All team members will receive a Holmatro goodie bag.
Make sure to check out these criteria for participation:
- Each team must consist of six members, including a Team Leader and a Medic/First aider.
- Participants must be competent within the field of road rescue/vehicle extrication.
- Both users of Holmatro rescue equipment as well as users of other brands are welcome to participate.
- The main language used in this international event will be English, so team members need to understand English or provide an interpreter.
- A total of max 24 teams will particiapate.
- Teams will be chosen at random with a maximum number of teams per country and continent.
- Teams need to pay for their own transportation and stay during the event. All team members agree that photographic, audio and video recordings of the event may be used for any purpose.
- Chosen teams will be requested to submit a group photo and a short homemade introduction video, to be published on this website and on social media.
We look forward to meeting you at INTERSCHUTZ 2026!
Any questions? Take a look at the FAQ or contact us!
Frequently asked questions – Teams
Good to know: participating teams will receive a manual with all details before the event. If you haven't found the answer to your question, please contact the event organization.
Where can I find which teams are participating?
All registrants will be informed as soon as possible. The lineup of the 24 teams that will participate in the Holmatro Rescue Challenge will be presented on this website early 2026.
On which day will my team compete in the Holmatro Rescue Challenge?
The program will be published on this website early 2026. Your team will receive a more detailed time schedule in spring 2026.
How long will my team be at INTERSCHUTZ?
Your team will receive tickets for two days’ admission to the INTERSCHUTZ exhibition. If you would like to stay longer you will need to buy extra entrance tickets.
Is there an opening or award ceremony that my team is required to be present at?
There is no opening ceremony for the Holmatro Rescue Challenge. You are welcome to join the award ceremony that will take place on Friday afternoon, but this is not required. We will establish a video connection with the winning teams if they are not present on Friday.
What are the costs of participating in the Holmatro Rescue Challenge?
The sign-up of your team for the Holmatro Rescue Challenge is free of charge. Travel and lodging need to be arranged and paid for by the teams.
Does my team need to bring any rescue equipment?
Holmatro will provide a range of rescue tools in the pit. Only Holmatro (hydraulic) rescue equipment will be used. A detailed list of the rescue equipment being used will become available in the manual (spring 2026) for the selected teams.
Do I need to bring my own PPE?
Yes, wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment as required and approved by your agency. You are also expected to supply your own consumables (latex gloves, dust masks etc.)
Do I need a visa to visit Germany?
Depending on the country where you live you may need a Schengen visa, for which you need to apply at the German embassy. Please check out the Schengen Visa website for all details and a list of countries whose nationals need a visa.
I need a visa, can you help?
If you require a visa we will send you a personalized formal invitation letter that you can use to apply for a visa at the embassy. In order to create this invitation we need a scan of your passport (JPG or PDF) which you can send to challenge@holmatro.com.
How do I arrange my hotel for the Holmatro Rescue Challenge?
You need to make your own hotel reservation. The following agencies can assist you in finding a room: Visit Hannover or hotelreservation.de.
How can my supporters follow the Holmatro Rescue Challenge?
The entire Holmatro Rescue Challenge will be broadcast live on social media. And of course your supporters can join you on your trip and buy entrance tickets to Interschutz to watch your team in action.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like to receive additional information, please send an email to challenge@holmatro.com. You can also contact Ms Manon Hart (for general questions) or Mr Ronald de Zanger (for technical questions) at +31 162 589 200.
‘Only the best is good enough for our customers’. That was the motto of Škoda’s founders in 1895. This perfectly matches our own focus on innovation and high quality, so we are very glad to have Škoda as a partner for the Holmatro Rescue Challenge in 2026.Teams from all over the world will have the chance to practice their skills on modern Škoda cars, which will be a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest developments in new car technology. The event organization is very grateful to Škoda for making this learning experience possible. The cars for the scenarios will be lined up right rext to the challenge terrain, so make sure to come and take a look!