At the Holmatro Rescue Challenge in Germany, 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 modern vehicles. Check out the information about the event and sign up to participate, or mark your calendar to watch the challenge live!
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).
Unique scenarios
A total of 24 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.
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!
FREE sign-up
Registrations are now open for firefighters and rescuers worldwide who would like to be part of this unique Rescue Challenge. Each team can sign up free of charge. Click the tab How to participate for more details and the registration form.
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.
We look forward to meeting you at INTERSCHUTZ 2026!
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 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.
Looking forward to competing in the international Holmatro Rescue Challenge? You can sign up your team now, free of charge! As the number of participants is limited, we advise you to register as soon as possible.
Registration will close on September 1, 2025. Please note that your registration is not final until you receive our confirmation that your team has been chosen. Don’t miss this unique opportunity and sign up now.
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.
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.