LUKAS FIRE DEPARTMENT SOFTWARE

Every day, across the globe, emergency services teams come to people’s aid no matter the situation to ensure their safety. Whether it’s during a natural disaster, or at a significant event, the emergency services are on hand to face any challenge that comes their way. When supporting this crucial workforce, it is essential that they have robust and reliable connectivity. Technology is becoming a vital aspect of public safety and security worldwide, and this trend is only likely to grow. For these new devices to work effectively, full-scale coverage must be in place, and when it comes to people’s safety, there is no room for error. The need for redundancy and high bandwidth  Two of the paramount tools at emergency services disposal are video surveillance and communication devices. Constant visibility and communication are often essential to protecting people and saving lives. The benefits range from providing first responders with a clear picture and understanding of the situation they are about to encounter; to providing greater safety during public events by enabling officers to control crowds and manage traffic effectively. Enhancing visibility and sharing information is particularly crucial during fires to guide firefighters and vehicles through flames and smoke, and to allow the central command center to organize resources effectively. Technology is becoming a vital aspect of public safety and security worldwide, and this trend is only likely to grow Despite any potential challenges ensuring network connectivity may create, public safety organizations cannot compromise when it comes to optimizing security. For IP video surveillance and cellphone broadband connectivity to operate effectively, they require redundancy and high bandwidth. Without these connectivity attributes, devices become useless; for example, there are municipalities where as much as 50 percent of the camera network is offline because of poor product choices and inferior network design and installation. Equally, poor quality networking can be just as limiting as it can lead to public safety organizations being unable to receive real-time data. All areas must also have adequate bandwidth to access data, such as on-scene video, aerial imagery, maps, and images, and many existing public safety networks do not have that capacity. Supporting security and safety robotics Robots and drones have seen a considerable increase in popularity this year, with 60 million such machines being deployed according to ABI Research. They offer a wealth of potential to emergency services teams, whether on land, air, or sea. For example, water rescue robots can go where humans cannot, earthquake and fire robots can search through otherwise non-navigable areas, and drones can survey vast regions. However, for these wireless devices to work effectively, they rely on many features. They need low power consumption so as not to heavily burden the onboard power source of the robotic device and, perhaps, a high level of encryption so information cannot be stolen or hacked. There are also benefits to security and safety as robotic devices can communicate with one another peer-to-peer. Directly mounting radios to robots and drones, fosters dynamic self-learning, data sharing, and more wireless paths in the event one or more of the devices in an area do not have a link to fixed infrastructure. Water rescue robots can go where humans cannot, earthquake and fire robots can search through otherwise non-navigable areas, and drones can survey vast regions The main component that security and safety robotics require is redundant and resilient connections. If the connection is lost, the connected device will go into “safe” mode and stop. Creating a high capacity network that supports mobile devices in complex and fast-moving environments is not a simple task. In many cases, it requires a network that supports many wireless connections and allows for many paths in and out, so that if a link is lost, another path is available for data transmission and reception. This type of network is the best way to ensure that police, firefighters, and emergency units can access and send large amounts of data from wherever they are and in real-time making a massive difference to the efficiency of the emergency services. An example of this is Rajant’s private Kinetic Mesh® network, a wireless network ensuring no single point of failure. It offers reliable, intelligent, and secure wireless broadband connectivity that survives and thrives in evolving and mobility-driven environments. It forms a “living” mesh network that can move with and adapt to the evolving communication requirements of public safety organizations. Technology in action Back in October 2019, the heat from the sun, combined with winds gusting through the foothills of El Capitán Canyon in California, sparked a bush fire in the overly dry, desert hills. Despite four hundred and twenty acres being burnt, firefighters used their experience and skills combined with newfound digital technology to ensure that no structures were damaged, and there were no reported injuries. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Cal Fire, the U.S Forest Service, and other agencies were immediately dispatched to contain the fire. More than 200 firefighters were needed to combat the fire and reinforce containment lines with helicopters and drones in the air and bulldozers on the ground. To operate this equipment, mesh radio nodes, bonded cellular, and satellite technologies were used to link the communication gap in locations where signals are often dropped. Rajant BreadCrumb® nodes were mounted to the fire-breaking, 30-ton bulldozers manned by trained firefighters to uproot vegetation and eliminate the materials that would further spread the fire. Robots and drones have seen a considerable increase in popularity this year, with 60 million such machines being deployed  The reliable connectivity allowed the bulldozers to not only easily communicate with each other and the base, but also to send video footage and data to the tactical truck and central command post over cellular and SAT networks. This situational awareness data transfer allowed for greater efficiency, as well as increased safety for the public and the firefighters. Reliability when you need it most Reliable connectivity solutions are being embraced across the emergency services due to the innumerable benefits they bring to ensuring the safety of the public. For police, firefighters, and emergency units, dependable connectivity allows for rapid, real-time response, and the use of technology can save lives in ways that wouldn’t have seemed possible a decade ago. Planned and unplanned events can benefit from the new technology being introduced, and emergency services need to make sure they have the network capabilities to support them. For environments that are challenging and hostile, this requires a network available on-demand, which can withstand the demands of harsh conditions and mobility while maintaining a level of redundancy and high bandwidth that allows for accessing and sending large amounts of data from any location.

Want to know an easy way to judge the quality of a fire department? Look at how much they train. Career, volunteer or combination, fire departments become successful through training. Yet all training is not equal. Focus too much on hands-on training (HOT) and you could be missing important legal and compliance updates. Lean heavily on web-based training and you may fail to identify shortcomings in skills proficiencies. Keep students confined to a classroom and you may lose their interest quickly. Not surprisingly, a balance of all three types of training is needed to produce competent, empowered firefighters. For this article, I was challenged to think about what’s missing from our current fire training programs. As I thought about the varied way we approach fire training, three issues jumped out at me. Base training on facts and statistics Take advantage of new technologies Incorporate policy into your training   Your training program should also be strong in the types of calls you respond to most Base Training On Facts And Statistics If your department has a robust training program, outlined by a calendar of various topics and employing a mix of HOT, online and classroom training, you’re ahead of the curve. But even in departments with well-developed training programs, training is often based on preference or habit, not data. Think about the topics in your training program. Do you know why they’re included? Do they match your call make-up? Are they targeting specific skill shortcomings? (And yes, we all have them!)What’s missing from many fire department training programs is a detailed needs assessment What’s missing from many fire department training programs is a detailed needs assessment that in turn establishes a factual basis for the year’s training topics. The needs assessment should include: Surveying the members to determine the types of training they want or feel they need. Measuring firefighter proficiency on basic tasks, such as NFPA 1403 drills, NFPA 1710 drills and EMS patient assessment skills audits, to assess personnel by mandate or by industry best practice. This will identify skills deficiencies to address through training. Incorporating call volume statistics and details. A significant percentage of the calls fire departments respond to are EMS and vehicle extrication But I’d venture to guess the training programs of most departments don’t match those percentages. Yes, you need to train for the high-risk, low-frequency tasks. But your training program should also be strong in the types of calls you respond to most. Incorporating these “facts and stats” into your training program will help you keep it fresh, relevant and interesting. Firefighters can use their phones and tablets to access department training information and complete training assignments Take Advantage Of New Technologies There is something to be said for back-to-the-basics, keep-it-simple firefighter training. But it’s a mistake to ignore technological advances. From teaching safe apparatus backing procedures to practicing hoseline deployment and Vent/Enter/Isolate/Search (VEIS) tactics, instructors have more options than ever before. Some instructors regard simulators as second-rate to “the real thing.” Certainly, simulation and other forms of technology-driven instruction can’t replace the value of hands-on experience. But they can augment it in important ways. Driver simulators, for example, not only save money because apparatus don’t have to be taken out of service or sustain wear and tear; they also provide an environment where firefighters can learn without risk of injury. If sitting behind a computer isn’t your kind of thing, live-burn simulators, vehicle fire simulators and hazmat simulators are available—and they all significantly boost training efficiency.Technology will never replace hands-on instruction, but it can facilitate it But you don’t need fancy simulators to incorporate technology into your fire training program. Learning management systems (LMS) are another important tool that can increase training program efficiency. Although they’ve been around for a long time, LMS continue to improve. The ability to integrate with mobile devices is huge, allowing firefighters to use their phones and tablets to access department training information and complete training assignments. Leveraging this technology can allow you to more efficiently manage information, schedule training and free up valuable time needed for other important tasks. If you’ve attended some of the larger regional or national fire conferences recently, you may have had the opportunity to see audience response technology in action. By capturing the firefighters’ responses to questions in real-time, instructors can adjust the material to reflect students’ knowledge level. Audience response is also simply a great way to keep firefighters engaged. Technology will never replace hands-on instruction, but it can facilitate it. If you’re using training methods that haven’t changed in decades, something’s missing from your training program.   Without incorporating policy into your training, you’re only giving your firefighters half the equation Incorporate Policy Into Your Training I saved the biggest and best for last. When I work with fire departments across the country, I repeatedly discover the failure to incorporate policy into training. Think about it: Training curricula are almost always designed around procedures—the how of doing something. But isn’t the why just as important? And that’s what policy is all about. Without incorporating policy into your training, you’re only giving your firefighters half the equation.Inevitably firefighters will encounter times when following the procedure isn’t possible Inevitably firefighters will encounter times when following the procedure isn’t possible. That’s when policy training kicks in—firefighters understand the fundamental objective, and they can think on their feet about how to achieve it. Training on policy also helps departments address the issues that so often get firefighters into trouble. How many of your firefighters really understand your department’s social media policy? What about the rules surrounding sick time usage? These are things that trip up firefighters time and time again. If you’re not training on policies, it’s unlikely firefighters remember them. How many of your firefighters really understand your department’s social media policy? In addition, normalization of deviance is a risk to every organization. When personnel fail to follow policies and no negative repercussions result, it can quickly establish a new normal. Policy-based training resets the “normal” and makes sure that members of the organization comply with the policy and not what they think the policy says.Most line-of-duty death reports cite failure to comply with policy or lack of adequate policy Fire instructors often avoid training on policy because they regard it as boring or unrelated to what really matters—firefighter safety and survival. Yet most line-of-duty death reports cite failure to comply with policy or lack of adequate policy as contributing factors in the incident. If you’re worried that policy will make your training program dry and uninteresting, link it to real-world events. An online search provides lots of examples of when things went wrong and how adherence to policy might have produced a different outcome. And limit policy training to small chunks. Take out a 10-page policy and go through it line by line, and your students’ eyes will glaze over in seconds. Instead, look for ways to enrich your current training by bringing relevant pieces of policy into it. Your firefighters will be learning the department’s policies without even realizing it! Focus On Continuous Improvement Fire chiefs and fire instructors have a challenging job. Budgets are tight, and training is often one of the first things to be cut. Yet we need firefighters to be proficient in all-hazards response. Every department has a long training wish list. But if we focus on continuous quality improvement, we can get a little better each year. Looking for opportunities to incorporate statistics, technology and policy into our training is a good place to start.

In communities of all sizes, fire crews are always in need of finding ways to improve preparedness and reduce risk. When fire departments use software systems that meet these needs, they stay safer and more informed on the scene. They also ensure that citizens stay safer during fire emergencies. Since the first organized response to a fire emergency began, firefighters have always made it a point to prevent injuries and minimize fire-related damage. However, since that time, technology has improved virtually everything about fire response, from the way crews get to the scene, to the information they have in transit about the emergency, to what they need to do upon arrival. This knowledge means fire crews no longer need to use three-ring binders full of documents to search for information. Instead, they use mobile data terminals (MDTs) and mobile fire software apps on smartphones, laptops, or tablets in their ladder trucks, fire engines, and other vehicles, which provide them with instant access to the data they need when it’s needed. Fire crews no longer need to use three-ring binders full of documents to search for information Mission Critical Data For Emergencies MDTs work directly with a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to show first responders information about an emergency. With this technology, mission-critical data with real-time information about an emergency is available for fire crews. Having this data on hand helps keep crews safe, protect citizens, and reduce the risk of catastrophic damage to the structure involved. For example, if fire crews respond to a structure fire and dispatchers receive information while on the call that the roof collapsed before crews arrival, fire crews are made aware of this information in real time. Any information dispatchers receive about the emergency is immediately available for fire crews using an MDT. Information included in an MDT includes location of hazardous chemicals on site, knowledge of any hazardous materials on site, owner contact information, building entrance points and floorplans, and hydrant location. Any information dispatchers receive about the emergency is immediately available for fire crews Advance Planning For Fire Rescue MDTs are vital components to fire rescue. These ruggedized laptops are often mounted in a firetruck and crews communicate with one another regarding the data dispatchers share. When fire crews do not have access to an MDT, they rely upon radio transmissions, cell phones, and pagers to share information. Without a way to share this information in transit, fire crews create attack plans on the scene. This results in more time being spent planning rather than tackling the fire emergency, which could result in more damage and injuries or loss of life. For instance, fires double in size every 30 seconds. When technology can be leveraged so fire crews can create an attack plan while in transit, they reduce risk on the scene. Advanced planning helps each member of the crew know what he or she is doing on the scene based on their roles. Mobile Communication Apps Another way fire crews improve preparedness and reduce risk in a fire response is through the use of a mobile fire software application that can be used on smartphones, laptops, and tablets, and works seamlessly with MDTs.Mobile apps help bridge the gap between the communication received from dispatch to all  members of a fire crew Mobile apps help bridge the gap between the communication received from dispatch to all members of a fire crew. Plus, with a mobile app that knows who’s using the device, it can automatically populate the information the user needs based on the location of the user and the user’s role.  That means personalized information is delivered as it is needed, which helps crew members to begin their attack plans before arriving on the scene. Crews that use mobile apps arrive on the scene better prepared to attack the fire immediately, thereby saving time and reducing risk. Another benefit of using mobile fire apps is that they are less costly than other software solutions, which helps fire departments purchase more for crews. Many fire departments use MDTs and mobile fire apps so that crews are well-equipped with informational tools. With this opportunity to arrive more prepared on the scene, fire crews can reduce risk to themselves and those involved in the emergency. Vital information is placed into the hands of crew members no matter where they are in the rig, ladder truck, or fire engine Accessible Information For Fire Crews Both mobile fire apps and MDTs work together to harness the power of CAD and bring it directly to fire crews. Vital information is placed into the hands of crew members no matter where they are in the rig, ladder truck, or fire engine. Plus, mobile fire apps can be used by volunteer firefighters, which helps ensure they are as connected to details about the emergency as possible.Another benefit of technology in the world of firefighting is that mobile fire apps and MDTs can work together Fire crews using both have vital routing information, data regarding the structure involved, pre-plans, history, access to their own maps, and anything else that enhances contextual awareness for crews.Another benefit of technology in the world of firefighting is that mobile fire apps and MDTs can work together. While both harness the power of CAD and bring it directly to fire crews, an app is more accessible for crews in the back of the rig or ladder truck. Considerations When Purchasing Mobile Data Terminals The most important thing for fire departments to consider before purchasing an MDT or mobile app is this: Ensure that the software allows for users to take their own CAD information, so they can extend its functionality. These fire software systems should also be intuitive so that they know who is using it and what information they need. They should also be hands-free and understand spoken commands and have the capacity to take those commands and escalate to the next level. By making use of the software systems available to fire departments, crews experience a better use of their time, access relevant information for all roles, and stay safer on the scene through better preparedness and risk reduction.

The event, hosted by E1 and sister company, Clan Tools and Plant Limited, at their state-of-the-art specialist appliance manufacturing plant in Scotland, welcomed attendees from Fire and Rescue Services throughout the UK, as well as many from airport and industrial FRS. E1 have been at the forefront of specialist vehicle design and manufacture in the UK for 30 years, and they are now the largest such company based in the UK. Many of their developments have become widely adopted and recognized as industry standard. Through detailed engagement with the UK FRS’s, dedicated research and development, collaborative engineering and a passion for innovation, the E1 SCORPIONTM was born. Innovate and Evolve Whilst the E1 Scorpion concept is not new (water tower pumping appliances have been around for decades), the manufacturing and systems engineering and technology employed with this vehicle certainly are new! The E1 Engineering and Design Project Team were issued with the following simple Design Brief: Improve Firefighter and Public Safety Robust and Reliable Engineering Full BS EN 1846 Compliance / Full Pumping Appliance Capability Full Water Tower Capability / High Flow Rates / Optimize Monitor Performance Offer Choice – Full Customization of Build and Chassis Options Develop and Improve Existing Technologies and Solutions Simplify Operation The resultant development of the E1 Scorpion therefore required the creation of many new and innovative systems and componentry, as well as the refinement of many existing technologies – all of which were also on display at the Launch event. piercing lance system The pump features a custom E1 designed manifold system, facilitating the high flow characteristics of the appliance A 20m High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) system is installed (designed and manufactured in England by E1 UK partner Translink International), featuring the “Fire-Spike” piercing lance system. The installation facilitates up to a 20m vertical reach and 14m horizontal reach, with full 360º rotation. Water and Foam delivery is available via the boom-mounted high flow monitor (up to 6,000lpm), or via the “Fire-Spike” (1,000lpm). CCTV and Thermal Imaging Cameras are also installed, with images relayed to locations such as the cab or pumpbay system controls and/or the chest-pack remote control system. The impressive Fire Engineering installation features a Godiva Prima P6A pump (6,000lpm), along with an (optional) Cobra Ultra High-Pressure abrasive / cutting system. The pump features a custom E1 designed manifold system, facilitating the high flow characteristics of the appliance. Radio Frequency Identification Full BS EN 1846 Pumping Appliance capability is upheld, with the appliance featuring a 6-person cab/crewcab, individual crew seats (c/w integrated BA), an 1,800 liter water tank, 100 liter foam tank, and a 1,200kg operational equipment inventory capacity. A unique (optional) pumpbay canopy door provides safe shelter for the pump operator, who benefits from the latest widescreen version (“Evo”) of the industry-standard E1 “ePumpControl” HMI system. The rear body superstructure includes the all-new “E-1” Roller Shutter Door system, and “E-1 Streamline” smooth, flush sided profile – with no overhanging door furniture (a narrower body and reduced accident damage potential). The E1 Technology arm of the business was on show, with the E1 Scorpion featuring the latest iterations of their “e1fleet” specialist appliance telematics system, the “e1Tag” Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) on-appliance asset management system, and the “e1Connect” mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. High-Pressure firefighting system We are delighted that the E1 Scorpion has been met with such enthusiasm" To enhance the list of firefighting options available only from E1, the “E1 Nebula” system was also launched. The Ultra High-Pressure firefighting system (38lpm @ 200bar) includes several lance options, robust PTO drive (low maintenance, improved reliability and performance), full integration with ePumpControl and e1fleet, and options for foam and abrasive cutting upgrades. The system was demonstrated in its alternative, portable (self-contained) form. Also unveiled was the E1 Scorpion’s big brother, the E1 ManticoreTM; a fully configurable industrial appliance, available on 18, 26 or 32tonne GVW Chassis Day/Crew Cab variants. Mike Madsen, Managing Director, Emergency One (UK) Limited and Clan Tools & Plant Limited, commented; “We are delighted that the E1 Scorpion has been met with such enthusiasm. It’s important to me that we offer our customers choice – hence the E1 Scorpion is fully customizable and offers a unique, no-compromise build solution along with a comprehensive option list.” design and manufacture process The build quality and truly innovative design features are testament to the quality, passion, drive and commitment of our employees and the collaborative approach we adopted throughout the design and manufacture process. Working closely with our partners in Manchester, Translink International, I am proud that the E1 Scorpion showcases the best of British engineering, innovation and manufacturing.” Finally, key supplier partners on the E1 Scorpion project were on hand to discuss and display their own products, along with many of the E1 and Clan Partner Companies, such as Magirus, Lukas, Vetter, Leader and BioEx.

New technology and strategies are urgently required if rescue services are to meet the enormous challenges they encounter in the modern world. Demographic change, the need for well-trained specialist personnel and responding to major incidents and disasters are just some of the keynote themes that demand answers. At INTERSCHUTZ 2020 manufacturers, suppliers, rescue services and training institutes will present their solutions and ideas for future-fit rescue services. At the same time, INTERSCHUTZ also serves as a platform for a professional exchange of know-how within this sector. Consequently, the visiting public includes emergency physicians, emergency paramedics, paramedics, medical technicians and first responders from every kind of rescue/emergency service, as well as decision-makers in local government, medical insurance companies and providers of funds and services. INTERSCHUTZ 2020 INTERSCHUTZ is a hub which addresses all the topical issues affecting the entire spectrum of rescue services" "INTERSCHUTZ is a hub which addresses all the topical issues affecting the entire spectrum of rescue services, both for domestic deployment and internationally", declares Martin Folkerts, Project Director of INTERSCHUTZ at Deutsche Messe. "One of the big bonus points of INTERSCHUTZ is that every sector in the field of security, safety and rescue services is represented at one convenient time and place. It is impossible to overstate just how important networking and communication between fire and civil protection services are to the development of rescue services that are future-proof and fit for purpose. In the final analysis, the players responding in day-to-day operations and those responding to major incidents and disasters all have to work closely together." Hall 26 will provide a central hub for the presentation of the rescue services at INTERSCHUTZ 2020. Offering a display space of more than 21,000 square meters, this venue provides visitors with a clear overview of manufacturers, suppliers and special themes. The hall is a magnet for any professional seeking information on rescue aids, transport, data management, equipment, disinfection equipment, medical equipment, tools/equipment for rescuing accident victims or information on training courses for the rescue services. The key topics of water rescue and high-angle and high rescue operations form the focus of displays in halls 17 and 16. Connectivity And Digitization Connectivity and digitization are issues that have long occupied emergency and rescue services" "Connectivity and digitization are issues that have long occupied emergency and rescue services", says Andreas Ploeger, director of the ambulance and rescue vehicle manufacturer Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeug GmbH (WAS). "Although many countries are ahead of Germany in this respect, INTERSCHUTZ should get things moving. As far as WAS is concerned, this trade fair is something of an international benchmark." This is a view shared by Binz Ambulance- und Umwelttechnik GmbH, whose spokesperson, Matthias Quickert, deputy head of distribution and head of the special vehicles and series production segment of Binz operations, reported: "INTERSCHUTZ 2020 is an important national and international showcase, where our company presents its key products. One focal point is weight optimization in vehicle interiors for ambulances and rescue vehicles, as well as in other BOS emergency vehicles for which weight is a key factor, but naturally we also focus on the intelligent networking of voltage and power supply systems in vehicle modifications and data acquisition and presentation for diverse vehicles and vehicle modifications." C.Miesen, Gruau And GSF Ltd Among Exhibitors In addition to WAS and Binz, several other exhibitors have already announced their intention to exhibit in 2020, including C. Miesen, GSF Sonderfahrzeugbau, Groupe Gruau, Ferno-Washington, Weinmann Emergency, X-Cen-Tek, Holmatro, Lukas, Weber Hydraulik, Dönges and Andreas Stihl Ltd. While exhibitors from industry are clearly important to INTERSCHUTZ, great value is also placed on the participation of professional service providers, i.e. those organizations whose teams of professionals and volunteers deliver the emergency and rescue services. Their ranks include the German Red Cross (DRK), the national branch of the International Red Cross which operates in Germany and in voluntary operations assisting the German authorities in humanitarian missions. "For us it is self-evident that we should take part in INTERSCHUTZ as an exhibitor in 2020, but it is also very exciting," explains Dr. Ralf Selbach, chairman of the board of the DRK Association in Lower Saxony. Communication In Disaster Response The lead theme of connectivity and digitization is a very topical aspect of the work of the Red Cross" In the federal state of Lower Saxony, alone, the DRK employs around 3,500 in the rescue services, with a further 7,000 or more volunteers on standby. "The lead theme of connectivity and digitization is a very topical aspect of the work of the Red Cross – for instance, it is vital in communication in disasters and major incidents, or in the training of rescue service personnel," says Dr. Selbach. "This is something that we want to convey to the visitors to our trade fair stand in a tangible and practical fashion. We also want to inform them about the opportunities for working on a professional or voluntary basis in health-related services such as rescue and emergency, civil protection and disaster protection and relief." Likewise, INTERSCHUTZ is an important event in the calendar of the Johanniter Unfall Hilfe (German Order of St John) as Hannes Wendler, the Director of the organization in Lower Saxony and Bremen, is keen to explain: "INTERSCHUTZ not only affords an excellent overview of this sector, including all the latest developments – as a nationwide provider of rescue services and an established partner in general public services it also provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate our consistent efforts to upgrade and improve our services in line with current trends and standards." Johanniter Unfall Hilfe The Johanniter Unfall Hilfe at INTERSCHUTZ will not only place the focus on connectivity between teams and technology – it also aims to reach younger visitors and address personnel recruitment. The Akkon University in Berlin and the Johanniter Academy are two training facilities at which the Johanniter staff educate and train highly qualified personnel for the rescue and emergency services. Our training measures hinge on modern technology and innovative methods in order to prepare the participants" "Our training measures hinge on modern technology and innovative methods in order to prepare the participants as well as possible for the kind of challenges that rescue teams meet today," adds Wendler. "At INTERSCHUTZ we want to show visitors, especially young visitors, that we are a competent, modern and progressive employer – whether as a provider of terrestrial rescue services or in air rescue services and offshore rescue operations." Holmatro Extrication Challenge The exhibits and information offered at the individual stands at INTERSCHUTZ are complemented by an impressive supporting program rich in opportunities for discussion, knowledge transfer, learning and for making valuable new contacts. Demonstrations, activities and examples of practical applications are staged throughout the whole trade fair on the open-air site. Another daily highlight will be the Holmatro Extrication Challenge with rescue teams from all over the world competing against one another in exciting simulated scenarios in which they demonstrate their skills in extricating road-traffic accident victims from vehicles. No doubt, the scene will be less intense, but equally interesting, at the meeting of the rescue services, which is being organized mainly by the German Fire Protection Association (vfdb). This event will feature talks and panel discussions on current issues and challenges. One of many interesting topics will be the comparison of European emergency and rescue services. Directly adjacent to this event various rescue services' training schools will stage diverse activities simulating the kind of operations that rescue teams have to face today and showing ways of tackling future scenarios and challenges. 22nd Hannover Emergency Medicine Symposium Another key element of the supporting program is the 22nd Hannover Emergency Medicine Symposium from 19-20 June Another key element of the supporting program is the 22nd Hannover Emergency Medicine Symposium from 19-20 June, organized by the Johanniter Academy of Lower Saxony/Bremen in collaboration with the Medical University of Hannover. The symposium is held over two days, thus giving participants the opportunity to benefit from both the high-caliber theoretical content of this event and the experience of the leading world fair INTERSCHUTZ. The Johanniter Unfall Hilfe also organizes the Hans-Dietrich Genscher Prize and the Johanniter Junior Prize. Both awards are traditionally presented in Hannover to mark the achievements of courageous helpers. In 2020, the award ceremony will take place on the Wednesday of INTERSCHUTZ. The Hans-Dietrich Genscher Prize is awarded to adults – for example, an emergency physician or some other rescue or emergency worker – for their exceptional achievements in a rescue situation. The winner could be a professional or a volunteer layperson. The Johanniter Juniors' Prize is awarded to young people up to the age of 18 who have shown an exceptional level of commitment by providing first aid and/or other services in emergency situations. Hannover is, of course, also the place where German politicians and administrators responsible for the rescue services meet. Thus, on 16 and 17 June the German Federal States' Committee for the Emergency and Rescue Services will convene at INTERSCHUTZ. The participants will include the representatives responsible for the emergency and rescue services in the various German states, as well as representatives from the German Federal Ministries of Internal Affairs, Health and Defense, representatives of the German police air units, the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BAST) and the major local authority associations from across Germany.

The application period for the Conrad Dietrich Magirus Award is over. Two high-ranking juries of experts have assed all fire department team submissions and pre-selected the entries for the upcoming online voting. This task has been even more demanding because not only the number of applications in all categories has increased, but also the entire range of operation types has been convincingly shown. “We are very pleased about the great interest of fire department teams and the numerous applications received from many different countries. The high quality of the operations promises a very exciting competition,” says Marc Diening, President & CEO of Magirus, summarising the completion of the application phase. Festive Award Ceremony For the ‘Firefighting Team of the Year’, ten international and ten national missions can be chosen from In addition to the increase in the number of submissions, the even deeper commitment of the award sponsors shows the increasing importance of the award. For the ‘Firefighting Team of the Year’, ten international and ten national missions can be chosen from. In the category ‘Special prize for Social Engagement’, six teams are hoping for many votes in support of their social campaigns and projects. The winners of the title and the coveted statue will be announced at the festive award ceremony in Ulm (Germany) on March 1, 2019. For the first time, a partner from the UK, Emergency One, could be secured. Including Special Equipment “Firefighters are available 365 days a year in the service of society and often reach their limits during missions. With the Conrad Dietrich Magirus Award, this dedication receives special attention and appreciation beyond national borders. We are happy to support that,” explains Mike Madsen, Managing Director of Emergency One, about the sponsor’s commitment as a Gold Sponsor. The company is a provider of fire and rescue vehicles and the associated equipment in the United Kingdom. For the third time in a row, Endress Electrogerätebau GmbH and Dönges GmbH & Co. KG are also supporting the Conrad Dietrich Magirus Award. Endress develops power generation units for the world market, including special equipment for firefighting and civil protection operations, and has become the provider of electricity producers in Europe. Among other things, the system supplier Dönges furnishes fire departments with complete ranges of devices for their vehicles. Hydraulic Cutting Device LUKAS was the first provider to develop a hydraulic cutting device for rescue operations The company's portfolio also includes equipment, tools, warning materials, extinguisher and auxiliary devices, tool sets and illumination products. Vetter GmbH, AWG Fittings GmbH and Lukas Hydraulik GmbH are again among the Silver Sponsors. In 1972, LUKAS was the first provider to develop a hydraulic cutting device for rescue operations, thus laying the foundation for 40 years of experience in global deployment scenarios. The rescue device producer Vetter provides fire and rescue services around the world with specific equipment such as pneumatic rescue tents and lift cushions. As a global provider of firefighting fittings and fire protection devices, AWG Fittings supplies fire departments with sophisticated and innovative products.