Germany - Interschutz Hannover 2022
After seven long years, we were finally able to host the Holmatro Rescue Challenge again, at the Interschutz exhibition in Hannover. Twenty teams from thirteen different countries showed their skills in realistic vehicle extrication scenarios. Using Holmatro tools, such as our battery-powered Pentheon tools and the brand-new cordless Mini Cutter CCU10, they competed to free a 'live patient' from the latest BMWs.
Rescue Challenge
During this challenge, each team had 20 minutes to free a 'live patient' from a simulated road traffic collision, created with the latest BMWs. Four assessors from the UKRO judged all the teams, and took the time for a debriefing session after the run-off, to make sure teams collected their learning points in a safe environment.
All teams were assessed for criteria such as
- Use of the Team Approach
- Medical assessment
- Tool use techniques
- Patient handling
- On-scene communication
- General performance
- Overall team spirit
The four assessors judging these criteria were Paul Hamer (command assessor), Steve North (technical assessor), Tony Eyres (medical assessor) and Stuart Batham (interior assessor and project lead). Interior assessor means that Stuart was inside the car as the victim, giving him an excellent position to review the work of the teams.
Goals for this event
Our main goal for the challenge was to facilitate a safe learning environment for firefighters and rescue workers. Next to that, this challenge was a way for the teams to be introduced to the newest technologies. This was achieved thanks to BMW, who donated their latest models for this challenge, but also by having teams use our battery-powered Pentheon tools. In addition, the teams were among the first to use our brand new cordless Mini Cutter CCU10, which was introduced during Interschutz. The tool was immediately accepted as part of the rescue set, and we saw most of the teams use it right away, for things like cutting head rests.
Masterclass Extrication Techniques
To underline that this was a learning event, the teams received a Masterclass Extrication Techniques with our Pentheon Series tools and the Mini Cutter CCU10 before their run-off. During this session, our Rescue Consultant Marinus Verweijen showed them best practices with our tools, and gave them the chance to practice on their own, using similar BMW models as during the run-off.
Award Ceremony
Even though this was a learning event, the objective assessment by UKRO enabled us to provide the winning teams with awards for:
- Best Overall Team
- Best Technical Team
Next to that, the team that gave the best display of 'Team Spirit' also collected an award. You can watch the award ceremony here.
Best Team Spirit
The award for 'Best Team Spirit' went to Octava Bomberos Santiago from Chile. Challenge organizers Manon Hart and Ronald de Zanger complimented the team for being very enthusiastic, even bringing some fans to the exhibition during their run-off. Next to that, the assessors characterized them as sponges, collecting all information they could get.
Best Technical Team
The 'Best Technical Team' impressed the assessors with their overall technical ability, vehicle knowledge, use of equipment and the use of a planned approach, following all the right steps. The team that won this award was Brandweer Rotterdam Frobenstraat from the Netherlands. This team was highly motivated and benefited a lot from the tips given during the Masterclass, that was part of the learning experience of the Rescue Challenge.
Best Overall Team
The “Best Overall Team” was based on the total score for:
• Command
• Medical
• Technical
The team that brought home this award was Consorcio Bomberos Valencia from Spain. The incident commander received compliments for being thorough and communicating clearly with his team. The technical team followed all steps and, through simultaneous activity, got a lot of work done. Finally, the medics got recognition for their compassion, their assessment of the casualty and their work rate.
Conclusion
Finally, we can conclude this events was a great success. We received a lot of positive feedback from the teams, and noticed our event attracted a big crowd on the outdoor terrain of Interschutz. We often heard the teams say that the chance to practice with new cars was very special, as practice is often done with older models. We thank all teams for participating, our sponsors PackExe, Moditech, Pax Bags and BMW, and the UKRO for providing us with four top-notch assessors. Finally, big thanks to everyone who watched the challenge, either in person or via our livestream. See you at Interschutz in 2026!
