Press release

Fulda, 18/05/2026

RETTmobil International 2026 once again proves: Fulda is the heart of the international rescue and emergency services sector

RETTmobil International 2026 has once again impressively demonstrated why it has been regarded for years as the leading international trade fair for rescue and mobility. With around 30,000 trade visitors and approximately 500 exhibitors from 28 nations, Fulda once again became the global meeting point for the rescue industry from May 6–8, 2026.

RETTmobil International is far more than just a trade fair – it is the globally recognized meeting place for decision-makers, innovators, and industry leaders from emergency medical services, emergency medicine, fire services, and civil protection. For three days, Fulda was entirely dedicated to state-of-the-art emergency technology, new mobility solutions, and forward-looking concepts for civil and disaster protection.

Whether cutting-edge rescue vehicles, digital deployment solutions, new concepts for civil protection, or international cooperation – RETTmobil once again uniquely brought together decision-makers, emergency personnel, manufacturers, aid organizations, and technology companies from around the world. Across approximately 70,000 square meters, the industry presented its latest developments for the operational challenges of tomorrow.

“RETTmobil 2026 exceeded our expectations – especially against the backdrop of current economic and geopolitical challenges,” emphasized trade fair director Manfred Hommel. He noted that the strong international participation was particularly encouraging. Numerous exhibitors reported successful discussions and business agreements with international partners directly on-site in Fulda. “This underlines RETTmobil’s enormous importance as an international industry and innovation hub,” said Hommel.

The industry’s confidence in RETTmobil is also evident when looking toward the future: by the close of the exhibition, well over 50 percent of exhibiting companies had already firmly booked their stand space for 2027. In addition, numerous renowned manufacturers from the fire service sector have already confirmed their participation in the anniversary edition.

Particular attention was given to the latest vehicle generations from leading manufacturers – from modern ambulances and innovative patient transport solutions to pioneering mobility concepts. At the same time, companies specializing in emergency medical technology, mobile equipment, radio and signaling technology, mobile devices, artificial intelligence, robotics, and personal protective equipment presented their newest developments. The broad portfolio was complemented by digital innovations such as tele-emergency physician systems, intelligent incident documentation, and modern platforms for major incidents and crisis management. RETTmobil once again highlighted the dynamic progress being made in technology, digitalization, ergonomics, and sustainability within the rescue sector.

The hands-on supporting program once again made RETTmobil International 2026 a special experience for trade visitors. Live demonstrations, emergency response exercises, and specialist presentations vividly illustrated how modern rescue technology, professional cooperation, and rapid decision-making processes interact in real emergency situations.

Among the major crowd-pullers was a large-scale rescue exercise conducted by ASB together with the professional fire brigade of Frankfurt am Main and the Fulda fire brigade. The exercise demonstrated the complex rescue of a person trapped inside a refuse collection vehicle – based on a real operation from 2023. The realistic scenario impressively showcased the high level of professionalism, precision, and cooperation among all participating organizations during complex medical and technical rescue operations.

Another highlight was the landing of an intensive care transport helicopter operated by Johanniter Air Rescue next to the exhibition grounds. Numerous visitors took the opportunity to experience the world of air rescue at close range. In addition to touring the helicopter, visitors gained fascinating insights into the latest medical technology, equipment, and operational procedures used in airborne intensive care medicine. The presentation was complemented by an equipment exhibition from Johanniter Air Rescue as well as information about career opportunities and professional pathways in air rescue services. The crew was available to answer questions from trade visitors and provided impressive insights into both the challenges and fascination of their everyday work.

Training courses and workshops for emergency responders and medical professionals were in high demand throughout all exhibition days. The LUKAS RESCUE LEAGUE training sessions on “Realistic Patient Rescue in Traffic Accidents,” focusing on technical and medical rescue operations, were largely fully booked even before the event began.

Another distinctive feature of RETTmobil remains its off-road course. There, visitors were able to experience modern emergency vehicles under realistic conditions and personally test the vehicles’ capabilities during ride-along demonstrations.

In addition to the trade fair itself, professional and political dialogue was also a major focus. During the official opening ceremony, Hessian Minister of the Interior Prof. Dr. Roman Poseck described Fulda as the “world capital of rescue services.” Representatives from aid organizations, fire services, and public authorities used the exhibition extensively for exchange, networking, and joint discussions about the future of civil protection and volunteer engagement.

As part of RETTmobil International, the annual “Elephant Meeting” also took place, offering a unique exchange format for the leading stakeholders of the German emergency aid and disaster protection system. Representatives from all major aid organizations – including ASB, DRK, JUH, MHD, and DLRG – met together with the German Firefighters Association (DFV), the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), and senior representatives of the German Armed Forces to discuss current challenges in civil protection and issues relating to societal resilience.

The special significance of this meeting lies in the combined expertise and responsibility of the participating organizations: rarely do the key decision-makers and operational leaders of the German emergency response system come together in such a high-level yet practice-oriented setting. RETTmobil International provides the ideal platform for this – as the internationally leading trade fair for rescue and mobility, it uniquely combines innovation, operational practice, political discussion, and strategic dialogue.

Especially in light of increasing natural disasters, geopolitical uncertainties, and growing demands on civil protection systems, the “Elephant Meeting” underlines RETTmobil International’s role as an important source of inspiration and a central meeting point for the future of hazard prevention and disaster response in Germany and Europe.

Looking ahead, anticipation is already growing for next year: in 2027, RETTmobil International will celebrate its 25th edition – a special anniversary for the entire industry. With the German Firefighters Association already confirmed as official patron and exceptionally high demand for exhibition space, preparations are already in full swing.

The 25th RETTmobil International will take place from May 12–14, 2027, traditionally in Fulda – once again bringing together people who take responsibility every day, save lives, and shape the future.