How did you first come into contact with INTERSCHUTZ?

It must have been 40 years ago, back in 1979. There was a vehicle exhibition at Maschsee Lake in Hannover during the run-up to INTERSCHUTZ 1980 and I got to sit inside a fire truck. I remember my grandfather was there with me – he was a firefighter at the VW plant fire brigade in the Stöcken part of town until he retired. I guess it was about then that my passion for the rescue services was born.

What is your current connection with INTERSCHUTZ?

After being part of the event in 2005 and 2015, this will be my third INTERSCHUTZ in 2020. I’m responsible for the content and the conceptual side of the Johanniter stand. I am also responsible for our promotional campaign. The Johanniter organization is not just taking part with an exhibition stand covering more than 800 square meters, but rather also staging the prize-giving ceremonies for the Hans Dietrich Genscher Award and the Johanniter Junior Prize – distinctions that are usually awarded every two years to non-professionals as well as professional rescuers for special achievements. And not to mention, the 22nd Hannover Emergency Services Symposium of the Johanniter Academy of Lower Saxony and Bremen in cooperation with the Hannover School of Medicine (MHH).

Are you still active as a volunteer firefighter or rescue or civil protection worker?

I completed my training as an emergency medical technician in 1999 and, before hooking up with the Johanniter organization, was also employed by ASB and the German Red Cross. Those were all exciting experiences. At the Order of St. John, I’m still a regular rescue helper and continue to take advanced training courses. For special situations like the “Extended Rescue Service”, I have a radio receiver at home and am able to respond quickly. I’d like to engage in even more rescue missions, but it’s hard to find the time.

What do you see as the main drawing cards at INTERSCHUTZ?

People and specialists from all over the world meet at INTERSCHUTZ intent on delving into a single topic, which makes the atmosphere at the Hannover Exhibition Center truly special. In addition, the abundance of different vehicles, whether large or small – it’s impressive. And finally, INTERSCHUTZ is a place where you can come to get the big picture and see numerous other organizations and share ideas and network.

What are you hoping to get out of INTERSCHUTZ and what do you look forward to the most?

First of all, it’s important to stay healthy and fit. And then my team and I are looking forward to seeing many old friends at our stand in Hall 26. And, of course, to meeting new people who are eager to get to know us and the work performed by the Order of St. John. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that the team at Deutsche Messe will be rewarded for their professional activities over the past few months and that they’ll be organizing a great trade fair and will be able to set new records in terms of the number of exhibitors and visitor attendance.