ABOUT THE FAIR
The RETTER in Wels is Austria’s leading trade fair for the protection and rescue sector and takes place every two years at the Messezentrum Wels. Since its launch in 2002, it has evolved into an indispensable meeting point for professional emergency responders, authorities, organizations, and decision-makers. Organized by Messe Wels GmbH, an experienced event organizer, the fair makes optimal use of the extensive venue to effectively combine theory and practice.
Exclusively a trade-only event, RETTER is tailored specifically to professionals from emergency medical services, pre-hospital care, fire and rescue services, disaster relief, mountain and high-angle rescue, workplace safety, hazard prevention, and digital emergency response technologies. What sets the fair apart is its strong practical focus, demonstrated through impressive live-action presentations in the outdoor area. These realistic demonstrations transform the event into a space for knowledge exchange, as well as an experiential and educational platform for specialists from across the German-speaking world.
The RETTER covers a broad yet highly specialized range of topics. At its core is pre-hospital emergency care, featuring the latest in medical technology, innovative emergency vehicles, and advanced training programs. The fair also offers a comprehensive overview of developments in fire services and fire protection – from extinguishing systems and protective gear to technical rescue equipment and concepts in preventive fire safety.
Disaster response and civil protection are another major focus, showcasing mobile command units, field kitchens, flood protection systems, and international relief operations. Particular emphasis is placed on mountain and high-angle rescue – a topic of great importance in an alpine country like Austria. Specialized off-road vehicles, rope-based rescue systems, and air rescue operations, such as those conducted by the Christophorus helicopters of the ÖAMTC, are presented in action.
The fair is also gaining importance for businesses, especially in the areas of occupational safety and corporate emergency management. From first aid kits to personal protective equipment, RETTER offers a comprehensive overview of products, services, and suppliers aimed at strengthening workplace health and safety.
Forward-looking in its approach, the fair emphasizes innovation in security, hazard prevention, digitization, and emerging technologies. Solutions such as BOS digital radio systems, incident command software, drone-based situational assessment, and the use of artificial intelligence in emergency control centers demonstrate how modern technology is transforming and enhancing the work of emergency professionals.
With its wide-ranging program, unique combination of product showcases and practical applications, and clear focus on professionals in safety-critical fields, RETTER in Wels is a key platform for information, innovation, and professional networking – highly relevant, expertly organized, and firmly rooted in the world of emergency services.
The RETTER will take place on 3 days from Thursday, 23. September to Saturday, 25. September 2027 in Wels.