Hanover celebrates 50 years of Joint Rescue Coordination Centre

On January 2, 1974, Hanover, the state capital of Lower Saxony, Germany, saw the launch of the country’s first joint rescue coordination centre.

This initiative brought together various emergency services and fire departments under one roof.

As reported by INTERSCHUTZ, the professional fire department, German Red Cross, Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, Malteser Hilfsdienst, and later private providers collaborated to improve emergency response.

This centralised approach meant that the nearest available vehicle could be dispatched for time-critical operations.

Despite lengthy negotiations, the local newspaper “Neue Presse” supported the initiative, highlighting the need for a unified control centre.

The change aimed to end the competitive race for injured patients and streamline emergency responses.

Celebrating the success and ongoing improvement

Axel von der Ohe, Head of Hanover’s Fire Department, spoke at the 50th-anniversary celebration: “Improving and strengthening emergency services through cooperation and a joint control center has been a complete success throughout Germany, starting in Hanover.

“We can be very proud of this achievement.” He acknowledged the challenges and courage required to implement this pioneering idea.

Christoph Bahlmann, Director of the Hanover Fire Department, emphasized the need for continuous improvement.

He highlighted various approaches to meet the increasing demands on the healthcare system.

“Digitalization and networking as well as telemedicine can be key points on the way to a Health Control Centre 2030 together with our cooperation partner Region Hannover,” Bahlmann stated.

INTERSCHUTZ 2026 to focus on AI in control centres

INTERSCHUTZ project manager Bernd Heinold noted that control centres would be a focus topic at the upcoming trade fair.

“We are particularly pleased that the first control center was created in Hanover, the current home city of INTERSCHUTZ,” Heinold said.

The event, titled “Artificial intelligence in control centers, situation centers and on the scene,” will showcase how intelligent technologies and AI can enhance operational efficiency.

Leading representatives from research and industry will discuss the role of AI in early detection, situation assessment, operational coordination, and communication.

Heinold pointed out the growing importance of AI in emergency services, emphasizing its potential to transform the field.