1996
June 21, 1996, Friday morning 0:50 o'clock: I wake up by the pager saying „fire alarm at St. Vincenz General Hospital“. Hearing further alarms on the way to the fire station, I realize that this is a large scale operation. I am part of the initial fire attack crew wearing breathing protection. Three weeks ago, our fire brigade received the first HuPF suits: one jacket and one trouser per breathing protection device. So there was no personal assignment and no personal equipment in the bags of the suits.
How everything started
... few days later
I remember the incident with the rope bag and have the idea of attaching a knife to the firefighter belt or the respiratory protection device, easily accessible.
Als gelernter Maschinenbauer ist es mir vertraut, technische Zeichnungen zu erstellen, aber mit Textilien zu arbeiten war mir zunächst etwas fremd. Auch die Suche nach geeigneten Lieferanten bzw. Produktionsstätten gestaltet sich recht mühsam. Das Internet steckte noch in den Kinderschuhen, so dass viele Telefonate und Besuche notwendig wurden.
Operation outside the building
Without hose line - we have to control a part of the building that has already been evacuated by the medical personnel. Before entering the building, we try to fix our 30 m safety rope. This turns out to be difficult because the rope is still originally wrapped in the rope bag. Although it is easy to rip off the plastic foil, we are not able to open the strings, which are tied around the rope, with bare hands. So we have to pull the rope a few meters out of the bag before we can open the strings.
1997
... one year later
October 1997, the multi-pocket double bag is born! Under the name „Hergenhahn Feuerwehr-Zubehör“ I start the production and distribution. Basing on the multi-pocket double bag, other pouches have been designed over the last years. Many of them with the help of our customers. Today, Today we offer a broad range of bags and pouches for firefighting and rescue operations..
1998 to 2003
First, I work alone in a small garage
and later in a rented building with office and storage in Runkel/Dehrn.
Finally! – At the beginning of 2004, we move to our own company building in Runkel-Ennerich. With a stock of 400 m², more than 2000 articles.
In 2005 stellen wir sehr erfolgreich auf der Interschutz in Hannover aus.
10 years rescue-tec product development
2007 we celebrated 10 years rescue-tec. That means also 10 years of experience in holsters and bags production and development.
Meanwhile a range of bags and pouches especially for firefighting operations exits. Well-known customers from all over Europe trust in rescue-tec know-how and ask for individual and customized solutions. We test and optimize our products regularly, so that they are always up to date and compatible to the respective equipment.
New company building, but soon to small
In contrast to the poor economic situation (financial crisis), 2009 was a very successful business year for rescue-tec. However, success has a price - the company building has become too small once again.
Luckily, we had the opportunity to purchase the neighbour company building and could thus increase our space from 400 m² to 800 m².
2010
Our 3rd participation at the Interschutz and that with real new developments according to DIN 14922 for the multi-purpose fire brigade bag now offers the fire brigades more security. rescue-tec is the first fire brigade outfitter to offer certified bags and holsters. They are made of robust, flame-resistant material and equipped with an emergency release device to prevent them from getting caught. The bags offer certified safety for your use!
2012
rescue-tec store
As our buildings got to small again, the shipping department was enlarged in August 2012. This was only a preliminary stage for the rescue-tec store. Here you find a large product range, e.g. HAIX-boots, apparel, fire fighting products, first aid material and original presents. Come have a look!
The equipment catalogue 6.0
In March 2014 the rescue-tec equipment catalogue was released. With 420 pages it is more extensive than its predecessors. (only available in German).
20 years rescue-tec
Developing from a one-man operation in a local garage to a Europe-wide company has not always been easy, but in 2017 we can proudly look back on 20 successful years. Such a round birthday brings with it that one questions, what will bring the next years? How do we develop further? Where are you travelling to? We have found many answers that are exciting for you too.
We can promise for the future that many new things will happen at rescue-tec.
We'll keep you up to date…
Jörg Hergenhahn
2015
In June 2015 the Interschutz in Hannover (Germany) took place. rescue-tec was there with 11 employees and a 170 m² large stand. It was our 4. Interschutz partition. The fair is as worldwide leading trade fair always a special experience but this year all expectations were exceeded. The Interschutz as worldwide leading trade fair is always a special experience but this year all expectations were exceeded. We had great conversations, got interesting feedback, very good inspirations and answered a lot of questions.
2016
Seminars
Since 2016 we have been offering seminars and training courses on various topics, such as rescuing large animals, machine accidents, door opening or wildfire fighting. Our trainers have a lot of practical experience and are active as trainers in the respective specialist area.
In a separate training building and in a relaxed atmosphere, we offer the participants, optimal conditions for specialist training.
This is by the current state of firefighting knowledge.
A third building
offers completely new possibilities since 2019. A new building with 600 m² on two floors - more space for the warehouse, offices and production. The warehouse and dispatch technology has been optimised and is state-of-the-art.
The rescue-tec Live Store has found its new home in the former storage area. And offers on 200 m² the possibility to touch and try.
2020
2021
Interschutz 2020 becomes Interschutz 2022
Our 5th trade fair participation was postponed by one year due to Covid-19.
We look forward to welcoming you in Hanover. With the world's leading trade fair, we combine great conversations, feedback, innovations and simply a good, exciting time.
We can promise for the future that many new things will happen at rescue-tec.
We'll keep you up to date…
2004
2005
2022
We would all have wished for it differently, but 2022 will also start with Corona and its side effects. It is therefore important to have a high level of stock in accordance with our company philosophy and to act flexibly in purchasing or to coordinate closely with our long-standing suppliers.
After Interschutz had to be postponed twice since 2020, we hope and look forward to Interschutz 2022. It would be very nice if the BOS industry could meet in Hanover in the summer. rescue-tec is prepared and will present you with many real innovations!
A third building
offers completely new possibilities since 2019. A new building with 600 m² on two floors - more space for the warehouse, offices and production. The warehouse and dispatch technology has been optimised and is state-of-the-art.
The rescue-tec Live Store has found its new home in the former storage area. And offers on 200 m² the possibility to touch and try.
