Fireca, the International Rescue, Assistance and Emergencies Fair, finally held its third edition. All REAC member groups attended a key event for roadside assistance.
“Despite adversity, we carry on!”. These are the words sent to us by Txus Assistència, one of the more than 70 members of the Roadside Assistance Companies Network (REAC), which in this case operates in Les Franqueses del Vallés (Barcelona). The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us all that adversity can last a long time… but that nothing lasts forever. And so, at last, the Seville Exhibition and Conference Centre (Fibes) once again opened its doors to companies in the rescue and emergencies sector, gathered around Fireca on 13, 14 and 15 October.
As a member of the Fireca Organising Committee, REAC plays an important role in this trade fair. This time, the event had 25 direct exhibitors: bodywork companies, insurers, specialists in logistics systems, professional and emergency clothing (high visibility, PPE), roadside assistance vehicles, equipment, digital solutions... and much more besides.
Expectations were high, and with good reason: “We’re back more eager than ever!”, say Grúas Marratxí, in Palma. And they stress their enthusiasm given the health situation experienced and the hard times endured on a personal and professional level. “We have discovered that we are carrying on with even more strength, if anything, and with the same enthusiasm as ever,” they told REAC.
The REAC family is back: General Assembly
The team at Carrés Assistència is very clear about what Fireca means for the sector, since “it has become the benchmark meeting point for clients, suppliers and colleagues in the roadside assistance sector. The experience has been very rewarding and productive”.
In this respect, the REAC General Assembly held during the trade fair at Fibes is crucial. “We were able to share knowledge and ideas, launch new projects and benefit from the synergies the group offers us,” says this veteran company from Vallès Occidental.
Grúas San Antonio, in Sant Antoni de Portmany, in the west of Ibiza, emphasise REAC’s strength and presence. “As was to be expected, REAC once again rose to the occasion,” they say. They expressed their gratitude for the work of the Network, which allows “this sector to be increasingly recognised and valued”. “Thank you for being our voice, our support and our judges. Very important tasks carried out by each of the members who make up REAC,” they stated.
Visitor numbers were much higher than expected, and very interesting activities took place as part of the 3rd International Forum on Road Accident Response, which included the participation of members of the DGT, Police, Guardia Civil, Civil Protection, 061, Samur and emergency services in general.
Awards and recognitions
As in previous editions, the 2021 edition was the setting for recognitions of roadside assistance companies. Some REAC member companies have obtained AENOR certification (a certification we talked about at the end of 2020 here).
In this respect, Fireca was taken as an opportunity to reward people who, through their commitment and excellence in their day-to-day work, help to improve safety in the sector:
- Lourdes García Ruiz-Bravo (administrator at Fermoauto)
- Lorena Santos Aranda (administrator at Grúas Ávila)
- Lidia Sánchez Sánchez (administrator at Grúas M. Sánchez Ramos)
- Cristina Campos Rodríguez (administrator at Grúas Castelldefels)
In addition, Beatriz Rodríguez Alba -manager of Grúas Ávila- was recognised for her contribution, commitment and involvement in improving the Road Safety of roadside assistance operators, while Diego Nicolás Gil -manager of Grúas La Variante- received the distinction for his work on innovation and the development of new devices to strengthen Road Safety for all road users.
Sonia Luque Cruz, from REAC’s founding team, also received an award for her constant work in creating the Roadside Assistance Companies Network, where she has worked from day one.