Welcome to My Website

Michael Unterhalt

I am dedicated to providing forward-thinking, customized solutions to address public safety challenges at any scale. Whether you seek local improvements or nationwide overhauls, my consultancy offers a wide range of solutions designed to deliver impactful results for you. I provide expert guidance to help you kickstart your safety initiatives and ensure long-term success.

If you’re ready to embrace fresh, progressive ideas, you’re in the right place. My approach combines innovative thinking with practical expertise to create tailored solutions that meet your unique needs and will enable effective handling of your safety needs.

I am a seasoned fire officer with over two decades of experience in fire and rescue services, ambulance services, and civil service. Throughout my career, I have not only dedicated myself to the fire brigades I’ve served, but I’ve also initiated and actively participated in various national and European working groups across multiple fields and levels. These experiences have provided me with invaluable insights into fire and rescue operations in different countries, enabling me to learn from their best practices and continuously enhance my own expertise.

Guided by my extensive experience and forward-thinking vision, I approach each project with a steadfast commitment to excellence. I am able to deliver tailored, impactful solutions that go beyond traditional methods, addressing the specific needs of each situation.

My Collaborative Network for Comprehensive Solutions

My active involvement in diverse working groups builds up an ever growing international network of experts. This network, comprised of specialists from various fields, can support me when needed in tackling complex safety challenges which are not my core competence with deep background knowledge and innovative strategies.

CV

  • January 2024 start of Holistic Safety
  • since 2024 Member of the IOSI global
  • since 2013 working as a consultant
  • Advising Australian MPs in the German Bundestag on the subject of fire departments / environmental protection
  • Various projects, e.g. for the professional association of firefighters (now the German Fire Brigades Union) and the European Fire Fighters Union Alliance (EFFUA) as a board member or member of the executive board
One of my appointments in the EU Parliament as a representative of the EFFUA Board and in cooperation with Fire Safe Europe (see video from 2:08)
2013 Speech at the official residence of the President, the Vice-President and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria

1993 to 2013 at three different fire departments, as fire officer, incident commander, department manager for fire prevention and firefighting equipment

  • Working with the DIN on German and European fire service standardization
  • 2006 Timco Al Ain, UAE Development of a new emergency fire engine
  • Participation in many ancillary training courses in various areas of fire protection and safety
  • Speeches at various conferences
  • Initiation and support of various European projects and participation in many German and European working groups
  • Practices and/or training at fire departments in the USA, Netherlands, Great Britain, Finland and Sweden
  • Studied fire protection engineering at Maryland University and firefighters training at the fire and rescue institute Maryland
  • Part-time job as chiefs aid fire department Washington D.C.
  • member of three different volunteer fire departments
  • member of the youth fire brigade

Education

  • Training as a civil servant in the higher fire service
  • Diploma thesis at Rosenbauer, Linz, Austria: New development of a crew cab for fire fighting vehicles as the basis for the new superstructure technology series (AT)
  • Study abroad: Howard University Washington D.C. USA (Scholarship from the Department of Science and Research) Mechanical Engineering, English, Psychology, Sport, Music / Maryland University USA fire protection engineering, Sport
  • University of Applied Sciences,Paderborn/Soest, Department Mechanical engineering studies, specializing in design and automotive engineering
  • Technical college for technology
  • Automotive mechanic – journeyman’s certificate with distinction