Below is a listing of courses offered by the VAVRS. Select your course of interest for class descriptions and pre-requisites.
To view a list of all scheduled courses and to register click here.
For additional information on training classes scheduled or needed, email (vavrs@vavrs.com) or call the VAVRS State Office at 804-749-8191.
Please note that for all classes sponsored or taught by the VAVRS there is a $100.00 non member fee.
You must be at least 18 years or older to attend all VAVRS classes, unless noted in the class description
EMS - Infection Disease Control Basic
OSHA has determined that EMS providers face a significant health risk as the result of occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. Exposure can be minimized or eliminated using a combination of engineering and work practice controls, personal protective clothing and equipment. This program covers OSHA guidelines which health care providers must follow to assure a safer work environment. The class covers the basic aspects of infectious disease control from bloodborne to airborne.
This course is a prerequisite for the Designated Infection Control Officer course
EMS - Designated Infection Control Officer
The Virginia Office of EMS regulations require that each licenced EMS agency identify an Infection Control Officer. That person must be formally trained for the position and be knowledgeable in the proper post exposure medical procedures and current regulations and laws governing disease transmission. This training program provides that training and includes a review of the major duties of an agenciy's DICO to include the Ryan White CARE Act, OSHA regulations pertaining to EMS and guidelines for compliance. This program has been approved by the VAOEMS as meeting the standard for DICO training.
EVOC - Emergency Vehicle Operator CourseThe Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) is patterned after the State Office of Transportation Safety EVOC guide. The course emphasizes safe driving skills. Additionally, the course gives you (the emergency driver) all the vehicle codes of Virginia which will affect you. This course is designed to help reduce the number of crashes involving emergency vehicles. The course includes classroom and driving range skills.
Upon completion of the VAVRS EVOC course, five points can be added to the driver s record in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This point system for your license is allowed only once every two (2) years. Certification must be renewed every five years.
EVOC - EVOC Trailer Operations
This program was developed to assist in education and hands-on training involving the towing of trailers. This topic includes didactical hours. You must hold current EVOC certification to take this course. A copy of your EVOC certification must accompany your application. Certification must be renewed every five years. (Must be certified and current in EVOC to attend)
EXTRICATION - Vehicle Rescue - Awareness
This course developed by the VAVRS, Office of EMS and Dept. of Fire Programs stresses the skills and latest techniques of vehicle extrication. Emphasis is placed on:
· Orderly and efficient approach to the accident situation
· Safety procedures
· Protective equipment
· Use of tools (hand tools, power tools, hydraulic tools, air bags, etc)
This course contains classroom portions and is appropriate for those wishing basic knowledge of the Vehicle Crash Scene and Safety Systems which could present opportunities to rescuers for injury if precautions are not taken.
*Please note: this program is not normally taught separately from the HTR Vehicle Rescue program as it is an integrated part of that program. However, if a request is made this can be a stand alone four (4) hour classroom presentation.* 16 years and older for classroom portion only.
EXTRICATION - Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Operations
This course developed by the VAVRS, Office of EMS and Dept. of Fire Programs stresses the skills and latest techniques of vehicle extrication. Emphasis is placed on:
· Orderly and efficient approach to the accident situation
· Safety procedures
· Protective equipment
· Use of tools (hand tools, power tools, hydraulic tools, air bags, etc)
This course contains both classroom and practical portions.
EXTRICATION - Advanced Vehicle Rescue
This course will offer classroom and scenario training. This course will deal with: Update on Air bag and stored gas inflator avoidance. Hybrid and electric vehicles and dealing with advanced metals used in new vehicles that hydraulic cutters will not cut. Advanced stabilization, using specialized equipment, dealing with cars under and over other cars, cars over obstructions, cars on embankments, floor removal and tunneling, side removal and dash lifts. This is a hands on course. Certification must be renewed every five years. (Must be certified and current in Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Operations to attend)
EXTRICATION - Farm Machinery Extrication
This course was developed in cooperation with the VAVRS and the Virginia Tech Agricultural Engineering Department. The course stresses safe and proper techniques of handling agricultural accidents.
The course includes information and training on:
· Machinery upsets
· Victims caught within large machinery
· Grain bin entrapments
· Exposure to toxic gases
· Agricultural chemicals and pesticides
The course does include classroom and practical work.
Certification must be renewed every five years. (It is recommended that you hold certification in Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Operations to attend)
EXTRICATION - Farm Machinery Extrication Advanced
This program is offered to those who have completed Farm Machinery Extrication-Basic. The course will cover rescues from confined spaces such as silos, grain bins and various holding pits. Certification must be renewed every five years. (Must be certified and current in Basic Farm Machinery Extrication to attend - Must bring Fit Test Certification and Certification of Training in SCBA operations for confined space rescue element)
EXTRICATION - School Bus Extrication
The School Bus Rescue program was developed by the VAVRS, to give students a well rounded education in the subjects of bus construction, types of buses and stabilization techniques. It will teach students: skills and techniques of bus extrication. Emphasis is placed on:
· Orderly and efficient approach to the accident situation
· Safety procedures
· Protective equipment
· Use of tools utilized in bus environments
· Utilization of resources in the community when School Bus Rescue events occur
· Basic and Advanced Techniques for utilization in Bus Crashes
This course contains both classroom and practical portions.
Certification must be renewed every five years. (Must be certified and current in Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Operations to attend)
INSTRUCTOR - Methods Of Instruction
Required to be an instructor of VAVRS Courses. This two day class provides skilled instruction in basic adult education processes. Students will participate in classroom scenarios as well as requirements for becoming and maintaining instructional certification with the VAVRS.16 years and older for the classroom portion only.
INSTRUCTOR - Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Operations
This Instructor course developed by the VAVRS, Office of EMS and Dept. of Fire Programs stresses the skills and latest techniques to instruct vehicle extrication. Emphasis is placed on:
· Orderly and efficient approach to the accident situation
· Safety procedures
· Protective equipment
· Use of tools (hand tools, power tools, hydraulic tools, air bags, etc)
This course contains both classroom and practical portions. (Must be certified for at least one year and current in Vehicle Rescue Awareness and operations to attend)
LEAD/ADMIN - Auxiliary Organizational and Leadership Skills
An exciting two-day class for Auxiliary and Support Group Members. During our time together we will explore a variety of subjects, including but not limited to Introduction in Situational Awareness in Your Community, Emergency Preparedness, Broadening your Leadership Skills, Parliamentary Law and Round Table discussions. Don’t miss out on this training as you will receive useful information for your organizations.
LEAD/ADMIN - EMS Agency Leadership
This class will give you some ideas on what is important and what absolutely has to be done. You will leave this class with a notebook with phone numbers and contacts and some answers to frequently asked questions. Some pointers on some things that may make your life a little easier and much more successful.
LEAD/ADMIN - Grant Writing
This class provides an introduction to the grant writing process, offer resources, and allows students to apply basic concepts to proposal writing. This class will go through the 12 steps involved in grant writing including identifying the project, researching funding opportunities, developing a proposal and budget, submitting a letter of intent, accepting the grant, evaluating the project, and submitting the final report.
LEAD/ADMIN - Parliamentary Law
This eight-hour class is a student participation class and will cover items that organizations have the most problems with when trying to follow proper parliamentary procedures. Examples: What is a 2/3 vote anyway? What does a majority vote mean on a ballot? What is a unanimous ballot? Can you hold a meeting without a quorum? What problems exist with term limits? This class is open to anyone who is interested in following their organization’s bylaws and wants meetings to be conducted in an orderly fashion. Bring your bylaw questions to class.
Mental Health First Aid for Fire and EMS
Mental Health First Aid for Fire & EMS is an 8-hour course specifically designed for Fire and EMS personnel. This course will help first responders recognize persons who are experiencing a mental health problem, obtain the know-how to effectively communicate with those during a crisis, understand the immediate and outreach resources available to assist those in need, learn the practical means to improve one’s own mental health, and be attentive toward the well-being of fellow crew members. The following disorders will be covered: Acute Anxiety/Depression, PTSD, Psychosis, Substance Use/Overdose, and Suicidal Behaviors. A very practical information and resource manual will be provided for each participant to keep. Upon completion of the class, participants will be awarded a 3-year certification as a Mental Health First-Aider (MHFA USA).
TECHNICAL RESCUE - Basic Light Duty Rescue Awareness Low Angle Operations
This course is the first step for those wishing to learn rope rescue techniques. This course is designed to teach basic rescue skills and techniques, proper use of ladders, ropes, etc., and the correct way to rescue persons from heights above or below ground.
TECHNICAL RESCUE - Vertical Rescue - High Angle Operations Level
This class is the second step after Basic & Light Duty Rescue for those wishing to learn additional rope rescue techniques. This course offers both classroom and practical aspects of vertical rescue techniques. It offers application of rescue techniques from various levels both above and below ground.
Emphasis is placed on:
· Rappelling
· Ascending
· Rappel Rescue
· Lowering Systems
· Hauling Systems
· Stretcher rigging
· All safety procedures
The course is very intense in its classroom and practical training. The practical portion is also very physically demanding. (Must be certified and current in Basic and Light Duty Rescue Awareness - Low Angle Operations to attend)
TECHNICAL RESCUE - Advanced Vertical Rescue - Technician Level
This is the third step after Vertical Rescue for those wishing to learn Advanced Vertical Rescue techniques. This course will include hauling and lowering systems, for high angle rescues.
This course is very intense in its classroom and practical training. The practical portion is also very physically demanding. (Must be certified and current in Vertical Rescue - High Angle Operations to attend)
TECHNICAL RESCUE - Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness
This course teaches First Responders to identify hazardous materials found in facilities and during transportation. After the completion of the course students should be able to:
- Demonstrate the identification of the 9 Classes of Hazardous Materials
- Demonstrate how to use the current edition of the Emergency Response Guide Book
- Demonstrate how to identify a Hazardous Material in a fixed facility
- Demonstrate the 6-step process to deny entry to a Hazardous Material incident
TECHNICAL RESCUE - Special Events and Off-Road Operations (SEOR-Ops)
This is a 8-hour best practices course that includes both classroom and practical exercises. Topics include safety, Virginia laws, preparing to ride, basic and advanced skills, and hands-on practical evolutions. Students must provide PPE including DOT or SNELL helmet, gloves, boots, and safety glasses. 16 years and older.
TECHNICAL RESCUE - Introduction To Swift Water Rescue
This course is designed to introduce personnel to the dangers and hazards associated with swift water rescues. Lectures and practical sessions demonstrate hazards involved and introduce the student to the gear and logistics associated with water rescue work. This course is a prerequisite to Swift Water Rescue. 16 years and older for classroom portion only.
TECHNICAL RESCUE - Swift Water Rescue
This course is designed to introduce rescue personnel to water-related emergencies through both classroom and practical application. Hands-on practice will be stressed with emphasis being placed on safety, strategy, equipment usage, resources for performing swift water rescue, and medical considerations. Prerequisite(s): VAVRS Introduction to Swift Water Rescue Basic within the past year. Students must be in good physical condition. There is a swim pre-test that you must pass to continue on in the class. The test consists of:
- Swim at least 250 yards using any stroke in clothes and footwear with Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- Tread water for five minutes in bathing suit without PFD
- Perform a good dive (8-10 feet) to recover a five-pound weight
TIMS - Traffic Incident Management
NO Regstration Fee for Anyone NON-Members may have to call VAVRS Office
A new coordinated, multi-disciplinary training program developed through the Second Strategic Highway
Research Program (SHRP 2) available for all emergency responders and those supporting Traffic Incident Management operations. This training puts police, firefighters, state and local departments of transportation, towing, medical personnel, and other incident responders on the same page, leading to a safer, faster, integrated responder team.
Save Lives: Faster incident response and clearance times result in fewer secondary crashes.
Training results in less exposure of responder team to moving traffic during recovery.
Save Money: Less congestion leads to fewer freight and traveler delays in backups.
Fewer secondary crashes save on insurance claims.
Faster cleanups lead to cost savings for incident personnel.
Save Time: Smarter response techniques cut congestion clearance time- decreasing delays.
YOUTH - Rescue Camp for Youth
A fun-filled exciting program for children ages 8 to 12, covering basic EMS skills and rescue work. The students will participate in hands-on training, learning teamwork, and safety. Students will be exposed to several of the rescue classes being taught at the Rescue College.
YOUTH - Rescue Explorers
A class for young adults 13 to 15 years of age interested in learning about EMS. The program will cover basic skills and other rescue work. The students will participate in hands-on training sessions. Students will be exposed to several of the rescue classes being taught at Rescue College.