The VAVRS is thrilled to offer the EMS German Exchange Program

Please take a moment to read the letter and complete the application. We look forward to bringing this program back to life and hope you will join us by taking advantage of this unique opportunity.

2024 German EMS Exchange Participants

Marvin Abel

Katharina Weber

Luisa Hornschuh

Falk Schramm

Our visitors from Germany spent from November 2nd until November 24th in many areas of Virginia including Virginia Beach, Richmond, Blacksburg, Bristol, Culpeper, and Fredericksburg.

The VAVARS EMS Exchange Program started in 1995 and offers a unique opportunity for EMTs and Paramedics to observe EMS and public safety systems abroad. Exchange students traditionally tour hospitals; police, fire, and rescue stations; and sites of historic significance. Time is also spent working alongside our German colleagues in ambulances and attending briefings with department managers. The exchange typically lasts for 17 days, however one to two days may be added or removed for scheduling purposes. Though in the name, you are NOT required to be a paramedic to apply. Plenty of EMTs have made the trip in years past. Possessing an ALS certification or other advanced medical training does add merit to you application, however. VAVRS is partnered with the City of Kassel branch of the German Red Cross (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz or ORK). Kassel is a city of 192,000 located 2 hours north of Frankfurt, in the west/central state of Hessen. Students typically spend the majority of their time within Kassel and the surrounding villages, though ventures to further cities are occasionally scheduled. In the city of Kassel and surrounding county, emergency medical services, or Rettungsdienst "Rescue Service" is provided by three different agencies. The ORK operates the majority of stations and ambulances, followed by Arbeiter­Samariter­Bund (private organization), and the Feuerwehr Kassel "City of Kassel Fire Defense" (Fire Department).

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