EMS Exchange Program
VAFR EMS Exchange Program – Kassel, Germany
A one-of-a-kind opportunity for Virginia EMTs and paramedics to build international friendships, experience another EMS system firsthand, and represent the Virginia Association of First Responders abroad.
2026
German EMS delegation visits Virginia
2027
VAFR members travel to Kassel, Germany
30+ Years
International EMS exchange and friendship
Mission
Learn, collaborate, and represent Virginia abroad
About the Program
More than a trip — a long-standing professional and cultural exchange
The VAFR EMS Exchange Program is one of the organization’s most unique and meaningful opportunities. Established in 1995, the program connects Virginia first responders with our partners in Kassel, Germany, creating a lasting tradition of education, collaboration, and friendship.
What Makes It Special
Participants do not simply visit another country — they experience a different emergency medical services model, tour public safety agencies, learn how care is delivered abroad, and build relationships that often last a lifetime.
- Ride along with German EMS crews
- Tour hospitals, fire stations, and rescue agencies
- Explore public safety operations in Kassel and surrounding areas
- Compare EMS training, operations, and patient care
- Experience the culture, history, and traditions of Germany
Our International Partner
VAFR partners with the German Red Cross in Kassel, Germany. The partnership brings together EMS professionals from two countries to share ideas, compare systems, experience different approaches to emergency care, and build lasting professional relationships.
Kassel, Germany
Home of VAFR’s international exchange partner
German Red Cross
Long-standing VAFR exchange partner
Rettungsdienst
Immersive exposure to the German EMS system
Professional Exchange
Learning alongside international EMS colleagues
Exchange History
More than three decades of international friendship
The exchange gives EMS professionals from both Virginia and Germany the opportunity to host, teach, learn, and experience each other’s emergency response systems.
1995
Program Established
The EMS Exchange Program begins, launching an international partnership centered on EMS education, public safety collaboration, cultural exchange, and friendship.
1996
Virginia Delegation Travels to Germany
Virginia EMS providers travel to Kassel, establishing the tradition of Virginia responders experiencing the German EMS system firsthand.
2024
German Delegation Visits Virginia
German participants visit communities and EMS agencies across the Commonwealth.
2026
30 Years of Exchange
German EMS professionals return to Virginia as VAFR celebrates more than three decades of international partnership.
2027
VAFR Returns to Kassel
The next VAFR delegation is expected to travel to Germany to continue the exchange.
Exchange in the News
Follow the 2026 German delegation’s journey through Virginia and learn more about the people, agencies, training, and friendships behind the VAFR EMS Exchange Program.
VAFR Commemorates 30th Anniversary of First EMS Exchange Delegation to Germany
A look at the history of the partnership between Virginia first responders and the German Red Cross and the friendships created through the exchange.
German Medics Come to Virginia in EMS Exchange Program
Learn more about the visiting German EMS professionals and their experience training, learning, and connecting with Virginia first responders.
German Red Cross Paramedics Learn Through Exchange Program
Local coverage of German Red Cross paramedics visiting and learning alongside Virginia emergency responders.
German Paramedics Train with Richmond First Responders
See how German paramedics spent time training alongside Richmond-area first responders during their 2026 visit.
Exchange Photos
A look back at the people, training, agencies, and experiences that made the 2026 German EMS delegation’s visit to Virginia memorable.
EMS Exchange Photo Archives
Explore additional photos from recent VAFR EMS Exchange visits, training, activities, and events.
What Participants Experience
An unforgettable professional and cultural opportunity
Exchange participants typically spend about 17 days immersed in the host country’s EMS and public safety environment. Time is spent observing field operations, meeting agency leaders, touring facilities, sharing ideas with EMS professionals, and experiencing the culture that shapes the local emergency response system.
Whether hosting our German colleagues in Virginia or sending a Virginia delegation to Kassel, the program helps participants see their own work through a broader lens and return home with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and meaningful international connections.
“The VAFR EMS Exchange Program offers something most providers will never have the opportunity to experience.
The chance to represent Virginia abroad while learning firsthand how EMS works in another part of the world.”
VAFR EMS Exchange Program
Looking Ahead to Germany 2027
Interested in representing VAFR in Kassel?
The next VAFR delegation is expected to travel to Kassel, Germany in 2027. Application details, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and additional information will be announced when the next selection cycle opens.