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To kick off their visit to Renfrew County the group from Germany toured the Renfrew Paramedic Base and received a briefing on Monday morning. Taking part (from left) were Michael Nolan, Director of Emergency Services and Chief of the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service; Nicholas LeRiche, Deputy Chief Operations; Brittny McBride, Paramedic; John Greene, Paramedic; Stefan Dums, Preceptor, from BRK Kreisverband Cham, Germany; Andreas Bauer, Chief of Education, Bavarian Red Cross Regensburg; Kristina Voith, Advanced Paramedic Student BRK Kreisverband Cham; Mathieu Grenier, Deputy Chief Community Programs; Erin Nighbor, Paramedic and Dave Libby, Deputy Chief Logistics and Planning.
RELEASE DATE:
May 26, 2025
German Paramedics visiting Renfrew County as part of exchange
Paramedics in Renfrew County are sharing their world class innovation with the next generation of Paramedics from Europe.
For the past 10 years the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service and BRK Kreisverband Regensburg, Germany have created a unique partnership and learning environment.
“Throughout this period, numerous ideas and projects have been developed collaboratively, and valuable professional expertise has been shared across borders,” said Melanie Kopp, Press Officer for BRK Kreisverband Regensburg.
One outstanding result of this partnership is a unique exchange program, now in its third year: Each year, the top-performing trainee paramedic from the Vocational School for Paramedics in Regensburg is given the opportunity, accompanied by their preceptor, to join the Paramedic Service in Renfrew County for one week of professional observation and field experience.
"This partnership with Bavarian paramedics marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing emergency medical services and Community Paramedicine. By sharing knowledge and best practices, we are not only strengthening our professional ties but also ensuring that our communities receive the highest standard of care. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, healthier future," said Michael Nolan, Director of Emergency Services and Chief of the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service.
The German Paramedics will be kept extremely busy during their visit to Renfrew County from May 26 to 31. The team will be introduced to County Council on Wednesday and will experience all aspects of the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service including Mesa, Sierra Team, Aerial Response Unit (drone), Community Paramedicine and more.
According to Kopp, Germany’s Paramedic services are currently undergoing significant transformation.
“Newly defined competencies for paramedics are contributing to higher-quality and more efficient prehospital care,” said Kopp. “Particularly in the field of preventive emergency services, innovative approaches are being implemented. Across more and more federal states, pilot initiatives are being launched to improve patient care and optimize health-care coordination in the outpatient sector.”
The Regensburg Red Cross Foundation places great value on enabling international professional exchange. By fully funding the program, the Foundation allows future paramedics to gain direct insight into the Canadian Community Paramedicine model. Through this exchange, the trainee and their preceptor gain first-hand experience in the work of Community Paramedics, engage directly with Canadian colleagues and patients, and explore the practical potential of this progressive healthcare model.
“We are pleased that this exchange is once again taking place this year!” said Kopp. “The participants will return to Germany with new knowledge, international perspectives, and ideas that may inform and enrich our own health-care strategies.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
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