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 Operations. County of Renfrew photo
Paramedics in Renfrew County are proudly sharing their world-class innovations with the next generation of European paramedics. Recently, the county is welcomed top trainee paramedics from Germany as part of a growing international exchange program.
For the past 10 years, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service has partnered with BRK Kreisverband Regensburg, a paramedic organization in Germany. Together, they’ve built a strong relationship based on learning and sharing emergency medical best practices.
“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.
Now in its third year, the exchange program offers the top student from Regensburg’s Vocational School for Paramedics a chance to spend a week in Renfrew County. The student, along with their mentor, observes Canadian paramedics in action and experiences how local teams deliver care in both emergency and community settings.
Michael Nolan, Director of Emergency Services and Chief of Renfrew County Paramedic Service, called the partnership a major step forward.
“This partnership with Bavarian paramedics marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing emergency medical services and Community Paramedicine,” said Nolan. “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.”
During their stay from May 26 to 31, the German paramedics took part in a variety of activities. These included introductions to County Council, tours of the Sierra Team, the Aerial Response Unit (which uses drones), and Renfrew’s innovative Community Paramedicine program.
Germany is currently updating its paramedic system, with a strong focus on preventive care and better coordination in the healthcare system.
“Newly defined competencies for paramedics are contributing to higher-quality and more efficient prehospital care,” said Kopp. “Pilot programs across Germany are exploring new ways to improve patient outcomes.”
The exchange program is fully funded by the Regensburg Red Cross Foundation, which supports professional learning through international experience. The visiting paramedics gain direct insight into the Canadian approach to healthcare, particularly its focus on community-based care.
“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 healthcare strategies.”
As Renfrew County continues to lead in emergency medical innovation, this partnership ensures that global collaboration remains a key part of their success—and the future of paramedicine on both sides of the Atlantic.
(Written by: Emma Butler)