Welcome to VAVRS
The VAVRS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with an extensive history of assisting and advocating for EMS agencies in Virginia since 1935. Today we represent over 346 agencies with approximately 22,000 members. We are dedicated to meeting the ever-changing demands of emergency medical responders from all backgrounds and experiences. We provide high quality training and a collaborative environment for all emergency medical responders.
Brian Bilheimer, VAVRS Training Coordinator
1974-2025
Click Here to View a You Tube Video of "Brian Memories"
Brian you are greatly missed!
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VAVRS Important Dates 2025
(click to download)
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/
*Administrat
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The VAVRS cultivates connections and partnerships between Virginia's emergency medical responders. The VAVRS has several different types of membership including Agency Membership, Supporting Organization Membership and Individual Membership.
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VAVRS Pledge to our Membership
The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads is THE voice of EMS. We advocate for Virginia’s EMS agencies and providers.
We link members and agencies for the purpose of sharing ideas, giving you a voice at the General Assembly, state advisory boards and on state and local committees.
When our members have training needs, they come to the VAVRS.
When our members need assistance from leadership to budgets they come to the VAVRS.
We help rescue squads throughout the Commonwealth thrive and succeed so they can provide prompt, effective patient care 24/7 in the communities they serve.
Mission Statement
"The VAVRS shall promote and assist member rescue squads in improving pre-hospital care in Virginia."
Pre-hospital care shall mean providing rescue functions and rendering of emergency care for patients outside the hospital.
The VAVRS shall help its members improve pre-hospital care by:
- Providing training to it members.
- Improving communications and liaisons between agencies.
- Promoting legislation beneficial to pre-hospital providers.
- Providing management and assistance services.
- Promoting and recognizing pre-hospital providers.
Upcoming Events
To view a list of the upcoming scheduled training courses - go to Training > Registration
Strategic Plan:
To see the Strategic Plan for VAVRS please click on the plan below:
2024-2026 VAVRS Strategic Plan
Events:
2026 Spring BOG Meeting
TBD
2026 Rescue College
June 12-21, 2026
Blacksburg, VA
2026 VAVRS Camporee
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort
Natural Bridge, VA
2025 VAVRS Convention
October 2-5, 2025
Harrisonburg, VA
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If you shop at Amazon they will contribute 0.5% back to the VAVRS. Just click the image below to get started:
Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.
2535 Turkey Creek Road
Oilville, VA 23129
P: (804) 749-8191
P: (800) 833-0602
F: (804) 749-8910
Email: vavrs@vavrs.com
VAVRS State Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm.
