This page serves as a centralized listing of upcoming EMS conferences, expos, seminars, conventions, and statewide training programs available to Virginia’s EMS providers, educators, and system leaders. Events are submitted by EMS agencies and partner organizations throughout the Commonwealth and reviewed by OEMS staff.
Listing an event does not constitute endorsement by the Virginia Office of EMS.For in-person offerings, the hosting EMS Region is identified to help participants plan for travel and logistics. If you are unsure of the EMS Regions or their geographic boundaries, please refer to the information provided below.
Training Opportunities Across Virginia
3rd Annual Inova Northern Virginia EMS Symposium, 2026
March 18-19, 2026
Inova Center for Personalized Health Conference Center
8100 Innovation Park Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
3rd Annual Inova EMS Symposium Flyer
Region 4
2026 Tidewater Healthcare Education Expo
May 12-17, 2026 https://www.tidewaterems.org/expo
Norfolk, VA
Region 7
51st Annual VAFR Symposium (formerly known as VAVRS Rescue College)
June 6-15, 2026 (Registration opens March 1, 2026) https://www.vavrs.com/site_page.cfm?pk_association_webpage_menu=10100&pk_association_webpage=22468
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Region 2
2026 Wintergreen EMS Summit Peaks of Preparedness
2026 dates TBD, https://emssummit.org/
Wintergreen Resort, Nellysford, VA
Region 5
EMS PECC Workshop Training
Ever wonder what a Prehospital PECC is, or even what they do? The PECC is a person within an EMS agency that supports and champions the preparedness, training and safe delivery of pediatric care to the community. This workshop will present information on and how to build a solid pediatric program within your EMS agency.
This program is offered n collaboration with the Virginia OEMS EMS for Children (EMSC) Program
2026 Course Offerings:
April 15, 2026 8a-12p Grundy, VA Prater Fire and Rescue 1028 Killderr Ln. Grundy, VA 24614
Region 1
April 22, 2026 8a-12p Verona, VA Augusta County Fire and Rescue Training Center 115 Dick Huff Lane, Verona, VA 24482
Region 3
Program Overview
The CISM and Peer Support Programs category includes training focused on behavioral health awareness, peer-based support, and critical incident stress management for EMS and public safety professionals. These courses are designed to support individual resilience, team wellness, and organizational readiness before, during, and after high-stress or traumatic events.
Offerings within this category may support peer team development, leadership roles, system-level response, and individual coping strategies.
Special Events & Guest Speakers
Travis Howze – Post-Traumatic Purpose: Leadership & Mental Health Resiliency
In-Person Special Event | March 7, 2026
Short description-
This in-person special event features guest speaker Travis Howze and focuses on leadership, mental health resiliency, and post-traumatic growth within the first responder community. This session is presented as a one-time event and is not part of the standard CISM or Peer Support course offerings.
Event details
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Presenter: Travis Howze Date: March 7 Format: In-Person
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Location: Highland Springs High School, Highland Springs, VA
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Audience: EMS providers, peer support members, supervisors, and leaders, and first responder family members
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Registration: See event flyer / registration link
Mental Health Resiliency Officer
Courses in this category prepare designated personnel to serve in a leadership or coordinator role focused on mental health resilience within an EMS or public safety organization. Training may include program development, resource coordination, referral pathways, confidentiality considerations, and integration of peer support and CISM services into agency operations.
Offerings:
CISM & Peer Support Team Training
This category includes formal Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training aligned with recognized CISM models and best practices. Courses may cover individual and group crisis intervention strategies, team roles and functions, activation processes, and ethical considerations when supporting responders following critical incidents.
Peer-to-Peer (Individual)
Peer-to-Peer (Individual) courses focus on one-on-one support skills for trained peers. Topics may include active listening, recognizing signs of stress or distress, appropriate referral, boundaries, confidentiality, and supporting colleagues during both acute and cumulative stress situations.
Offerings:
Group Training
Group Training courses address peer and CISM interventions delivered in group settings. These offerings may include training in defusings, debriefings, group discussions, and other structured group support formats, with emphasis on facilitation skills, participant safety, and coordination with leadership and clinical resources.
Offerings:
Suicide Prevention and Postvention
Courses in this category focus on suicide awareness, prevention, and postvention specific to EMS and public safety populations. Training may include risk factors, warning signs, intervention strategies, post-incident support, and organizational response following a suicide or suicide attempt within the workforce.
Offerings:
Psychological / Mental Health First Aid
Psychological and Mental Health First Aid courses provide foundational skills for recognizing and responding to signs of emotional distress. These offerings emphasize early intervention, supportive communication, and connecting individuals with appropriate resources while maintaining role boundaries and personal safety.
Offerings:
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) courses provide live, interactive EMS education delivered in an online classroom environment. These courses are facilitated by qualified instructors and allow participants to engage in real-time discussion, ask questions, and participate in learning activities without the need for in-person attendance.
VILT offerings are designed to support continuing education, professional development, and leadership training while maintaining instructional quality, interaction, and accountability.
Why VILT
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Live instruction with real-time interaction
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Accessible statewide without travel
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Supports a variety of EMS education and leadership topics
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Ideal for agencies and providers seeking flexible learning options
VILT Course Offerings can be found at the link below
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/education-certification/provider-resources/virtual-instructor-led-training/vilt-course-offerings/
Various Hosts, Date, and Time Offerings
This page highlights upcoming EMS conferences, expos, seminars, conventions, and statewide training programs available to Virginia’s EMS providers, educators, and leaders. Events listed here are submitted by agencies and organizations across the Commonwealth and reviewed by OEMS staff.