 The training of a "Rettungssanitäter" is within a 520-hour program, including 160 hours theoretical classroom education, 160 hours hospital training and 160 hour ride-along in EMS, followed by a 40-hour final course with a state exam or an exam at a school accepted by the state.A "Rettungssanitäter" with this exam is allowed to work nationwide.The "Rettungshelfer" basically is a person on the way to the full trained "Rettungssanitäter".