FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Virginia Beach, Va. – The Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation has announced the following squads as 2014 grant recipients:

• Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad- $15,000 to be used toward purchasing a medical transport cart to enhance and improve patient care along with providing a safer working environment for its crew.
• Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad- $13,114 to be used toward the purchase of one LUCAS CPR machine to improve care for patients in cardiac arrest and increase safety for providers.
• Ocean Park Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad- $10,730 to be used to purchase a pediatric transport restraint system, replacement backboards and other supplies.
• Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad-  $10,000 to be used toward the purchase of state required equipment to stock its anticipated new ambulance in 2014.
• Council of Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. (Rescue Council)-  $2,862 to be used toward the purchase of portable carbon monoxide monitors for the jump bags on each ambulance in the City.
• Virginia Beach Volunteer Water Rescue Team, Inc. (Marine Rescue)- $12,120 to be used toward the purchase of 35 Hi-Visibility First Responder Rain Parkas & 35 Hi-Visibility bib style Rain Pants.
• Virginia Beach EMS Volunteer Search and Rescue Bike Team (Bike & SAR Team)-  $8,258 to be used toward the purchase of two specialized Rock Hopper Mountain Bikes; two sets of Rescue Bag Panniers; 14 Alerte Trailblazer IV Police Bike Light System & Siren and 50 SAR Team patches.

The Foundation’s 2014 grants, totaling $72,084, will allow these squads to improve their overall operational capabilities. Grants are made annually to eligible volunteer rescue squad entities to sponsor training, equipment and community outreach related to pre-hospital emergency care.

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The Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation

The Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc., as well as the entire volunteer emergency medical system in Virginia’s largest city. It is our vision to advocate for an independent and vital volunteer Virginia Beach rescue system, which provides free pre-hospital emergency care to the citizens and visitors of Virginia Beach. Foundation initiatives include recruitment, retention, advocacy and education efforts, among others. For more information, visit www.vbrescuefoundation.org.