FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Virginia Beach, Va. – The Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation has announced the following squads as 2015 grant recipients:

• Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad- $30,000 toward upgrading three ambulances with newer technology to improve the quality of care provided to patients and safety of its members.
• Ocean Park Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad- $40,000 toward the outfitting of one ambulance with a new power stretcher and Power-LOAD system to greatly improve working conditions for volunteers and add to patient safety during the loading process and in the event of a collision.
• Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad- $6,500 to be used toward the purchase of high visibility rain jackets to better equip and safeguard its members.
• Council of Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. (Rescue Council)- $3,060to 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)- $8,200toward the purchase of drysuits to enhance ability to respond to water emergencies both on and below the water surface.
• Virginia Beach EMS Volunteer Search and Rescue Bike Team (Bike & SAR Team)- $7,453 to be used toward the purchase of new bikes, bags, helmets and generators.

The Foundation’s 2015 grants, totaling $95,213, 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.