We need you.

The demands on our volunteers have grown over the years and the need for additional members has grown along with it. The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad responds to more than 12,500 calls each year; that means about one-third of the calls run in Virginia Beach are handled by our squad.

We have two types of members: operational and administrative. Operational members, from EMT-B to paramedic, commit to the same training and certifications as professionals, and agree to serve 48 hours a month. Training is offered through the city for free, but members are then expected to run with us for a minimum of two years.

Administrative members commit to serving 12 hours a month in different capacities, including office, facility, fund drive, and special event work.

New members are the lifeblood of our organization.

• Our mentoring program supports and guides new members as they work their way up the ladder of success.
• Members are provided uniforms, jackets and other items.
• Business meetings are the second Monday of most months, and dinner is provided to all members in attendance.
• We contribute to the Volunteer Firefighter & Rescue Squad Workers Service Award Fund [VOLSAP] on behalf of each member of our squad.
• We support the families of members through social functions such as barbecues, children’s parties, and family picnics.

Join us today.

If you are at least 18 years old and interested in joining the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, you can start the process a number of ways:

• Call the EMS Administration office at (757) 385-2911 or 385-1999 for the next orientation session, or click here.
• Go to livesneedsaving.org.
• Contact our Captain of Administration, who is in charge of VBVRS membership.

Under 18?

You can start early by joining Explorer Post 800, the next generation of rescue squad volunteers. Ages 14 to 21 are invited, with ages 12 and 13 welcome with parental supervision. Contact Deborah Joyner at (757) 576-2999 for more information.

Want to be an observer?

If you want to experience what it’s like to be part of our duty crew, you can sign up as an observer. Here’s what you need to know:

Observer Requirements:

• Observers must be at least 18 years old.
• Observers must be neatly attired, have on closed-toed shoes (i.e. no sandals, flip flops, etc.), and wear a collared shirt or blouse and dark or khaki trousers/shorts. Jeans, t-shirts with messages or advertising, ball caps, etc. are prohibited.
• The “Observer Badge” must be worn and clearly visible at all times.
• Except when patient care dictates, the observer cannot ride in the front cab seat.
• The observer cannot render patient care, talk on the radio, drive an EMS vehicle, help lift or move the patient, or participate in any activities, other than observing.
• AICs will instruct observers in safety procedures, including the use of street safety vests.
• AICs will advise observers that any patient information they learn must be kept confidential; no photography of any sort is permitted.
• If necessary, the AIC, Squad Officer or higher EMS Officer may remove the observer from the rescue vehicle and terminate the observation.

Observer Approval Procedures:

• Approval to ride as an observer must be obtained at least 24 hours in advance. Observer approval is granted by the Captain of Administration, the Captain of Operations, or the Chief.
• An Observer Approval and Release Form must be signed. A copy of the observer’s driver’s license or other photo ID must be attached to the release form when submitted for approval.

To schedule an Observer duty, contact the Captain of Administration.