10 volunteer rescue squads, one mission - providing the highest quality of emergency medical service. We are recruiting new volunteers today.
Training and experience are free in exchange for your service to our community. Be part of a great team and a leader in our profession. Call 757-385-1999 to JOIN!
Operating as usual
Congratulations to Paramedic Kevin Gurecki, who was released yesterday as an acting field supervisor!
Gurecki is a 12-year veteran of VB Rescue, previously volunteering with the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad before joining the department in 2018 as a career paramedic.
Also pictured are Gurecki's supervisors — Brigade Chief Rick Baker and Captain Kyle Padgett.
Great work, Kevin! We're excited for this next step in your career!
Start off the new year by giving back to those in need!
VB Rescue - EMS is proud to partner with The Blood Connection and the Tidewater EMS Council to host a Blood Drive benefitting the Whole Blood Initiative!
Join us in donating on January 11, 2023! Donations can be made between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and you can make your appointment using this link: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/200423
Each unit donated will directly benefit the Whole Blood Initiative — a program allowing VB Rescue to directly administer whole blood treatments to patients in the field.
We hope to see you there!
Congratulations to Wendi Ambrose on her recent release as an EMT-Intermediate!
Great work, Wendi! We're thrilled to have you on our team!
From Interim Chief Nedelka:
I am saddened to announce that the department lost a long-time dedicated volunteer.
Richard Hudson, passed away yesterday, December 21st and our deepest condolences go out to his wife, immediate family and his VBEMS family too. Richard joined VBEMS on 12/20/1989 and through his 33 years of service, he provided leadership in many roles.
As a leader and mentor, he was a past Squad Commander/Captain with Creeds Volunteer Rescue Squad, and was one of the original EMS-5 Field Supervisors. While active with the department, he was also a member of Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, and Princess Anne Court House Volunteer Rescue Squad, plus the EMS Bike Team and the former Squad Truck Team and most recently, the Marine Rescue Team.
Richard was a friend to many and he will be missed. Please keep his wife and family in your thoughts at this most difficult time. No information regarding services is currently available. Metal uniform badges are to be draped until after Richard’s funeral.
Virginia Beach EMS Marine Rescue Team Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad Creeds Volunteer Rescue Squad
VB Rescue - EMS is proud to partner with The Blood Connection and the Tidewater EMS Council to host a Blood Drive benefitting the Whole Blood Initiative!
Join us in donating on January 11, 2023! Donations can be made between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and you can make your appointment using this link: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/200423
Each unit donated will directly benefit the Whole Blood Initiative — a program allowing VB Rescue to directly administer whole blood treatments to patients in the field.
We hope to see you there!
Even when off duty, our compassionate providers love to help the community! Thank you A/B shift for providing some Christmas joy and being Santa's helpers.
Congrats to Matthew Armey, Jonathan Jarbo and Brian Roland on their appointments to Acting Captain!
Acting Captain Armey started with VB Rescue in 2000 as a member of the Davis Corner Volunteer Rescue Squad. There, he served in various leadership positions, including Supply Officer, Training Officer, Assistant Squad Commander and Captain. Acting Captain Armey left VB Rescue in 2005 before returning in 2012. He earned his Paramedic certification in 2014 and was hired as a full-time paramedic in 2017 by VB Rescue – EMS. Acting Captain Armey has graduated from the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO) course and was named an acting field supervisor in March 2022.
Acting Captain Jarbo joined VB Rescue as a member of the Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad in 2009. He later transferred to the Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad in 2015 and volunteered there until joining the Department of EMS in 2017 as a Paramedic. As a career Paramedic, Acting Captain Jarbo has served on multiple department workgroups related to TEMS protocols, technology and the Slate software program. Jarbo was released as an Acting Field Supervisor in Jan. 2021. Jarbo has also served with Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and EMS, Norfolk Fire-Rescue and previously volunteered with the Town of Smithfield Fire Department.
Acting Captain Roland joined VB Rescue in 2008 as a member of the Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad and later served with the Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad. He earned his Advanced EMT certification and quickly pursued his Paramedic certification, which he earned in 2011. Acting Captain Roland formerly served with Sentara Healthcare’s ambulance company to perform critical care interfacility transport. He was hired by VB Rescue – EMS in 2015 and is currently a Senior Paramedic and an acting field supervisor. Acting Captain Roland is a Department of EMS Medal of Honor recipient and has completed Incident Safety Officer and EMS Quality Management courses from the National Fire Academy.
Congratulations to David Baust, Randy Rudder and Will Shackelford on their recent appointment as Acting Brigade Chiefs!
Acting Brigade Chief Baust joined VB Rescue in 1985 as a member of the Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad. He attended Old Dominion University and served with Medical Transport for 10 years as the leader of the Cardiac Transport Team. Acting Chief Baust later transferred to the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, of which he attained Life Member status. Before joining VB Rescue – EMS in 2004 as a Paramedic, Acting Chief Baust worked as a firefighter/paramedic for Norfolk Fire-Rescue. He was elevated to Captain in 2006 and has served in operations and training. Acting Chief Baust has also served as a flight medic, worked on Virginia Beach’s Incident Management Team (IMT) and helped start the VB Rescue – EMS Sandbridge Lifeguard program.
Acting Brigade Chief Rudder began volunteering in EMS in 2003. He served with several volunteer rescue squads and held numerous leadership positions, including Lieutenant of Training, Logistics and Communications and squad Captain. Chief Rudder worked for multiple interfacility companies and career rescue squads before joining the University of Virginia Health System as a Paramedic. There, he handled emergency calls for service, critical care and interfacility transports. Acting Chief Rudder joined VB Rescue – EMS as a Paramedic in 2019 and was elevated to Captain in 2021.
Acting Brigade Chief Shackelford has been a member of VB Rescue for 11 years in both volunteer and career roles. He has served in operational and administrative positions and most recently as the department’s Continuous Quality Management officer. In that role, he has represented VB Rescue on a multitude of inter-agency committees across the region and at our partnering hospitals. He was instrumental in the establishment of the regional Whole Blood Initiative that led to VB Rescue - EMS being the first regional ground-transport EMS agency to carry and administer whole blood to patients with life-threatening hemorrhage.
The City of Virginia Beach is now hiring for the next VB Rescue - EMS Chief!
Applications are now being accepted and will be until the position is filled. To learn more and start your application, please visit https://www.govhrusa.com/job/virginia-beach-va-ems-chief/.
Virginia Beach City Government
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to donating blood, specifically if potential donors are eligible to donate or not.
Our friends at The Blood Connection have answered some of the most common questions related to blood donor eligibility 😎
If you're eligible, join us in donating on Jan. 11! Each donation directly benefits the Whole Blood Initiative, which aims to further assist trauma patients in the field!
Click here to make your appointment today: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/200423
Another cadre of volunteers have been released into the field as trained, certified EMTs!
Congratulations everyone! We're happy to have you on our VB Rescue team.
VB Rescue – EMS Interim Chief Bruce Nedelka has announced that both John Bianco and Brett Johnson have been named Acting Deputy Chief, while Christi Budy and Rob Gramkowski have both been named Acting Division Chief.
Acting Deputy Chief Bianco joined VB Rescue in 1985 as a volunteer with the Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad. He later moved to the Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1990 and after establishing an EMS career in Pennsylvania, Bianco returned to VB Rescue – EMS in 2004. He was later hired as Division Chief in 2005. As Division Chief, Bianco has led the Operations, Administrative and Training divisions at various points. Chief Bianco has led multiple initiatives as Division Chief, including the mass COVID-19 vaccination center at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, volunteer and career recruitment and retention and community paramedicine. Acting Deputy Chief Bianco will lead the Support Services branch.
Acting Deputy Chief Johnson is a Virginia Beach native and began serving with Virginia Beach EMS in 2006 as a volunteer with Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. While attending Virginia Tech, Chief Johnson continued volunteering her time with Rescue 14 and served in various leadership positions within the squad. Upon graduation in 2010 with a bachelor's degree, Chief Johnson continued her studies and became a certified Paramedic and earned an associate degree in EMS. In March of 2013, Chief Johnson was hired as a career Paramedic with VB Rescue – EMS and was promoted to Captain in March 2017. During her time as a Captain, she served in the Operations Division and oversaw numerous programs and special events. Chief Johnson was promoted to Brigade Chief in June 2020 where she supervised C-Shift and D-Shift career personnel before moving to the role of Emergency Manager and Special Event Coordinator. Chief Johnson was promoted to Division Chief in June 2022, co-leading the Field Operations division. As Acting Deputy Chief, Chief Johnson will lead the Operations branch.
Acting Division Chief Christi Budy began her career in EMS as a student at Radford University. Prior to graduating with a bachelor’s of science in nursing, Chief Budy joined the Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1992. Chief Budy was hired by VB Rescue – EMS in 2004 as a Paramedic. As a Captain and a Brigade Chief, she has led VB Rescue’s Continuous Quality Improvement team, served as a shift supervisor and represented VB Rescue – EMS on various local and regional committees. Chief Budy will lead the Administrative Services division.
Acting Division Chief Gramkowski joined the Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad as an EMT in 2006 after earning his certification through VB Rescue – EMS. At Chesapeake Beach, Chief Gramkowski held positions as maintenance sergeant and assistant squad commander. After working as a paramedic at several other towns and cities in Virginia including Waverly and Williamsburg, he joined VB Rescue - EMS as a career paramedic in 2017. He was elevated to Captain in 2020 and Brigade Chief in 2021, serving as the D-Shift Commander. Chief Gramkowski also serves on the Virginia Beach Incident Management Team (IMT) and has helped manage responses to several hurricanes, winter storms and the 2019 Something in the Water music Festival. Chief Gramkowski is also a member of the Hampton Roads Incident Management Team. Chief Gramkowski will co-lead the Operations division.
Congratulations to each of you on these appointments!
Congratulations to Paramedic Christie Cherry, who's been released as an Acting Supervisor!
Upon her release last week, Christie was congratulated by Acting Division Chief Tyler Kerr and Acting Brigade Chief David Baust.
Great work, Christie! We're excited for you and happy to have you on our team!
VB Rescue - EMS is proud to partner with The Blood Connection and the Tidewater EMS Council to host a Blood Drive benefitting the Whole Blood Initiative!
Join us in donating on January 11, 2023! Donations can be made between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and you can make your appointment using this link: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/200423
Each unit donated will directly benefit the Whole Blood Initiative — a program allowing VB Rescue to directly administer whole blood treatments to patients in the field.
We hope to see you there!
After 26 years of dedicated public service, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief Edward M. Brazle has announced his plans to retire at the end of this year.
Chief Brazle joined Virginia Beach EMS as a volunteer with the Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1990 while on active duty as a naval officer. He served in several positions in the squad, including Captain and President. After leaving the Navy in 1996, he was hired as the Regulation and Enforcement Coordinator, later advancing to the Division Chief level. He completed tours as Chief of the Operations, Support Services, and Administration Divisions. Prior to being appointed as Chief of the Department of EMS in June of 2016, he held a leading role in initiatives including the creation of the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program, integration of career and volunteer medics, deployment of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on police cars, advanced life support (ALS) capability on fire engines, new station construction and the Air Medical Program. He was named to the City of Virginia Beach Employee Hall of Fame in 2013.
“I am very appreciative to Chief Brazle for his service to the City of Virginia Beach during an exceptional time for EMS and our greater coastal city, from the opening of new headquarters and training facility to the ‘Vaccinate VB’ initiative that helped our residents fight COVID-19,” said City Manager Patrick Duhaney. “I wish him well in the future.”
Acting Deputy Chief Bruce Nedelka has been appointed Interim Chief and will oversee the operations of EMS during this time. As a recipient of the Tidewater EMS (TEMS) Council’s R.C. Dailey Award for Excellence in EMS, Nedelka has significant leadership experience in EMS administration, regulation enforcement, training, recruitment and media relations.
Over the next few months, City Manager Duhaney will lead a national search to fill this position.
We’d like to take a moment to recognize and thank Deputy Chief Joey Hundley, who is departing VB Rescue - EMS today as he takes the next step in his career as the Emergency Services Director for Forsyth County in North Carolina.
“Deputy Chief Hundley has been a key member of the VB Rescue leadership team through some of the toughest challenges over the last few years, including Something in the Water, May 31st and the pandemic,” said VB Rescue – EMS Chief Ed Brazle. “His work touched nearly every program area and every member of the department in some fashion, making a lasting impact on the organization. I wish him all the best in his next adventure.”
Chief Hundley, a Life Member at the Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad, led both the Support Services and Operations branches at different points of his nearly four-year-long tenure as Deputy Chief. He played critical roles in the deploying the Whole Blood Initiative, creating the Advanced EMT Academy, VB Rescue’s COVID-19 response and more.
From all of us at VB Rescue, thank you Chief Hundley for your dedicated service and steadfast leadership as both a volunteer and as Deputy Chief. Congratulations on your new position! You will always be a member of VB Rescue.
VB Rescue members — our friends at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad are hosting a Traffic Incident Management course from the Virginia Dept. of Transportation!
CEs are available for this course and all VB Rescue members can sign up by visiting opvrs.com/training.
VB Rescue - EMS is proud to partner with The Blood Connection and the Tidewater EMS Council to host a Blood Drive benefitting the Whole Blood Initiative!
Join us in donating on January 11, 2023! Donations can be made between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and you can make your appointment using this link: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/200423
Each unit donated will directly benefit the Whole Blood Initiative — a program allowing VB Rescue to directly administer whole blood treatments to patients in the field.
We hope to see you there!
It's , which might be the best time to recognize and thank our volunteers that give every single day.
VB Rescue succeeds thanks to a combined workforce of career professionals and trained volunteers that provide an essential, emergency service to our community. Our volunteers give back to their community each and every single day.
To each of our volunteer providers — thank you for going above and beyond to treat those in need.
Interested in supporting the volunteers of VB Rescue? Learn more from our friends at the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation by visiting their website: https://vbrescuefoundation.org/
Join us in congratulating our latest volunteer providers to be released!
Strong work, everyone!
VB Rescue members — our friends at the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation are hosting a Holiday Open House on Nov. 28!
Stop on by and enjoy holiday snacks and treats, as well as crafts and a photobooth. You can also reserve a free Christmas tree by scanning the QR Code below!
VB Rescue members — we are searching for volunteers interested in serving as Assistant Chiefs!
Be sure to verify your eligibility through the job description before expressing interest. The job description can be found here:https://www.vbems.com/download/policies/job_description/20201001-EMS-Job-Description-Assistant-Chief.pdf
If interested, please contact Division Chief John Bianco (JBianco[at]vbgov[dot]com) by Dec. 4!
4160 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA
23452
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Did you know that VB Rescue was named a Gold Plus EMS Agency by the American Heart Association? Learn more about the prestigious award in this portion of Chief Brazle's latest video update! If you'd like to see the whole video, click here: https://www.vbems.com/chief-brazle-video-updates/ #EMS #EMT #Volunteer #Paramedic #VirginiaBeach #VBRescue
We've streamlined our onboarding process for volunteers, getting them enrolled in our BLS Academy more quickly and further assisting them in passing the National Registry EMT exam. Chief Brazle explains more below in his latest video update, which can be found here: https://www.vbems.com/chief-brazle-video-updates/ #EMS #EMT #Volunteer #Paramedic #VirginiaBeach #VBRescue
We’re back to show our graduation ceremony for our latest BLS Academies! Congrats to each of our graduates and thank you for volunteering with VB Rescue!
Tonight, we are recognizing the graduates of Basic Life Support (BLS) Academies 51 and 52!
National Volunteer Week is the perfect time to recognize and thank our volunteer members, who provide quality pre-hospital patient care on a daily basis. Thank you to all of our volunteers, as well as volunteers across the City of Virginia Beach, for making our community a better place. #EMS #EMT #Volunteer #NationalVolunteerWeek #Paramedic #VBRescue
In his latest video update, VB Rescue EMS Chief Ed Brazle discusses the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget for the City of Virginia Beach and how proposed investments will bolster the future of the VB Rescue system for years to come. #EMS #EMT #Volunteer #Paramedic #VirginiaBeach #VBRescue
Graduations are back! Watch our BLS Academy Graduation Ceremony LIVE from the Central Library!
In today's video update, Chief Ed Brazle addresses the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, staffing initiatives and a comprehensive branding campaign on behalf of VBEMS, the volunteer rescue squads of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation. #EMS #EMT #Volunteer #Paramedic #VBRescue
Good luck tonight to all of our volunteer professionals and career personnel who are serving the City! Each of you are absolute rockstars and we couldn't be happier to be represented by you in the field. Special thanks to Volunteer EMTs Marisa Kuntz and Ashleigh Rose, who sent in this video. Thank you for your continued service! #EMS #EMT #Paramedic #Volunteer #VBRescue
Same team. Same mission. New look. Welcome to VB Rescue. #EMS #EMT #Volunteer #Paramedic #VBStrong #VBRescue
Our lifeguards know how to have fun 🏃♂️🏊🏻 VBEMS Lifeguards hosted their own lifeguard competition last night at the Market Beach in Sandbridge. Competitions included swimming, paddle boarding, sprinting and more! Full photo album coming soon 👀 #EMT #EMS #Lifeguard
Do you want to be a part of something special? Are you looking for ways to give back to your community? Look no further than VBEMS, the largest volunteer-based EMS system in the country! Visit our website today at https://www.vbems.com/join/ to start your journey! #EMT #EMS #Volunteer #Volunteering #CityOfVirginiaBeach
Virginia Beach EMS Chief Ed Brazle returns with another video update, this time addressing easing COVID-19 restrictions and highlighting the stellar work by EMS career and volunteer members as summer is in full swing. #VBEMS #ThisIsEMS #CityOfVirginiaBeach
We are looking for your help to keep our team safe.
On behalf of Virginia Beach EMS and the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation, thank you. Happy #NationalEMSWeek to all our members! #CityofVABeach #EMS #ThankYou #COVID19 #ReadyVB #BePrepared #volunteer
ATTENTION FIRST RESPONDERS: Santa is officially on the air! Visit www.santaontheair.com to learn more.
Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services is the largest volunteer-based EMS system in the country and is augmented by career staff. Interested in joining? Visit https://www.vbems.com/join/ to learn more! #VBEMS #LivesNeedSaving #CityofVirginiaBeach #Volunteer
An important message from Santa...
Shout out to all First Responders, especially the German Exchange Paramedics joining us on the streets today! Thank you for all you do!
Thank you for featuring Join Volunteer Rescue Squads of Virginia Beach's Bobby Hill and Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad's Katelyn Alyda Snell in your Community Moment, SKY4 TV!
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Good morning from Davis Corner Volunteer Rescue Squad ☀️ Video Credit: Lynette Dimitry
Thank you to all Virginia Beach EMS, Virginia Beach Fire Department, Virginia Beach Police Department, and VBECCS members who took part in responding to this call that left 7 people hurt from a deck collapsing at a graduation party in Virginia Beach. #teamwork
LVAD Heartmate III creates its own pulse! Do you see it? #vabeachems #sentara #HeartmateIII
The Heartmate II LVAD in action ❤️
Rain or shine, it's inspection time!
OEMS Inspections: Day 1
VBEMS Chaplain Ruby Christian swears in BLS Academy #17 graduates
25 Annual Polar Plunge!!
VBEMS and VBEMS MRT live from the 2017 Polar Plunge!
Friends of the Virginia Beach Public Library
Virginia Beach BoulevardVirginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps
Corporation LaneVirginia Beach Department of Economic Develop
Main StreetU.S. Army Recruiting Station Virginia Beach,
Independence BoulevardCity of Virginia Beach Department of Human Se
Virignia Beach BoulevardWorld Affairs Council - Greater Hampton Roads
Kings Grant RoadVirginia Beach Education Association
Kings Grant RoadAdult Learning Center - Virginia Beach City P
Cleveland StreetNational Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) - T
Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach Convention Center
19th Street
Legal Studies Academy at First Colonial High
Mill Dam Road
Maritime Civil Affairs Team 104
Mcast Command
Virginia Beach Department of Economic Develop
Main Street
Virginia Beach Fire Department
Columbus Street