THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 23, 1996 TAG: 9608230354
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 22 lines
I have been a member of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad system for four years. Frequently I either am asked or hear other members being asked: ``How much is the cost for the ambulance to come to my home and take me to the hospital?''
Virginia Beach has the nation's largest all-volunteer rescue-squad system. Our services cost the residents of Virginia Beach nothing. Whether we go to a home for a cut hand or for a heart attack, the cost to the family is zero.
All 11 volunteer rescue squads made up of approximately 750 men and women rely solely on donations from the community to keep up the equipment and materials. Donations are the reason we don't charge for our services.
FRED NEEDHAM
Virginia Beach, Aug. 13, 1996
Editor's note: The writer is an emergency medical technician with the Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Fire and Rescue. by CNB