Compassionate Billing Is Paying Off for Virginia Beach EMS

Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services (EMS) launched its Compassionate Billing program last year. The goal: strengthen the City’s emergency medical system, while limiting potential tax impacts on residents.  

More than a year later, revenue from the program is being reinvested into programs, equipment, training and fleet improvements that enhance patient care, support providers and strengthen the volunteer rescue squads that make Virginia Beach unique. 

On Oct. 20, EMS Chief Jason Stroud presented to City Council on how the EMS billing program is progressing. He highlighted how the revenue has transformed the department and is funding meaningful and measurable improvements across the EMS system.

A Transparent Process 

This progress began with a third-party study commissioned by the City’s volunteer rescue squads and presented to City Council in November 2024, followed by councilmembers approving a resolution in December 2024 that allowed the department to build infrastructure for a billing program. This included creating policies, building partnerships and a public education campaign. 

By May 2025, the program had full City Council approval, and on July 1, 2025, Virginia Beach EMS officially began billing for ambulance transports.  

Strong Financial Support for Volunteer Rescue Squads 

Thirty percent of all EMS billing revenue has been distributed directly to the volunteer rescue squads — a total of $4.2 million to date. This stable funding strengthens recruitment, retention, equipment needs and operational capacity across the City’s volunteer rescue squads.  

It also includes special event incentives paid to squads and support funding to the Virginia Beach Rescue Council. 

Grants and supplemental support have also bolstered recruitment and retention, including a VB Rescue Foundation grant designed to bring new volunteers into the system and support their long-term engagement. 

Growth in Staffing and Provider Support 

Revenue from the program has enabled additional ambulance staff to be hired, and uniforms and personal protective equipment to be purchased.  

Investments in provider wellness and development have also grown. Compassionate Billing now supports a VBEMS’ training specialist, department pharmacist and pharmacy technician, as well as the Member Health and Wellness Program, which includes a mental health and well-being app. Additionally, 23 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and advance emergency medical technicians (AEMTs) — both career and volunteer — were able to attend a paramedic training program through billing-funded support. 

Investments in Equipment That Elevate Care 

From essential medical devices to specialized operational tools, EMS billing has funded or contributed to a wide range of new equipment. This includes IV pumps, ventilators and point-of-care ultrasound devices — all critical to delivering high-quality prehospital care. 

Fleet Modernization and Systemwide Efficiency 

Seven ambulances have been added to the fleet, along with multiple support vehicles. Billing revenue has also helped pay off ambulance loans from prior years. The department commissioned a third-party fleet assessment that is now guiding a major effort toward fleet standardization. 

A standardized fleet improves training, reduces maintenance complexity, enhances vendor pricing opportunities and can even reduce accidents — helping providers deliver patient care more efficiently during critical moments. 

A Sustainable Investment in Community Care 

Every dollar collected through EMS Compassionate Billing is reinvested back into the system and the community. These investments allow Virginia Beach EMS to enhance operational readiness, support our dedicated volunteers and career providers and continually improve patient care — all without placing additional financial pressure on taxpayers. 

Compassionate Billing is strengthening the present and future of emergency medical services in Virginia Beach.

• EMS Compassionate Billing
• VBEMS

Virginia Beach EMS is an award-winning third-service agency that answers more than 58,000 calls for service annually. Through VB Rescue, VBEMS uses a combined career-volunteer workforce. Learn more by visiting ems.virginiabeach.gov. You can also contact VBEMS at vbems@vbgov.com.