The Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation supports an independent and vital emergency medical care and transport system – one of the largest in the country that relies predominantly on well-trained, skilled and dedicated volunteers. Some 1,000 men and women from every walk of life serve the community under the direction of the City of Virginia Beach EMS Department. There are ten squads altogether throughout the 255-square mile wide city, the 45th most populous in the nation with over 450,000 residents. Each squad is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that finances its operational needs through individual fundraising. As a result, pre-hospital emergency medical care in the City of Virginia Beach is free to all and contributes to millions in annual cost savings to the taxpayers.