Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad and Tidewater EMS Council Celebrate Successful Quarterly Blood Drive.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Virginia Beach, VA — December 6, 2025 — The Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, in proud partnership with the Tidewater EMS Council (TEMS), is pleased to announce the success of our Quarterly Blood Drive, an event that underscores our shared commitment to saving lives and advancing emergency medical care in our community.
In addition to the incredible turnout from donors and volunteers, participants were treated to a festive surprise — a flyover by Santa Claus himself near the iconic Lesner Bridge! This special moment brought holiday cheer and highlighted the spirit of giving that defines our community.
The Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad is deeply committed to supporting the City of Virginia Beach Department of EMS and is honored to collaborate with the Tidewater EMS Council on the Regional Whole Blood Program. Whole blood transfusions are a critical advancement in prehospital care, offering life-saving benefits for trauma patients and setting a new standard for emergency response in our region.
“Every pint donated today represents hope and resilience,” said Paramedic David Keeler, the Blood Drive Coordinator. “I am proud to work with TEMS, Rescue 1, and The Blood Connection to support these innovative, life-saving programs.”
Rescue squad president Branan Roughgarden said, "Our blood drives are more important than ever. I hope that current and future donors understand how their blood donation could save a life in the back of our ambulance right here in Virginia Beach. I am grateful that our rescue squad could partner with the Tidewater EMS Council and The Blood Connection to support the whole blood program in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads"
The success of this blood drive reflects the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and community members who continue to make a difference. Together, we are building a stronger, safer future for Virginia Beach and beyond.
For more information about the Whole Blood Program or to learn how you can participate in future blood drives, please visit www.opvrs.com/donateblood .
Virginia Beach, VA — December 6, 2025 — The Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, in proud partnership with the Tidewater EMS Council (TEMS), is pleased to announce the success of our Quarterly Blood Drive, an event that underscores our shared commitment to saving lives and advancing emergency medical care in our community.
In addition to the incredible turnout from donors and volunteers, participants were treated to a festive surprise — a flyover by Santa Claus himself near the iconic Lesner Bridge! This special moment brought holiday cheer and highlighted the spirit of giving that defines our community.
The Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad is deeply committed to supporting the City of Virginia Beach Department of EMS and is honored to collaborate with the Tidewater EMS Council on the Regional Whole Blood Program. Whole blood transfusions are a critical advancement in prehospital care, offering life-saving benefits for trauma patients and setting a new standard for emergency response in our region.
“Every pint donated today represents hope and resilience,” said Paramedic David Keeler, the Blood Drive Coordinator. “I am proud to work with TEMS, Rescue 1, and The Blood Connection to support these innovative, life-saving programs.”
Rescue squad president Branan Roughgarden said, "Our blood drives are more important than ever. I hope that current and future donors understand how their blood donation could save a life in the back of our ambulance right here in Virginia Beach. I am grateful that our rescue squad could partner with the Tidewater EMS Council and The Blood Connection to support the whole blood program in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads"
The success of this blood drive reflects the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and community members who continue to make a difference. Together, we are building a stronger, safer future for Virginia Beach and beyond.
For more information about the Whole Blood Program or to learn how you can participate in future blood drives, please visit www.opvrs.com/donateblood .
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