As the summer sun begins to set, and we bid farewell to the long days of relaxation and adventure, there is still an opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of others. The act of donating blood is a simple yet impactful way to conclude your summer on a high note, knowing that you have played a vital role in saving a life. With hospitals constantly in need of a stable blood supply, your contribution can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of individuals in your community and beyond.

1. Answering the Call of Urgency: Blood donation is a matter of life and death. Hospitals and medical facilities rely on the generosity of donors to maintain an adequate supply of blood for various medical procedures, emergencies, and surgeries. During the summer months, blood banks often experience a decline in donations due to vacations, travel, and other activities. By donating blood as summer comes to an end, you can help bridge this gap and ensure that patients in need continue to receive the care they deserve.
2. A Simple Act, A Profound Impact: The process of donating blood is remarkably straightforward and takes only a short amount of your time. The difference you make, however, is immeasurable. A single blood donation can save up to three lives, making your contribution a powerful gesture of compassion and humanity. Just a few moments of your time can provide a lifetime of hope for those facing critical health challenges.
3. Enhancing Community Resilience: Your donation doesn't just impact individuals; it strengthens the resilience of your community as a whole. When disaster strikes or accidents occur, a readily available supply of blood is essential to ensure that medical professionals can respond effectively. By donating blood before the summer ends, you become an essential part of a collective effort to safeguard the health and well-being of your fellow community members.
4. Leaving a Legacy of Care: As you wrap up your summer and prepare to embrace the changing seasons, consider the legacy you can leave behind. By donating blood, you create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the warm months. The lives you touch through your selfless act become a testament to your compassion, empathy, and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
5. A Personal Connection: It's important to remember that anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, can find themselves in need of blood at some point in their lives. Your decision to donate blood is a statement of solidarity, showcasing your willingness to stand by your fellow human beings in times of vulnerability. It's a powerful reminder that we are all interconnected and that your action has the potential to connect you to someone you may never meet but whose life you've changed forever.

As summer draws to a close, there is no better way to conclude this season of growth, connection, and adventure than by giving the gift of life. Donating blood is a small sacrifice that yields a profound impact, resonating far beyond the confines of a single moment. Your decision to donate blood is a reminder that compassion knows no season, and your gesture will serve as a beacon of hope for those in need. So, as you bid adieu to the warmth of summer, consider wrapping it up with a life-saving gesture that will leave a lasting legacy of care, compassion, and community. Your willingness to donate blood may just be the brightest light in someone else's life as they navigate their own journey to health and recovery.

Virginia Beach, VA - Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad (OPVRS) is thrilled to announce that EMT Shelley Drisko has been named Member of the Quarter. OPVRS Deputy Chief Dylan Koch made the announcement at the monthly business meeting on Monday, July 10th.

The Member of the Quarter award acknowledges Shelley for her superior performance and outstanding dedication to the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad and the community we serve. In addition to exceeding her regular duty requirements, Shelley proudly represented OPVRS at several special events including the Something in the Water festival and the Langley Air Show. Shelley also volunteered to take on more responsibility at the Squad by stepping into the Fleet Assistant role and quickly excelling. In the immediate aftermath of the Great Neck tornado, Shelley was among the many off-duty Ocean Park volunteers who swiftly arrived at the scene to provide aid and assisted with the establishment of a rehabilitation facility for emergency responders working through the night. In the days following the tornado, Shelley volunteered to provide standby medical assistance to the utility workers performing dangerous work while clearing debris from the affected neighborhood. Shelley's positive attitude, team spirit, and steadfast dedication to service represent the highest values of OPVRS.

​Congratulations, Shelley, and thank you for all you do!

The Member of the Quarter is awarded to an OPVRS operational member who demonstrates consistent and outstanding performance of his/her duties above what is normally expected throughout the course of each quarter.

Join us for our Summer community cookout!
Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 6pm-8pm. Hamburgers / Hot Dogs & Sweet Treats

• FREE
• Open To The Public
• Touch A Truck.

Come spend some time with YOUR community rescue squad.

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad
3769 East Stratford Road
​Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Virginia Beach, VA - The Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad will host an open house on Saturday, Feb 18th from 12 noon to 6pm. The building and ambulances will be open to the community. Anyone with an interest in volunteering or learning more about the volunteer rescue squad are encouraged to visit. 

"The lights and sirens are always a cool feature of the job, but we want to show potential volunteers there is so much more to volunteering. We offer leadership opportunities, civic engagement, and an opportunity to serve your community in a fast-paced environment" said Rescue Squad President Branan Roughgarden.

The rescue squad will also be hosting other medical and public safety vendors, along with a BBQ truck with more to come!

• Tidewater EMS Council sharing information about the new Whole Blood Initiative. 
• Sentara Nightingale Air Ambulance 
• Virginia Beach Department of Public Health
• Flavor Savor BBQ Truck​
• ​Virginia Beach Emergency Communications and Citizen Services

The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required to attend, drop in anytime. The Facebook event can be found HERE

​Chassis Details:
• 2022 Ford F-550 4x2 Chassis
• Custom Aluminum Center Console Sprayed w/Black Line-X
• Wheeled Coach Type 1 170” Module
• 74” Interior Headroom
• Custom Squad Bench w/Curbside Controls and (2) Drawers
• Per4Max 4-Point Harnesses
• Gray Scorpion Liner Coating in Exterior Compartments
• Cool Bar A/C Condenser
• Hoseline APS-253 Ultraviolet Air Purification System
• Orange Powder Coated Interior Hand and Grab Rails
• Whelen M Series LED Warning and Scene Light Package
• (2) Grover Stuttertone 24” Air Horns
• Whelen Howler Low Frequency Siren
• LED Strip Lights in Exterior Compartments
• Safety Vision (3) Camera System
• CompX 300 Series eLock w/WiFi on Drug Cabinet
• Vanner 20-1050 1,050-watt Inverter w/55-amp Battery Charger
• Stryker #6390 Power-LOAD
• Ferno M200 Lifepak Defibrillator Bracket
• Custom Paint, Lettering and Graphics by Wheeled Coach

Questions or inquiries? Contact information@opvrs.com

Help us celebrate Don's 40 years of volunteer service to OPVRS and Va Beach. 
What were you doing in November 1981? Don Anderson was joining Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad. So, this month we celebrate 40 years of uninterrupted, loyal and steadfast dedication to the Squad. Over the years, one of the things Don has been noted for is taking care of the landscaping around the flagpole which faces Shore Drive. To that end, as we continue to work on the curb appeal of our building, we have a goal to raise $100 per year served by Don and turn that $4000 into a new, fabulous flagpole to be installed in Don's honor. A flagpole to become the centerpiece of that garden and a fixture on Shore Drive for the next 40 years. We have kicked off a little campaign to manage donations to that cause. Don is a living legend. If you haven't seen him recently, take time to chat with him and thank him for all he has done over the years. Click below to donate.​