HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Medical Services (EMS) Departmental Budget PresentationsCity of Virginia Beach
FY 2026-27 Proposed Operating Budget
Emergency Medical Services
Jason Stroud, Chief of Emergency Medical Services
April 7, 2026
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Trends & Issues
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•At least one staffed ambulance is needed for every 3,000 calls.
•59,000 calls are projected for FY 2027, at least 20 ambulances must be staffed during demand
periods. Volunteers can staff only four to five ambulances per operational period.
•Volunteer staffing considered, a minimum of 150 full-time EMS providers are required for
ambulance staffing and continued investment in ambulance staffing, by the City, is expected
to remain an on-going trend until volunteerism returns to a higher level.
Ambulance
Staffing
•The EMS ambulance fleet should consist of 45 ambulances within the next fiscal year.
•A recent fleet study conducted by a third-party consultant recommends maintaining a fleet of
47 ambulances for the EMS system.
Ambulance
Fleet
•EMS operates out of three rescue squad owned facilities, one city EMS station, and thirteen
shared Fire and EMS facilities, these stations lack adequate 24/7 sleeping quarters, support
areas, restrooms, and sufficient garage bays for the ambulance fleet.
•With the growth of EMS operations, there is an increasing need for more storage and space
for support vehicles, equipment and medical supplies, a full EMS facility needs assessment
will need to be planned for in advance of needed investments.
EMS Station
Facilities
Major Budget Changes
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•Revenue generated from the compassionate billing program provides relief to the City’s
General Fund and provides a sustainable revenue source for the continuation of service
delivery for Emergency Medical Services.
•EMS is expected to generate $14,900,000 in revenue in the Cost Recovery Special
Revenue Fund.
•The Cost Recovery Special Revenue Fund will support 12 new FTEs.
Cost Recovery
Special Revenue
Fund– 12.0 FTEs
This funding is allocated according to the revenue sharing formula shown in the table below and administered through formal M OUs with the
Volunteer Rescue Squads.
Purpose Percentage
Department of EMS Operating Expenses 30%
Volunteer Rescue Squads (Grants)30%
System-Wide Strategic Plan Initiatives and Needs 20%
Minimum Reserve Fund Allocation (Regular Reserve)15%
Special Event Carts / ATV Replacement Fund 1%
Special Operations Teams (MRT, SWAT Medics, Honor Guard, CDRT)
(Grant).55%
Rescue Council (Grant).45%
EMS Technology Fund (Cardiac Monitors Replacement) (CIP)3%
Questions?
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