Roanoke Emergency Medical Services, Inc. is a non-profit volunteer organization and we do not directly receive any portion of the funds that are charged to cover EMS services.  Our volunteers help in holding down the overall EMS cost but because we work in conjunction with the City of Roanoke citizens are billed for all EMS calls whether it be volunteers or career staff that respond.   The City of Roanoke provides an annual allocation to help with our financial needs, although it is provided with the understanding that this funding will supplement the donations given by the citizens – it is not enough to provide total financial support..  We provide our own vehicles, we also provide  medical supplies and oxygen to all City Fire/EMS apparatuses (ambulances and fire trucks both paid and volunteer).  We provide uniforms for our members and we also train them at the same standard as Paid staff which is a  costly endeavor.  In addition to the before mentioned items we have our own building which we have to maintain along with all utilities.   This is why we solicit the citizens of The City of Roanoke during our annual fund drive in November.  Our members are sincerely grateful that you the citizens of Roanoke keep the 1st Volunteer Rescue Squad in the world up and going by opening your hearts and wallets to assist us in our annual fund drive.  We are very grateful for the wonderful citizens who donate to our organization during the fund drive as well as those who donate throughout the year.  If you would like to donate please contact our office at 540-344-6256.