Bristol Lifesaving Crew could cease operations within 90 days

The Bristol Life Saving Crew informed the Bristol Virginia City Council Tuesday that unless some action is taken, the service will close its doors within 90 days or possibly sooner. Curtis Mink with the Bristol Life Saving Crew told council members that the service’s funds were almost depleted. According to Mink, the service receives funding from three sources: major billing from Medicare, a letter fund drive which usually raises around $24,000 and donations that come from the state or private entities. Mink said the last time the organization made budget was in 2017. He said they’ve made all the financial adjustments they can make by cutting and downsizing services but nothing has worked. Mink recommended that the council form an EMS committee that meets and reports back to the city council.