TIP is a non-profit team of specially trained citizen volunteers who are called to emergency scenes by public safety personnel to assist family members after sudden death, victims of crime, witnesses to tragedy, children left alone after the death or injury of a parent, and anyone traumatized by a crisis event. TIP programs are unique in that volunteers respond within 20 minutes of the time called on a 24/7/365 basis. TIP benefits the community in a number of ways including saving the emergency response system time & money, involving citizen volunteers in public safety, & providing a valuable service to survivors of tragedy who are often experiencing the worst hours of their lives. The first TIP affiliate was started in San Diego County, CA in 1985. Since then, TIP affiliates have been established across the country, forming a national network of TIP volunteers helping citizens in crisis. TIP of Northern Nevada, Inc. was established in 2009 and has become an integral part of the emergency response system in Washoe County. WHY TIP? Following traumatic events, the persons involved feel helpless, confused, & in emotional shock. They are confronted with a situation for which they are totally unprepared. Often there is no one available in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy to guide the victims through these difficult hours. TIP volunteers provide this necessary temporary support until the persons involved are able to depend on their own natural support system.