RENO – The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP), comprised of volunteers trained to work closely with emergency first responders to assist those left behind after a tragedy has occurred, has become operational effective Monday.

TIP mimics first responders' protocol in that volunteers are available at the request of emergency responders 365 days a year, 24-hours a day, seven days a week and will arrive on scene within 20 minutes of being dispatched. TIP volunteers provide support to emergency responders and help to prevent citizens from experiencing a second injury.

Gabrielle Totton, who oversees the program, said 13 volunteers completed 40 hours of training on Nov. 7 to learn the skills necessary to provide emotional and practical support to area residents and visitors immediately following traumatic events.

“Each volunteer brings a unique skill to the table that make them particularly well suited for this program,” Totton said. “Volunteers were required to submit to a background check and were subjected to a screening process that transpired over the course of the two-week training.”

National trainers were brought in to provide in-depth training on the multiple facets of dealing with traumatized persons. In addition to the national trainers, presentations were also made by the Reno Police Department, Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office, Reno Fire Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Renown Medical Center and the Crisis Call Center.

Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. is a national non-profit organization founded in 1985 with 17 affiliates in more than 250 cities across the nation. More information on TIP can be found on its Web site at www.tipnnv.org.