General Description: The core service in every TIP Chapter is the Crisis Response Team. The Crisis Response Team is a team of well trained volunteers who are called by emergency personnel to provide support to emotionally traumatized citizens on a 24-hour 365-day a year basis. Volunteers respond to the emergency location within 20 minutes of the time called.

The Need Addressed By a Crisis Response Team: Following a traumatic event, the persons involved often feel helpless, confused, and 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. The TIP volunteer provides this necessary temporary support until the persons involved in the crisis are able to depend on family, friends, neighbors, and others.

When a TIP Volunteer is Called: TIP volunteers are always available. They are called by authorized police officers, firefighters, paramedics and hospital personnel to assist:

      family members and friends following a natural or unexpected death.

       victims of crime including rape, assault, robbery, and burglary

       victims of fire

      disoriented or lonely older persons

      persons involved in vehicle accidents

       persons who are distraught and seeking immediate support

       family members of a person who has completed suicide

What TIP volunteers do?

        provide emotional support

       help arrange for shelter, food, clothing, and transportation

        notify family and friends

       serve as liaison between the victims and emergency and hospital authorities

       help arrange follow-up services

       provide information and referral to appropriate agencies for ongoing assistance