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If you think you'd like to be a TIP volunteer, we'd like to speak with you. After two weeks of training, including "on the job" training, TIP volunteers will be scheduled for 3 "on call" shifts per month for 12 hours each shift, during which time they are expected to respond to a trauma incident upon notification by an authorized emergency services organization. Volunteers may request what days work for them and whether day shifts or night shifts are preferred. TIP volunteers must be immediately available by cell phone, and they are committed to being on scene within 20 minutes of notification. They also must attend a monthly 3 hour continuing education meeting.

"Our Job is to help people and to be there for them during their hardest times. I can't think of a better way to fulfill that goal than to partner with TIP and to ensure that those we respond to are taken care of even after we clear the scene."

-Engineer Matt Ballance
Asheville Fire Department

To receive training, a background check is performed. There is a $45 registration fee to help defray some of the administrative costs. The course usually takes about 10 days to complete. Classes are held in the evenings and on the weekend. You must have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and auto insurance in order to participate.

The first class is an overview of TIP where you'll learn if TIP is right for you. TIP is not for everyone, however we have volunteers that started with TIP 10 years ago and are still active volunteers.

After you've graduated the TIP Academy, you are expected to go on the on-call schedule. We don't hear about a tragedy and just show up. We only go on a TIP call when we are requested by emergency services personnel.

If you would like to become a volunteer, complete the Volunteer Application or contact us for more information. Payment for Registration of TIP Training Academy will secure your placement.

Complete and submit the online application. The $45 registration fee can be paid with PayPal after you complete and submit the online application on the application confirmation page or you may bring it to the first night of class.

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Training Academy Schedule

Right now we are recruiting residents of Buncombe and Henderson Counties to become TIP Volunteers. No experience is necessary, but completion of a Training Academy is necessary.
(volunteers must attend ALL classes below)
  • Thursday, Sept 15
    6:30PM-10:00PM
  • Friday, Sept 16
    6:00PM-9:00PM
  • Saturday, Sept 17
    9:00AM-5:00PM
  • Sunday, Sept 18
    9:00AM-2:00PM
  • Tuesday, Sept 20
    6:00 PM-9:00PM
  • Thursday, Sept 22
    6:00 PM-9:00PM
  • Friday, Sept 23
    6:00PM-10:00PM
  • Saturday, Sept 24
    9:00AM-3:00PM
  • Three Months of Field Training
    TBA
  • Mandatory Continuing Education Meeting October 17
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Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community?
TIP is a unique program making a real difference in the lives of people in our community.
Volunteers serve both emergency responders and people who have just experienced a tragedy. You have an opportunity to provide real help to hurting people on the worst day of their lives.
Apply Now