SOUTH COUNTY : Lake Forest Adopts Trauma Program

Plans to provide crisis help for South County residents have won support from another city, as the Lake Forest City Council agreed to fund the Trauma Intervention Program.

However, the city’s approval last week was conditioned on the participation of the other South County cities. So far, Mission Viejo has agreed to join the program.

Known as TIP, the program would train a network of community volunteers to assist firefighters and police in emergency situations.

The volunteers would lend emotional support to victims and their relatives at accident and crime scenes.

City staff said that TIP workers would help people who repeatedly call the 911 emergency line--often elderly persons who are confused, lonely or need help with a non-emergency situation.

Based on a San Diego program, supporters say TIP helps free emergency personnel to do their jobs better. Volunteers would be on call around the clock.

TIP volunteers could also be used during a disaster, such as an earthquake or major fire.

Council members agreed to spend $7,000 on the program. In addition, council members appropriated $4,200 for the Orange County Sheriff’s Chaplaincy Program.

City officials liked the idea of combining the two programs, saying there is a potential need for both crisis volunteers and the presence of a chaplain in many emergencies.