QUICK REFERENCE
MAIN HOSPITAL: Renown Regional Medical Center, Reno (most off-playa transports) MAIN JAIL: Pershing County Sheriff Office, Lovelock (most arrests) LEGAL HELP: Lawyers for Burners - fill out form at lawyersforburners.org CLOSEST CLINIC: Pyramid Lake Health Clinic, Nixon (~70 miles, limited hours) RENO SERVICES: Multiple hospitals, urgent care, and support services available
MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:
Where do people go if transported off-playa? → Usually Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno
What jail do people go to if arrested? → Pershing County in Lovelock for most on-playa arrests
How do I get legal help? → Contact Lawyers for Burners, local attorney John Routsis recommended
Is there medical care closer than Reno? → Pyramid Lake Clinic (Nixon) and Surprise Valley Hospital (Cedarville)
How do I get back to playa from hospital/jail? → You must arrange your own transportation
REMEMBER: Take photo of this information before you need it - no cell service for looking it up
See detailed facility information, contact numbers, and transportation options below
Also see:
A1: Emergency Services & Safety (for on-playa emergency procedures, transport)
A2: Getting Help Fast (for missing persons procedures, emergency messages)
E3: Legal & Behavioral (for legal policies, rights information)
B3: Arrival & Departure (for transportation back to playa)
External resource scenarios:
Medical transport → A1 (RAMPART decision) + F1 (hospital destinations)
Arrest situations → A1 (law enforcement) + F1 (jail facilities, legal help)
Missing person off-playa → A2 (procedures) + F1 (facility contacts)
Return transportation → F1 (resources) + B3 (re-entry procedures)
Medical Facilities
Primary Hospital (Most Transports)
Renown Regional Medical Center Address: 1155 Mill Street, Reno, NV 89502 Phone: (775) 982-4100 Website: www.renown.org Distance: ~110 miles from Black Rock City Services: Full-service hospital, trauma center, emergency department
Why This Hospital:
Closest major medical facility with full services
Established relationship with Burning Man medical services
Emergency helicopter and ambulance transport destination
Comprehensive emergency and trauma care capabilities
Other Reno/Sparks Hospitals
Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center Address: 235 W 6th St, Reno, NV 89503 Phone: (775) 770-3000 Website: www.saintmarysreno.com Services: Full-service hospital, cardiac care, emergency services
Northern Nevada Medical Center Address: 2375 E Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434 Phone: (775) 331-7000 Website: www.nnmc.com Services: Full-service hospital, surgical services, emergency care
Closer Medical Options (Limited Services)
Pyramid Lake Health Clinic Address: 705 Highway 446, Nixon, NV 89424 Phone: (775) 574-1018 Distance: ~70 miles from Black Rock City Hours: Mon-Tues-Thu-Fri 8am-4:30pm, Wed 8am-12:00pm Services: Basic medical care, limited emergency services Limitations: Closed weekends, limited after-hours care
Surprise Valley Hospital Address: 741 North Main Street, Cedarville, CA 96104 Phone: (530) 279-6111 Distance: ~85 miles northwest of Black Rock City Hours: 24/7 emergency services Services: Small community hospital, basic emergency care Considerations: Remote location, limited specialized services
Medical Transport Information
Most transports go to Renown Regional Medical Center
Bring ID, insurance card, and emergency contacts if possible
Sign HIPAA consent form to allow communication with friends/family
You must arrange your own return transportation to playa
No shuttle service back to Black Rock City from hospitals
The federal No Surprises Act (2022) protects patients from unexpected emergency transport bills
Patients cannot be billed for the difference between the provider’s total cost and what insurance pays
Air ambulance providers must bill the patient’s insurance directly, not the patient
Patients may still owe deductibles and copays
If insurance denies the claim (e.g., flight deemed medically unnecessary), the provider may bill the patient directly
Law Enforcement and Detention Facilities
Primary Detention Facility
Pershing County Sheriff Office Address: 395 9th Street, Lovelock, NV 89419 Phone: (775) 273-2641 Distance: ~90 miles southeast of Black Rock City Services: Main holding facility for on-playa arrests
Why This Facility:
Pershing County has jurisdiction over Black Rock Desert area
Primary destination for most Burning Man-related arrests
Established procedures for handling event-related cases
Closest detention facility to event site
Other Regional Detention Facilities
Washoe County Jail Address: 911 Parr Blvd, Reno, NV 89512 Phone: (775) 328-3062 Services: Large county jail, inmate search available online Website: www.washoesheriff.com (inmate search available)
Carson City Jail Address: 897 E Musser Street, Carson City, NV 89701 Phone: (775) 283-5245 Services: City detention facility
Lyon County Jail Address: 911 Harvey Way, Yerington, NV 89447 Phone: (775) 463-6600 Services: County detention facility
Nevada Highway Patrol Jail Address: 555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711 Phone: (775) 684-4867 Services: State-level detention facility
Tribal Law Enforcement Facilities
Pyramid Lake Tribal Police (Wadsworth) Address: 320 Pyramid Way, Wadsworth, NV 89442 Phone: (775) 575-2461 Services: Tribal jurisdiction law enforcement
Pyramid Lake Tribal Police (Nixon) Address: 200 S Hollywood Rd, Nixon, NV 89424 Phone: (775) 574-1014 Services: Tribal jurisdiction law enforcement
Detention and Legal Information
Inmate Search Options:
Washoe County: Online inmate search available
Other facilities: Call directly for information
Legal representation may assist with locating individuals
Important Legal Notes:
Most on-playa arrests processed through Pershing County
Different jurisdictions may handle different types of violations
Traffic stops on highways may result in different facility placement
Legal representation recommended for all arrests
Legal Assistance Resources
Lawyers for Burners
Website: lawyersforburners.org Purpose: Legal assistance for Burning Man community Services: Information collection, attorney referrals, legal guidance Process: Fill out feedback form for citation or arrest assistance
How Lawyers for Burners Helps:
Collects information about law enforcement encounters
Provides legal information and assistance
Connects participants with qualified attorneys
Offers representation for court appearances
Negotiates plea arrangements for reasonable fees
Recommended Local Attorney
John B. Routsis Address: 505 Ridge Street, Reno, NV 89501 Phone: (775) 785-9116 Website: www.burningmanburnerlawyer.com Email: john@rhcplaw.com Specialties: Criminal defense, Burning Man-related cases
Why This Attorney:
Recommended by Lawyers for Burners
Experience with Burning Man-related legal issues
Reasonable fees for event-related cases
Can appear in court for out-of-state participants
Familiar with local courts and procedures
Legal Representation Options
Court Appearances:
Attorneys can appear for you if you can't return to Nevada
Typical representation costs: Few hundred dollars
May negotiate better plea arrangements than self-representation
Familiar with local courts and typical case outcomes
Citation Handling:
Simple infractions can often be paid without court appearance
Drug-related citations may have serious personal/professional consequences
Ignoring citations can result in arrest warrants
Legal consultation recommended for all criminal citations
Important Legal Information Disclaimers
Not Legal Advice: Information provided is general legal information, not legal advice Individual Consultation: Always consult qualified attorney for specific legal issues No Representation: Lawyers for Burners provides information, not direct representation Local Expertise: Nevada attorneys understand local laws and procedures best
Off-Playa Services and Resources
Emergency Services Contacts
Nevada Highway Patrol: *NHP (*647 from cell phone) Washoe County Sheriff Dispatch: (775) 785-9276 Pyramid Lake Ranger Station: (775) 476-1155
Transportation Back to Playa
Important: No shuttle service provided from hospitals or jails back to playa Options:
Arrange pickup from friends or campmates
Rideshare services (availability varies)
Rental car (if licensed and able to drive)
Public transportation (very limited in rural areas)
Re-Entry Requirements:
Valid Burning Man ticket stub
Photo identification
Documentation from hospital or jail visit (recommended)
$30 re-entry wristband if you left in personal vehicle
Communication with Playa
Limited Options:
Cell service unreliable but may work from Reno/Lovelock
Hospital/jail staff may allow emergency calls
Ask medical/legal staff to contact emergency message system
Family/friends can send emergency messages to 911@burningman.org
Emergency Contact Information Summary
Medical Emergencies (Off-Playa)
Primary: Renown Regional Medical Center - (775) 982-4100 Secondary: Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center - (775) 770-3000 Closest: Pyramid Lake Health Clinic - (775) 574-1018 (limited hours)
Law Enforcement (Off-Playa)
Primary: Pershing County Sheriff - (775) 273-2641 Highway: Nevada Highway Patrol - *647 Regional: Washoe County Sheriff - (775) 574-0444
Legal Assistance
Lawyers for Burners: lawyersforburners.org Local Attorney: John Routsis - (775) 785-9116 Emergency Legal: Contact jail facility for legal representation rights
Emergency Communication
To Playa: 911@burningman.org (emergency messages) From Playa: Contact Rangers or Emergency Services for off-playa communication
Pro Tips for Volunteers
Medical Transport Information
Setting Expectations:
"Most medical transports go to Renown Regional in Reno"
"You must arrange your own ride back - no shuttle service"
"Bring ID, insurance card, and emergency contacts if possible"
"Sign HIPAA form so friends/family can get updates"
Preparation Advice:
"Take a photo of this contact information before you need it"
"Have emergency contact info readily available"
"Know your medical conditions and medications"
Legal Situation Support
Arrest Information:
"Most arrests go to Pershing County jail in Lovelock"
"Lawyers for Burners can help with legal assistance"
"John Routsis is the recommended local attorney"
"Don't ignore citations - can result in arrest warrants"
Rights Awareness:
"This is legal information, not legal advice"
"Always consult a qualified attorney for legal issues"
"You have the right to legal representation"
Communication and Transportation
Return Transportation:
"No shuttles back to playa from hospitals or jails"
"Arrange pickup with campmates or friends"
"Cell service may work from Reno but not reliable"
"Emergency messages can be sent to 911@burningman.org"
Re-Entry Process:
"Need ticket stub, ID, and documentation of hospital/jail visit"
"$30 re-entry fee if you left in personal vehicle"
"May need to wait in full entry line again"
Family and Friends Support
For People Looking for Missing Participants:
"Check with Rangers first for coordination"
"Hospitals and jails can confirm patients/inmates with proper ID"
"Emergency messages can be sent through official channels"
"Medical facilities may require family member status for information"
Emergency Preparedness
Before You Need It:
"Save this contact information in your phone"
"Share emergency plans with campmates"
"Know who to contact if you need help"
"Understand that you're responsible for your own return transportation"
Common Situations and Responses
"My friend was taken to the hospital" → Contact Renown Regional first, then other facilities "Someone was arrested and we can't find them" → Check Pershing County jail, contact Lawyers for Burners "How do we get someone back from Reno?" → You must arrange and pay for transportation yourself "Can the hospital call their camp?" → Very limited - use emergency message system instead