WORLDWIDE DISPATCH -
1 OCTOBER 2008 - 0015Z
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Dedicated to Emergency Communications by RADIO
EMCOMM MONTHLY
Official
Journal of the World Radio Relay League
www.wrrl.org
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VOL. 5 -- No. 3
www.emcomm.org
OCTOBER 2008
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The EM
PHILOSOPHY - Changing Times
SHORT CIRCUITS - News and Announcements
FEEDBACK,
MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
The EM
ADVISOR - "Q and A"
ICS
PERSPECTIVES - by
WRRL NEWS
and NETS
TRAFFIC HANDLING
NETWORK
NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
QSH - I
Have Humor for your Station!
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE - Psychology of Disaster - An Update
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
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The EM PHILOSOPHY
"CHANGING TIMES"
Subscribers to
WorldRadio
magazine ( www.wr6wr.com
) were somewhat shocked this month when they learned that our own Jerry Boyd,
N7WR, WRRL 2, said
"73 From NE
Oregon" and signed off from his quarterly column
EMCOMM AND
YOU in the October issue. Be sure to read his last regular
column on pages 28-29. If you are not a subscriber to
WorldRadio borrow a
copy from a friend or check your local library. In the article Jerry
outlines his reasons and makes a few "suggestions for those who are serious
about wanting to provide needed, meaningful Emcomm," and restates the
EM PHILOSOPHY
very nicely. Jerry's WR column will be missed.
The recent emergency and continuing
Hurricane Ike
and other disasters, have demonstrated once again, the effectiveness of the
TEAM
APPROACH to emergency response. This has been demonstrated well
by several Urban Search and
Rescue
teams
(USAR), that were deployed to the Houston, TX area.
It has been nearly five years since the AMATEUR RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM (ARCT) program was launched in the
December 2003 issue of QST.
Ref: http://www.emcomm.org/ARCT/ and http://www.wrrl.org/arct_program.
While there has been some progress and few scattered teams exist around the
county, progress has been very slow.
EM still
promotes the team approach to amateur radio public service/emcomm.
We maintain that the team approach is far superior and more effective
than the haphazard approach that is common. Ref. EM PHILOSOPHY
- March 2007, June 2006, and others. Available at: www.emcomm.org/em/
We know of NO valid reason that every state, every county and/or city with any significant
population of licensed amateurs cannot have at least one TYPE I ARCT. (The
minimum roster for a T-I ARCT is 24 trained and prepared operators.
Lesser populated counties and cities can easily use the system and have one or
two smaller ARCTs. The ARCT resource typing system is
NOT solely a WRRL program. ARCT was designed and intended for
implementation by any and all emcomm units including ARES®, RACES, ACS, SATERN,
and other capable, independent emcomm groups.
The WRRL will continue to promote the ARCT
concept, and Jerry Boyd, N7WR, WRRL 2, will continue to serve
as our ARCT Program Director. He also plans to continue his ICS
PERSPECTIVES column in EM - Editor
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SHORT CIRCUITS
ANTENNA SEMINAR IN PACIFIC
NW - OCTOBER 11, 2008
To: All
hams interested in antennas, especially for emergency communications
What:
Antenna Seminar, Oct 11, 2008 from 12 – 4 PM; there is no admission fee.
Where: LDS
Church, 11101 NE 119th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98662 (NW of Prairie HS west of SR
503)
Why: When emergencies begin, the time for preparation is past.
Radios without effective antennas provide limited help during emergencies.
Come learn some useful principles so you are better prepared when the call comes
to a neighborhood near you.
Who:
·
Ward Silver, NØAX, will present “Antennas 101”. Ward is a nationally
published author who has written extensively on ham radio subjects and presents
a fast-paced program. One of Ward’s books is entitled, “Ham radio for
dummies”.
· Ralph Javins, N7KGA, has extensive experience with many antenna types over many
years. His talk is entitled, “Portable antennas for EmComm”. Ralph
will show several antennas that work in a variety of circumstances, and you can
even carry them easily.
· Panel for Questions and Answers. We will have several
experienced antenna folks to field questions from the floor.
Sponsor: Clark County Amateur Radio Club in Clark County, Washington
organized this program.
More information: If you have questions, contact Delvin, N7QMT at
n7qmt@arrl.net
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Montana Ham Assists in
Rescue of Fellow Amateur 600 Miles Away
Via ARRL Website
News...full story at:
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/09/23/10348/?nc=1
EM
COMMENT - This story illustrates the value of emergency
preparedness and skilled operating. However, it could have had a much different
and catastrophic outcome. Fortunately the Montana ham just happened to be
testing his rig prior to a scheduled QSO at the right time and frequency. We
strongly advocate the monitoring of standardized radio watch/calling
frequencies*, and believe that all ham groups and organizations should know and
promote these frequencies. -
Editor
AL7N
COMMENT - This is why I keep my receivers turned on all the time
and listen on 14050, 7042 and 3540 kHz whenever I am near the shack.
Will anybody pay attention and remember these frequencies in time of need?
I don't know, but at least there is ONE station in Alaska listening there. And
they are "published" in several places. In the case of these two
fellows, blind luck stepped in and an operator who knew Morse heard the call
from someone that needed help. Worked out fine.
"Keeping watch" on some frequency should be part of every amateur's
operating habit. A receiver does absolutely no good if it is turned off.
I think it would be good if ALL licensees would adopt a watch plan and
voluntarily keep a receiver of some kind on some HF or VHF calling frequency all
the time. You never know when that call might come.
A CW frequency is a lot easier to keep watch on. Widen out the passband
and you can hear signals up or down a couple kHz from where your receiver is
tuned, and they are plenty readable, just a different pitch than one that is
right on frequency.. As an example, with my receiver(s) tuned to 14050 kHz
and the narrow filters cut out, I can hear W1AW when they come on with code
practice and bulletins on 14047.5 when the band is open. Good check on
propagation also.
SSB is not as good to monitor, because if the station you hear is not right on
frequency, all you hear is garble. -
Ed "FB"
Trump, AL7N, WRRL 6, Fairbanks, AK
*Ref. (below) NATIONAL EMCOMM
TRAFFIC SERVICE (NETS) WATCH • MONITOR • CALLING • TRAFFIC FREQUENCIES
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FROST FEST - Richmond, VA -
Saturday, February 7, 2009
February may seem like a
long way off...but time flies...and early planning is important!
"Frost
Fest" www.frostfest.com is
sponsored by The Richmond Amateur Telecommunications Society ("RATS").
It is held each winter when most other amateur radio conventions are being
planned. More info to follow.
Editor's note: At dispatch time the Frost Fest website had not been
updated.
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FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
"LUCK"
After reading “The EM PHILOSOPHY
- GOOD...LUCK?” it made me think about something I was told once, “The more you
practice the better your luck will be.” - Clayton Heilman, KE7NGO, Glendale, AZ
COMMENT: Thanks Clayton. We heard it a little
differently...and it was reportedly said by Marion Morrison (John Wayne) -- "The
harder I work...the luckier I get!"
Either way, it pretty well summarizes what I was trying to say! - Editor
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XM RADIO
"Thanks
for mentioning the Sirius Emergency Radio System. Maybe you
have mentioned this in the past, I don't recall, but XM Radio
also has a 24/7 emergency channel - 247. Because the XM channel is
full-time, they broadcast even local advisory information. From heat advisories,
to red flag warnings, to detailed road closure information due to localized
flooding. Now that the merger of XM and Sirius has been approved, they
will be eliminating redundant programming. Who knows what the future will
bring." - George Cusack, K6GTC, Ione, CA
"I read the announcement about the Sirius Satellite Radio emergency channel in
the September issue of EM and thought you might want to let everyone
know that XM Radio also has a 24/7 emergency channel."
http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/channelpage.xmc?ch=247
- Linda Robinson, W1MP, Milton,VT
COMMENT: Thanks to both Linda and George. I like the
XM channel number - 247 ("24/7"). I have Sirius Satellite Radio and I
wouldn't be without it. With AM and FM broadcasting leaving a lot to be
desired, both Sirius and
XM are
well worth the price. Especially for travelers...and those of us who live
out in the boondocks. -
Editor
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MEDICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Submitted by Ralph Javins,
N7KGA, Bothell, WA
One of the things often overlooked by people hoping to volunteer and help in
time of a disaster is their own preparedness. They have the radio
equipment and the skills and the support structures in place, but they have left
themselves, literally, wide open to becoming a part of the problem they are
trying to alleviate. I refer to inoculations, immunizations, and
vaccinations.
One of the questions we need to ask our volunteers is; "Have you had your
shots?" Sending someone into an area where the likelihood of
exposure to various bugs due to compromised support facilities and
infrastructure is something we need to keep in mind. Having received
immunizations for tetanus, influenza, hepatitis, and perhaps cholera in some
areas of the United States, is at least highly recommended if not out right
mandatory. If we are going to help in other areas outside of the United
States, there may be other things recommended. The probability of using
"port-a-potties" and other primitive sanitation facilities, outside cooking
facilities, and sleeping in a common area along with many other people, will
increase our possible exposure to various bugs. As a communicator trying
to help, there is no guarantee to us that we will be kept totally separate and
apart from the survivors and refugees of the event where we are trying to
help.
Included with this message to you is a document entitled "Prophylactic*
requirements for deploying volunteers." You as a registered nurse will
recognize the need for this kind of a recommendation. This document was
developed by Marina Zuetell, N7LSL, who is the nominal head and founder of the
Medical Services Team for Western Washington. This group exists to provide
back-up communications for the hospitals in the Puget Sound Area and Western
Washington, and is beginning to develop groups for the hospitals in Eastern
Washington also. I believe that the appropriate URL for their web site is
www.ww7mst.org .
* Prophylactic: "guarding from or preventing the spread or occurrence of disease
or infection."
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THE EM
ADVISOR
The staff of
EMCOMM
MONTHLY is happy to answer your questions to the best of our
ability. Some are
"FAQs" (Frequently Asked Questions) and others are of a specific nature.
Each month, we will answer questions that may have value to other emcomm radio
operators. Technical questions are forwarded to our Technical Advisor, Ed
Ewell, K7DXV. Questions about our ARCT program or NIMS/ICS are forwarded to
Before submitting a question, we ask our readers to check the FAQ page
first...your question may have been asked before. Also, please consider
checking our site search page at:
http://www.emcomm.org/search.htm to see
if your question may have been previously addressed in
EMCOMM
MONTHLY. Thank you.
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Q:
Here in Salt Lake City we have been using the ICS 213 format for messages from
agencies during exercises. When working on an exercise or a real time one the
ICS/NIMS system of control is used. I guess I have to ask this one. Why is
the ARRL message format (still) being used? From what I can determine
there are no government agencies using the ARRL/NTS message format. The
Salvation Army and the Red Cross have their own forms. I have read the
article that was published by the WRRL and agree that with modifications the ICS
213 form will meet the needs of the agency being served. - Jim Samuels, K6TUG,
WRRL 168, Salt Lake City, UT
A: EM
and the
WRRL
have addressed this subject in depth over the past couple of years. See:
April 2007
www.emcomm.org/em/2007/april2007.htm and
June 2008 www.emcomm.org/em/2008/june2008.htm issues.
In the latter, we supplied methods to adapt the ICS 213 for radio traffic.
We encourage all readers to review both of those articles.
Is a shame that something so simple, has been made
so complicated. This is what happens when people who know nothing about
handling message traffic via radio are allowed to make decisions about the
specialty. This is analogous to allowing politicians run our banking system.
(And we all have just seen how well that works!)
REMINDER - It is improper to refer to the universal message (RADIOGRAM)
format as "the ARRL/NTS form". The term universal message format is
the correct nomenclature since it is the only message format that is truly
universal and that works well when messages must be relayed through two or
more stations or must change mode along the way. (Again, refer to
the references provided above for more about the universality.)
We hear a lot of talk about "interoperability" these days, but our observation
is that government agencies are NOT interested in inter-agency traffic
with non-government agencies (NGOs), or traffic with (or on behalf of) the
general public. Government agencies are only interested in their own
traffic...and they will do it whatever way they decide.
As far as "The Salvation Army and the Red Cross have their own forms" is
concerned, this also illustrates what happens when people who know nothing about
radio communications make decisions about our discipline can best do the job.
We still maintain that "a message is a message is a message." In other
words: format it...address it...assign a precedence to it...and whether it is
TACTICAL or FORMAL and whether it is going across town, across the country or
around the world...get it into a net with skilled operators. It makes NO
difference who the originator of the message is or who the addressee is.
This problem all boils down to is "NIH" (NOT INVENTED HERE). Reason is
that "the powers that be" don't seem to give a damn about what works best or
what makes sense! We doubt that these incompatibly problems (as
opposed to interoperability) will ever be resolved. In the
meantime, emcomm traffic handlers will have to live with multiple formats,
methods and message traffic will either be delayed, garbled or not delivered at
all. And (as always) the public suffers. - Editor
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ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor
Regular readers of EM may recall that not quite a year ago I discussed in this
column my experiences on two driving trips, one personal and one business. In both of those rather long trips I
experienced a complete lack of activity on designated “simplex” radio
frequencies. The business trip
involved trying to contact public safety agencies on “V-Call” channels which
have been established for inter-agency interoperability and are supposed to be
monitored 24/7 by agencies which have received federal interoperability grants
(many!). The personal trip resulted
in no traffic being heard and no contacts being made on 146.520 on a 1,400 mile
driving trip through 4 states.
I am pleased to report that, at least as far as the national 2 meter simplex
frequency, I recently had a totally different experience. On a family vacation through southeast
Oregon, Central Idaho, and Western and Central Wyoming (which included parts of
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks), I found a rather significant use of
146.520 even in some very remote locations.
In fact, in some of the places where contacts were made on “.52 simplex”
there was no repeater coverage at all…it was simplex or nothing.
In both Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, I actually heard the “wilderness
protocol” in action. In both parks,
and these were separate, un-related activities, ham hikers in the wilderness
used .52 to check in with other hams who were fixed/portable in campgrounds. In one exchange I overheard, a ham hiker
was advised of a minor emergency involving a family member and the hiker was
able to change his climbing plans so as to return to the campground in a more
timely manner.
The other interesting aspect of this experience was the fact that simplex can
actually be effective over fairly long distances even in rugged terrain. At one point, I was mobile in Yellowstone
Park and made contact with a mobile station over 50 miles away in the Grand
Tetons. Neither of us was at a
particularly high point on the road, but copy was nearly full quieting at both
ends.
The point? Simplex works and it has
a purpose. The more we use it in
non-emergency situations the more familiar we will be with its capabilities in
time of emergency.
73 from NE Oregon de N7WR
WRRL NEWS and NETS
∙ REGIONAL
EMCOMM NETS
(ALL SERIOUS EMCOMM STATIONS WELCOME):
Pacific (and Mountain) Time Zones: PTZNN (aka Jefferson Noon Net/JNN)
daily at 1200 PTZ on 7214± kHz (3911± kHz alternate)
Central (and Eastern) Time Zones: CTZNN Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at
1200 CTZ
on
7214± kHz
∙ WRRL NET
on MONDAYS on 14.280 MHz USB (Alternate: 14.270 or somewhere "in between.")
2000Z (When on Daylight Saving Time) and 2100Z (When on Standard Time)
∙ WRRL
STATION MAP UPDATE
Map showing the location of WRRL stations can be viewed at: http://www.wrrl.org/map
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TRAFFIC
HANDLING
“For want of a letter, a word was
lost.
For want of a word, a message was lost.
For want of a message, a life was lost.”
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"Record Message Traffic, by skilled operators, and by RADIO (only)!"
It's about Dependability, Accuracy and Accountability!
NET and TRAFFIC HANDLING
LINCOLN NOON NET - LNN
(CTZNN)
(Repeated from above)
Larry Jones, WB9FHP, WRRL
188, Net Manager for the CENTRAL TIME ZONE NOON NET (CTZNN) has announced that
the net will now also be known as the:
Lincoln Noon Net. The LNN (aka CTZNN) is on:
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS at 1200 CTZ on 7214 kHz ± LSB.
All emcomm stations in the Central (U.S.) Time Zone, PLUS the Eastern
and Mountain Time Zones are invited to check in.
The LNN and the JNN (Jefferson Noon Net/1200 daily PTZ) on 7214 kHz are for
operators who want to learn and/or practice proper net operating procedures and
standardized traffic handling skills. Stations in the MTZ (band conditions
permitting) can potentially participate in both of these nets, and thereby
provide a relay
circuit between the east coast and the west coast on 40 meters three times a
week! It is anticipated that the LNN will eventually become a daily
circuit.
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THE
“TRAFFIC HANDLER’S MANTRA” (Recite often to help
remember the eight parts in preamble):
“No •
Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
NUMBER • PRECEDENCE
•
HX
(Handling Instructions) •
STATION OF
ORIGIN •
CHECK
•
PLACE OF
ORIGIN •
TIME
•
DATE
To help you to memorize the eight parts of the preamble,
RECITE
the
"Traffic Handlers Mantra" often:
“No •
Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
ASSESS your current traffic handling skill. Take the
"TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE" at:
www.emcomm.org (main page)
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NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (N.E.T.S.)
The NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE uses designated watch and
calling frequencies. Public service amateur radio operators
everywhere are invited to monitor these frequencies whenever possible. But when
disasters or other incidents occur, emcomm operators are asked to warm up their
radios and "light up" the NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE..."24/7". Active
operators know which bands are most likely to be "open" depending upon the time
of day, season, etc.
During disasters and for other emergencies, the frequencies are "open nets".
When traffic becomes heavy, they will become "command and control"
frequencies with a net control station "triaging traffic" and directing stations
with traffic to another (traffic) frequency. (At least 5 kHz away.)
Proper net procedures are essential.
NETS
does not maintain regular schedules and does not handle routine "make work"
messages such as birthday greetings, "your license is about to expire", "book
messages", etc. NETS
is intended to
supplement
and
fortify other networks by providing a vehicle for emcomm
operators to originate, relay and deliver legal radio message traffic (i.e. -
"first class mail") of any precedence, at any time, from and to anyone and
anywhere--especially during disasters or other crises. NETS
stations will cooperate and use other networks that are known to be capable of
accurately and efficiently handling RADIOGRAMS.
NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (NETS) WATCH • MONITOR • CALLING • TRAFFIC
FREQUENCIES
All
listed frequencies (except 60 meters) are nominal. Actual nets may be up or
down as much as 20 kHz
SSB:
• 1982 kHz
• 3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
• 5332 kHz "Up" to other 60M channels as necessary. 50W maximum ERP.
(Activated during actual incidents.)
• 7214 kHz
• 14280 kHz
•
CW:
• 1911 kHz
• 3540 kHz
• 3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
• 7111 kHz
• 10119 kHz
• 14050 kHz
•
•
GULF STATES (LA, MS, TX, AL)
- 7111
kHz 1100Z-2300Z / 3570 kHz 2300Z-1100Z
During EMERGENCIES: 7111
kHz daytime, 3570 kHz nighttime.
(Times approximate depending on band conditions and changes in sunrise/sunset.)
VHF/UHF FM
• LOCAL EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 146.55 MHz
• RED CROSS EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 147.42 MHz
• NATIONAL CALLING SIMPLEX - 146.52 MHz
Frequencies listed may be on or near other established net frequencies.
As a matter of operating courtesy, always move up or down a few kHz to avoid QRM
when a frequency is in use.
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QSH -- (I HAVE HUMOR FOR YOUR STATION)
EM’s Quiz, Survey, and [attempt at] Humor Section...
CRAZY HAND KEY BASES
Whether it's a J-38, a "Navy" type, an old Railroad Road key or something else,
Morse hand keys have been affixed to just about anything and everything.
We (and our readers) would like to see your key, one that you actually use or
have used, and its
crazy hand
key base. Send us a digital picture of your unique and
innovative hand key with base/mount. More than one pic is OK., but
please no common plywood or Masonite® boards, etc. Include a brief description
of your key (manufacturer, brand name, etc.), how long you have had it, and
anything else that is interesting that you would like to share. If we
get a enough interesting pictures of keys and mounts, we will post them on a
special page on EMCOMM.ORG. Send submissions to
emcomm@cot.net
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"SHOW US YOUR SHACK"
•
"SHOW US YOUR SHACK" is at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/shacks
• Send a picture of you
AND
your shack (all in one frame and in JPG or JPEG format) to:
k6soj@wrrl.org
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FEATURE SECTION
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DISASTER
- An Update
An EM advanced studies
training module -- by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, R.N. (retired)*
Three
years ago this month we addressed this topic in
EM. Since then,
we have added hundreds of new subscribers, and in view of multiple recent major
disasters, we are presenting an updated and revised version of the original
article.
DISASTERS may be divided into four chronological phases:
1. The Pre-disaster Phase
2. The Imminent Threat Phase
3. The Disaster Phase
4. The Recovery Phase
Disaster victims (and
relief workers) pass through these stages,
each person at a different rate. Some may bypass one or more stages. In
each stage, specific behaviors will be evident. This knowledge will
prepare workers as to what they may expect in an actual disaster situation.
These emotional reactions and behavioral stages do not discriminate.
Victims, disaster workers of all disciplines, planners and even managers are all
vulnerable. The only known prevention (and cure) is being an experienced
and "seasoned" responder.
In
the Pre-Disaster Phase, delusion and denial are
common. They may be (and often are) collective and contagious. In
my forty-plus years of emergency and disaster work, it has been common to see
these (potentially catastrophic) behaviors displayed not only by the general
populace, but by officials. This is known as the "It won't happen to me" and/or
the "It won't happen here" syndrome.
Once
an Imminent Threat appears or an actual incident occurs, the
next psychological phase is frequently denial and/or disbelief. The less
experience an emergency worker (or leader) has...the higher the probability is
that they will be affected by this "head in the sand" syndrome. They may
become immobilized, unable to think rationally, and may even border on
catatonic. Classic literature reinforces this phenomena. When
Emperor Nero fiddled while Rome was burning (A.D. 64), it was reported
that his last words were: "What an artist the world is losing in me!"
I have seen emergency managers close an EOC on a Friday afternoon while
floodwaters were still rising. Another example of "The Peter
Principle"** from which no organization is immune!
True
panic is fairly rare, however some individuals will display an
excited condition and inappropriate hyper-activity. Both of these
reactions are counter-productive. They are often contagious and any unseasoned
person is at risk, regardless of his or her profession or level of authority.
In the E.R. we used to have a saying: "When in trouble, when in doubt...run in
circles, scream and shout!" I have seen entire trays of instruments
dropped and people running into each other when under pressure.
Typically, a state of euphoria exists. This is the way
some people cope when faced with eminent danger. A good example is the
long tradition of "hurricane parties." Another classic example I witnessed
was when I lived in southern California. I recall watching groups of
people on hilltops on fire service roads, watching a wild fire driven by hot
Santa Ana winds burning homes just across an arroyo enjoying a tail-gate party
and a few cases of beer.
The
Disaster Phase is often characterized by an unrealistic view of
what has happened and how severe the long-range impact may be. Clichés
such as: "Everything will be fine dear...we still have each other." "We
will rebuild and everything will be back to normal in a few months." And
"help is on the way" are commonly heard utterances. The realization that
everything is not going to be fine and that their lives may never get back
to "normal" may not become clear for months...even years.
Pre-existing medical and/or psychological problems may be
exacerbated, and physical and psychological trauma leave permanent scars and
deficits.
Convergence
is a common phenomena. Curious onlookers or opportunists who see an
opportunity to commit a crime or immoral act often arrive at a disaster.
Others who may have good intentions but are ill-prepared also will converge.
This can cause its own problems and will impede an operation. At the
least, it is non- or counter-productive. All volunteers, including emcomm
operators, must also resist the urge to respond in an uncoordinated manner.
There may be exceptions to this, and seasoned operators will know when it is
appropriate to respond. A frequent offense committed by hams is to break into
an emergency or traffic net with no reason other than to say "hello" or to ask
"what's going on?"
Suggestibility
is another behavior you will commonly see. (These people will do what they
are told...even if it's wrong or worse yet, dangerous.) But this phenomenon can
be turned into a positive resource. Seasoned mass care shelter workers know
that one of the best ways to keep evacuees from getting bored, depressed, or
into trouble, is to involve them in some
appropriate
and productive activity. Teenagers and older folks can be put to work
child sitting, caring for animals, etc. Able-bodied survivors can be
involved in feeding or other shelter operations. Experienced
leaders may recruit
on scene
volunteers to help. By assigning able evacuees a task to do, it can be
very theraputic and useful. They might serve as messengers or help out at
a message center. BEWARE, be
very
selective and careful. "A person with a radio and/or a clipboard is
often assumed to be in charge. Add a safety vest or a name tag, and all
doubt vanishes!"
Brotherhood or
neighborliness is often evident. Beware: this can, and
often does, degrade into another behavior you may see (and fall victim
to). It is the: "This is my disaster" syndrome. People may get such a
rush (adrenaline high) from the incident that they actually want it to continue.
Some of this is normal and natural. Relief workers have been helpful and
productive, and they have made some new (possibly life-long) friends.
Camaraderie and esprit de corps is appropriate. But some people just don't
want to work in shifts, take a leave, or simply admit that they are no longer
needed. In my experience, I have actually had to tell very capable, (but
very tired) nurses and/or radio operators to go home (or to their quarters) and
get some rest. Only to see them later milling around the shelter or other
facility an hour later!
Fatigue is a reality that we all will experience.
The old saying
"fatigue and
accidents go
hand in hand"
is very true. Also fatigue and mistakes go together. Radio operators
(especially those handling a large volume of traffic) need frequent breaks.
One hour of heavy traffic handling will do most of us in. Ideally, a
"one-hour-on and one-hour-off" is good for those operating a key or mic.
The "one hour off" does not need to be sitting around...it may be duty at the
service counter. Twelve-hour duty shifts are about the maximum per 24 hours.
And three weeks on a volunteer field assignment is probably longer than any of
us should do. EmComm managers and team leaders
must
make the health and welfare of their team members their highest priority.
The Recovery Phase
is slow to begin and will gradually build momentum and continue until some form
of normalcy returns. This is the phase when volunteerism wanes. The
excitement is over, and the news media has moved on.
"Scapegoating", anger, hostility, and even violence can rear their
ugly heads any time during a disaster...and expect them to continue
indefinitely. These reactions are mentioned because many emcomm operators
responding to a major incident are often inexperienced and unseasoned in
disaster work. We all need to remember that disaster relief workers,
whether they are canteen helpers, family service, shelter workers, medical
personnel, or communicators, are often the targets of unfair verbal (or worse)
attacks. People under extreme stress may lash out and direct their rage
towards whoever happens to be present. If this happens, don't take it
personally. Allow them to "vent" a little if possible. Try to be
understanding and show empathy, but avoid being overly defensive and/or
argumentative. In most large operations mental health professionals or
chaplains will be available to provide counseling. Always know where these
(and all other resources) may be found.
(A word to the wise:
Leave your valuables at home. And always keep an eye on your gear.)
Guilt (inappropriate)
and
situational depression (which may become chronic depression)
often result. In 1972 Hurricane Agnes devastated the entire eastern U.S.
from Florida to New York. The Wilkes-Barre area of Pennsylvania was
extremely hard hit. The University of Pennsylvania conducted a ten-year
study on the psychological effects of the disaster. They reported that ten
years after the flood the suicide rate was still significantly elevated in the
affected area.
Acceptance is the final stage.
Only after accepting the fact that things will probably never be the same again
can a realistic plan for recovery be developed. This applies to
individuals as well as both government and non-government agencies.
* The author is not a psychologist. He is a registered nurse who has
served on countless disasters and crises in various capacities.
However, he did spend four years in a psychiatric hospital. (Not as a
patient, but as a supervising nurse.) He often quips that "the only way
you can tell the staff from the patients is that the staff wear name badges."
** "The Peter Principle" - http://en.wikipediaorg/wiki/Peter_principle
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RECENT CONTRIBUTOR$ - Thank you for your support!
(The individuals listed below have recently made monetary contributions to help EMCOMM MONTHLY
and
EMCOMM.ORG survive.)
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EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG are private
(non-government, non-commercial) endeavors and are funded by donations from emcomm
operators who are concerned about preserving the ability of amateur radio
operators to be prepared to provide skilled, accurate and efficient emergency
communications during times of disaster or other events where normal channels of
communication may be interrupted or overloaded. If you have benefited from
our efforts, and would like to support this work in a tangible way, you may do
so by sending a check or money order payable to:
EMCOMM.
Mail to: EMCOMM,
SORRY: We have no PayPal®, credit card, or other methods to accept the
electronic transfer of funds. "We do it the old fashioned way!"
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
• ICS-ARCT GUIDE:
www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
• WRRL ARCT Page
www.wrrl.org/arct_program/
• TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE:
http://www.emcomm.org/thc
• OPERATING PROCEDURES: www.wrrl.org/operating
• PHONETICS:
www.wrrl.org/operating/itu_phonetics.htm
• RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES:
www.wrrl.org/operating/icao_radiotelephony.htm
• GEAR AND EQUIPMENT LIST:
www.emcomm.org (Click on GEAR CHECK LIST)
• FEMA TRAINING COURSES:
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/crslist.asp
• FEMA TRAINING COURSE IS-700 (NIMS): http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is700.asp
• ARRL FSD-218. The famous “pink card” that contains (almost) “everything
you ever needed to know about RADIOGRAMS”.
An electronic version of FSD-218 is at:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#fsd-218
• NTS page by W7ARC:
http://www.w7arc.com/nts
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) Methods and Practices Guidelines:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/
• PACIFIC AREA TRAFFIC NETS:
http://home.earthlink.net/~k7bfl/nwnets.html
• MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NETWORK:
http://mmsn.org/
• BEAUFORT WINDSPEED SCALE: http://www.zetnet.co.uk/sigs/weather/Met_Codes/beaufort.htm
• NOAA/NWS WINDCHILL CHART:
http://www.weather.gov/os/windchill/index.shtm
• STANDARD TIME ZONE SCALE: http://www.travel.com.hk/region/timezone.htm
• HOSPITAL DISASTER SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (HDSCS): http://www.hdscs.org
• U. S. AIR FORCE Search and Rescue SURVIVAL MANUAL MIRROR SIGNALING (AFM 64-5
Aug. 1969)
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Mirror_Signaling_mid.jpg
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ABOUT ADDRESS CHANGES:
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If you change your email address, be sure to notify us at: www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm
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The opinions expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily reflect the
EM
philosophy, the editorial position of
EM,
or its staff.
ARES®
and
Amateur Radio Emergency Service® are registered service marks of
the
American Radio Relay League Inc., and are used with
permission.
For
permission to reproduce material in EMCOMM MONTHLY
contact: D. W. Thorne at:
k6soj@wrrl.org or write:
EMCOMM MONTHLY,
EM
STAFF:
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ - Editor and Publisher -
k6soj@wrrl.org
Bill Frazier, W7ARC - Associate Editor and Webmaster -
w7arc@wrrl.org
Ed Ewell, K7DXV - Technical Advisor -
k7dxv@wrrl.org
Ed Trump, AL7N - Traffic Editor and Alaska Correspondent -
al7n@wrrl.org
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EMCOMM MONTHLY -- The Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League - WRRL®
EM
is published 10 times a year (September through June) and is copyrighted (c)
2008 - All rights reserved.
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