ERMA 
(EMCOMM Responder - Mutual Assistance)

GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS:

1. The “ERMA” program is not for everyone...but if you wish to be in a data
base for possible mutual assistance response...read on.

2. You MUST be an active and current registered Disaster Service Worker (DSW) with at least one EMCOMM unit.  (E.g. - ARES, ACS and/or RACES, CDF/VIP, etc.) - REGISTRATION WITH AS MANY “SERVED AGENCIES” AS POSSIBLE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

2. This is primarily for the SV Section; but...

3. If you are in Oregon, Nevada, the SF Section, or elsewhere, you may still register as a mutual assistance responder. The data will be stored and made available to your DEC, SEC, and/or regional ACS Officer when needed.

4. No ERMA operator will be deployed without notification of, and approval by, their local EC or other EMCOMM leader.

5. This is also a regional resource pool from which Mutual Assistance TEAMS (e.g.- ARESMATS), can be assembled.

6. Only one person per registration form please.  (E.g. - if a couple, each one must register separately.  If you can only respond together, please indicate that under: “other”.)

7. If you cannot, or are not able to, respond to field operations; but you are available to serve as a relay station/monitor during mutual assistance incidents, you may also register. Indicate that under: “other”, and state if you are an Official ARRL Emergency or Relay Station.

8. By registering as an “ERMA” (EMCOMM Responder - Mutual Assistance) it is automatically assumed that:
- You have the appropriate personal gear to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 48 hours (72 hours or longer is recommended);

- You will carry a power source (battery or generator) to sufficiently support your mobile/portable station for a minimum of 48 hours.

- Both YOU and your VEHICLE are properly licensed and insured.

- You carry a quickly deployed, portable, HF NVIS antenna kit.

- You are familiar with mutual assistance plans and procedures.

- You know and use ITU phonetics.

- You are capable of handling formal (RADIOGRAM) traffic, and carry a supply
of blank forms and other related materials.

9. Assignments will vary in duration; and may last from being “cancelled” while en route, to a few hours, to a few days, or possibly longer.  Responders are only obligated for the amount of time they agree to for a particular incident.