[ARRL-OK] More on MRC net

[Kostiuk, Ed M.]

Let me follow up with my needs. I understand I can train and possible get licenses for nurses and doctors. However, the bottom line truth is they don't have time to take a radio and talk. They can "dictate" to someone what their needs are but I want professionals on the line with them when they are telling others and me at the Health Dept EOC what is needed. I want that same expertise in my EOC taking those messages and letting us know what is going on. 

After 30 plus years in this business, (EM field) I still don't have my license. Why you may ask? Because in the field and on disasters I'm just way to busy doing management or Search and Rescue to handle a radio. Do I want a professional HAMS beside me? Hell yes. I need you folks and want you there to do your thing when it's needed. 

Even if I got my ticket I would leave that communication device in the CP most of the time and still take someone that can talk for me in the field. On vehicle crashes, I always grab someone that has a cell and have them call in vitals and other important data for me. I'm in the middle of blood and guts and really don't have time to talk. 

It becomes a team concept on disasters or on an emergency operation. Plus trying to save a patient, or trying to explain everything that is going on around you can also convey the wrong message. By having someone next to me is a big help. One final point, do I want to trust Doctors and Nurses on handling a basic HAM radio?....NO

Ed 


-----Original Message-----
From: Lloyd Colston [mailto:kc5fm at ureach.com]
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2005 12:53 PM
To: ARRL-ok List
Subject: Re: [ARRL-OK] More on MRC net

Kostiuk, Ed M. wrote:

>
>I understand the need not to create another system but for deployment purposes and as a State Agency under EMAC I cannot deploy anyone unless they fall under a program that we fund (meaning MRC). All other groups would be on their own for deployment purposes. As
>
I understand, Ed, and agree completely.  In fact, I've been saying that
for years now.  I can't send a resource I don't have.  I don't have a
resource that has not enrolled in Mayes County RACES program.  I can't
insure someone who's not willing to play with me.  Thankfully, about a
third of this County EM roster is comprised of amateur radio operators.

Mark,

What you are proposing is good.  However, it is premature.  You, first,
have to build the team and then decide the technology necessary to make
the team valuable to the served Agency (changes from deployment to
deployment).

It's like saying ALL Ford drivers may enroll in the program.  That cuts
out Chevy drivers like me.  What Medical Reserve Corp and the State
Health Department is asking for is ALL car drivers to enroll in the
program.  Change all references from cars to amateur radios and drivers
to amateur radio operators to complete the analogy.

THEN the team can work on a cache of equipment needed to deploy with the
team.  It will be the team that will use the cache.  It should be the
team, in partnership with the served Jurisdiction, that decides what
communications needs there are and what solutions need to be sent to
meet the need.

BTW, I am getting feedback from other jurisdictions who are in the
process of doing what Mayes County has done, i.e. upgraded the amateur
radio equipment owned by local government.  It is hopeful that State
Health can fund some or part of the equipment needs.  Perhaps we can
attract funding from the League and a number of other grantees, ex.
amateur radio manufacturers.

However, it all starts with HAMS signing up for the program and help
move the mission through deciding what equipment to send/take to
actually going.

Definitions:   EMAC = Emergency Management Assistance Compact ... this
is a document signed by the States that works like mutual aid
agreements.  For example, if Mississippi needs bandaids, they ask
through EMAC.  Tennessee fills the need for all or part of the bandaid
needs through EMAC.

MRC = Medical Reserve Corps ... under the umbrella of Citizen Corps
(http://www.citizencorps.gov/programs) ... a government program that
includes oversight of Community Emergency Response Teams, MRC,
Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers in Police Service, Fire Corps, etc. 
Medical Reserve Corp was, initially, for retired doctors and nurses to
become a pool of trained medical reservists.  As you have seen, the MRC
has deployed folks from OK to MS, LA, and Gruber.  In fact, this weekend
MRC volunteers are helping at a flu shot clinic in Tulsa County.  In
other words, it's not just for retirees.

Let me know how more I can help.

--


Lloyd Colston             Mayes County Emergency Management
Pryor, OK USA           http://www.mayescem.us

"The President can make you a general, but only communications
can make you a commander."  General Curtis LeMay