No subject

02/21/2013 
The American Red Cross has made the decision to phase out and decommission
its Emergency Communication Response Vehicles (ECRVs), due to changes in
technology, as well as a new satellite system and other factors regarding
the vehicle fleet. "Retrofitting the decade-old vehicles with new equipment
is not a good use of donated funds, as the long-term strategy is to move to
more portable systems," American Red Cross Disaster Services Technology
Manager Keith Robertory, KG4UIR, told the ARRL. "This is consistent with the
trends in the telecom and technology industries."

The American Red Cross will be removing the Amateur Radios from the ECRVs as
part of the decommissioning process. These radios will either become part of
the deployable inventory or provided to the local American Red Cross chapter
to build local capacity. Equipment that can be used by the American Red
Cross will not be phased out with the vehicle. According to Robertory, every
communication capability of the ECRV already exists -- or will soon exist --
as a rapidly deployable kit that can be loaded on any vehicle that is owned
or rented by the American Red Cross, providing more flexibility in shaping
its response to match the disaster.

"From a radio perspective, the American Red Cross has a variety of different
kits for amateur, business and public safety bands covering HF, VHF and UHF
with portable radios, mobile units and base stations," he explained.
"Two-way radio remains a valuable tool, providing communications in the
initial days or weeks of a disaster, until normal communications is
restored. Each American Red Cross chapter should continue with -- and
improve -- the relationship with their local Amateur Radio operators. In a
disaster, Amateur Radio will be the fastest deployed radio network because
operators already live in the impacted communities."

Robertory called the ECRV operators "the key to the success of the ECRV
program through the years," saying their skills, dedication and flexibility
have made the ECRV one of the most visible aspects of the American Red Cross
Disaster Technology team. The ability to establish connectivity and
communications remains vital to the American Red Cross, and their skills
will continue to be needed as the American Red Cross implements new
technology strategy and tactics. The commitment and flexibility of
technologists -- including radio operators -- is what makes technology on a
disaster successful. Building our future path based on the lessons we have
learned is important to keep us all successful."

Radio amateurs who are concerned about how the decommissioning of ECRVs will
affect opportunities to serve the American Red Cross can be assured that
such opportunities still exist. "This should not be seen as a setback for
those radio amateurs who are working with the American Red Cross," said ARRL
Emergency Preparedness Manager Mike Corey, KI1U. "In disaster response,
adaptability is critical and keeping up with new technology is essential.
This all must be done with a mind toward an effective and efficient
response. Amateurs have played an important role in assisting the American
Red Cross with their mission and I know we will continue to do so in the
future."

Information about how to purchase these vehicles will be shared at a later
date.
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