[W2CRA] Your Thoughts

[Bill Powell]

Fellow CRA Members,

I intend to introduce a motion at the next board meeting to prohibit the use of CRA-II facilities by ANYONE other than individual hams.  During declared emergencies and drills ARES, where representing recognized NGOs (Red Cross, Salvation army...) and recognized government emergency management departments shall also be permitted.

It has come to my attention that New Jersey Health and Human Services is purchasing ham equipment for hospitals and, possibly, nursing home in the state.  Their intent is to "train operators" (their words) on their staff and use the ham equipment "in emergencies" to establish and maintain communications - between themselves?

I don't know about you but I see several Part 97 issues here.
1) Hospitals charge for EVERYTHING they do, even if it is buried somewhere,
2) Only some staff would be trained and would be expected to set up and use the equipment when management deems it necessary.

The attitude seems to be that, during an "emergency", they feel they can do whatever they want and that since they're "the state", they can get away with it.

Your thoughts?
Bill - WB1GOT