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1987-09-20
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FINDER.INT - Introduction and Overview for FINDER/FINDHW Version 2.0
FINDER/FINDHW
Family INformation Database for Emergency Responders
Family INformation Database for Health and Welfare
I. INTRODUCTION
FINDER/FINDHW is basically a multiple connect, specialized bulletin board
system (BBS) tailored to store and retrieve basic information about people in
an emergency. The system operates in two distinct modes: Emergency Responder
Mode and Health and Welfare Mode. When we speak about features of the system
common to both modes, we use the word "FINDER", and when we need to speak about
the two modes separately, we use "FINDER/FINDHW" or simply "ER" mode and "HW"
mode. The actual operating mode is chosen by the system operator when the
FINDER/FINDHW program is started.
In ER mode, FINDER is a service for the emergency responder (e.g., fire
fighter, policeman, amateur radio operator). FINDER allows the emergency
responder to obtain information about his/her family members during a
widespread emergency that overloads normal communications channels. This
allows the emergency responder to more effectively concentrate on the emergency
response. With alternate power sources and their own frequencies, Amateur
Radio Operators can provide the FINDER service without tying up critical
communications channels or relying on commercial power. The ER mode is
characterized by short, abbreviated pieces of information so a large number of
people can be accommodated in the available database storage space and channel
bandwidth.
In HW mode, FINDHW is a patient / victim / personnel tracking system. The
information stored is more flexible and more detailed, and therefore more
general. For example, after a localized disaster such as a train wreck or
toxic spill, ARES/RACES operators may want to keep track of which persons went
to which hospital or shelter, along with a brief message about each person.
Because the information is more detailed in the HW mode, fewer persons can be
accommodated with fixed packet channel bandwidth and storage space.
II. FINDER SYSTEM OVERVIEW
A. Four Major Elements
There are four major elements to the FINDER system:
o FINDER software and database (at one centrally located packet station)
o Data Concentrators (packet operators)
o Voice operators (as needed, to send data to packet operators by voice)
o FINDER Data Cards
The central element of the FINDER system is the FINDER software and database
station. The FINDER database program collects and collates current information
about people in the system, such as emergency responders and their families or
persons involved in a localized disaster. This occurs by exchanging packets
in a precise, well-defined format with a group of data concentrator packet
stations that are all simultaneously connected to the main database station.
Data Concentrators (packet operators) extend the coverage of the FINDER system.
They are the input/output ports of the FINDER database. The Data Concentrators
also act as local net controls for the various participating voice operators
within their range. If voice operators are not needed, the packet operators
interact with the public directly and originate both current information and
status requests (searches of the database).
The Voice Operators enter the FINDER system when the points of contact with
those needing information are numerous and/or spread over a wide area. These
Amateurs are also the public face of the FINDER system. They can be the
'reporters' live at the scene, sending status updates and requests to the Data
Concentrators. They also ensure delivery of responses to the persons making
status requests.
Emergency responders, their families, evacuees located at a particular shelter,
and responsible agency officials access the FINDER system by filling out the
FINDER Data Cards.
III. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Sharon Moerner, N6MWD, FINDER Committee Chairperson
Dick Rawson, N6CMJ
Randy Miltier, N6HMO
Weo Moerner, WN6I, FINDER Programmer
Dave Palmer, N6KL, FINDER Programmer
Bill Robinson, WB6OML
Don De Groot, KA6TGE
Glenn Thomas, WB6W, SCV Section Manager
Don Tsusaki, WW6Z, FINDER manual editor
All ham radio operators in the Santa Clara Valley Section that have
participated in the various alpha and beta tests of the FINDER system.
September 20, 1987