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Santa Clara Valley Section American Radio Relay League Amateur Radio Emergency Service EMERGENCY RESPONDER MANUAL Rev 1.01 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 1.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 1 1 PART ONE - How to be an Emergency Responder Introduction 2.1 What is ARES? 3.1 ARES Organization 4.1 Duties of the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) 5.1 Duties of the District Emergency Coordinator (DEC) 6.1 Duties of the Emergency Coordinator (EC) 7.1 Duties of the Site Supervisor 7.1 Duties of the Emergency Responder 8.1 Who Does ARES Help? 9.1 RACES or ARES? 10.1 How to contact ARES 11.1 Type of ARES Nets 11.1 Being Part of an ARES Net 13.1 ARES Message Form 14.1 How to Send a Message 15.1 ARES Alerts 16.1 How to Respond 17.1 How are You Dispatched 17.1 Equipment Lists 20.1 PART TWO - ARES Operations/Types of Assignment Special Events Communications-Are They Legal? 22.1 Shadow Duty 23.1 Public Service Events 24.1 Red Cross Operations 25.1 Operations at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 27.1 Multi-Casualty Incident Plan (MCIP) 27.1 Fire Support Operations 31.1 Helicopter Oprations 35.1 Safety as an ARES Responder 35.1 Stress Management 37.1 Conclusion 45.1 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 2.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 2 1 Part I How to be an Emergency Responder Part I How to be an Emergency Responder Introduction: Introduction: Congratulations! You just survived the latest 8.0 earthquake and decided it was time to dust off this manual and find out a little about ARES. Or heaven forbid, you actually decided to read this manual before you need it. In either case the SCV Emergency Responder's Manual should supply you with the information you need to succeed as an ARES Emergency Responder. The Emergency Responder's Manual is divided into two major sections. The first half of the manual introduces what ARES is, how the organization is structured, and how the organization functions, i.e. how we do our thing. In this vein the topics covered include items such as how to handle traffic, what equipment you should set aside for emergencies, etc. After you complete the first half of the manual you should have the basic information you need to participate in an ARES function. The second half of the manual is intended as a quick reference for each of the possible assignments you might encounter while working with ARES. This section is organized by activity to allow you to quickly locate information concerning a specific assignment. Information covered in each of these descriptions includes the type of traffic you can expect to see, special equipment needed, special training requirements, and safety considerations. Well, thats it.....Good Luck! 73's de Steve Wilson, KA6S Section Manager, SCV Section Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 3.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 3 1 What is ARES? What is ARES? Amateur Radio has a long and honored tradition of providing communications for both special events and during times of emergency. This is in keeping with a portion of the stated purpose for amateur radio found in Part 97 of the FCC rules which states: 97.1(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communications service, particularly with respect to providing emergency service. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is that part of the ARRL field organization responsible for providing a trained and disciplined pool of operators who are ready to render aid in times of emergency. ARES operations might involve anything from supplying communications for a bike-a-thon too providing the only working communications during a natural disaster. This wide spectrum of activity is in keeping with both the requirements of Part 97 and amateur radio's tradition of public service. ARES activities also have the added benefit of providing a positive view of our hobby to the public. The public may see amateurs assisting as volunteers during special events, or as willing and capable assets to our communities during times of disaster. These images translate into a solid positive impression of our hobby. ARES is probably one of the best "Public Relations" tools we have! Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 4.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 4 1 ARES Organization: ARES Organization: ARES is a part of the ARRL field organization. Within that organization there is an "officer corp" of people who contribute their time and talents to making the various ARRL programs a success. ARES has an inverted tree management structure at the root of which is the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC). Below the SEC are the District Emergency Coordinators (DEC) who are typically appointed at the county level by the SEC. Below each DEC is a group of Emergency Coordinators (EC) who are responsible at the city level. Each EC may appoint several Assistant Emergency Coordinators (AEC)s to fulfill various job functions within a city ARES organization. ------------- | Section | | Emergency | | Coordinator | ------------- | ------------- | District | | Emergency | | Coordinator | ------------- | -------------- ------------- -------------- | City | | City | | City | | Emergency |---| Emergency |---| Emergency | | Coordinator | | Coordinator | | Coordinator | -------------- ------------- -------------- | | | | ------------ | ------------| Shift |---------- | Supervisor | ------------ | -------------- ------------- ------------- | City | | City | | City | | ARES Team | | ARES Team | | ARES TEAM | -------------- ------------- -------------- Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 5.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 5 1 Duties of the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC): Duties of the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC): The SEC serves as the Assistant Section Manager for emergency prepardness. Thus the SEC is concerned with all issues relating to emergency communications and the ARES on a Section-wide level. Some of the management functions performed by the SEC include: a) Making/canceling all ARES appointments within the Section. b) Coordinate ARES operations with other Section Leadership Officials, particularly the Public Information Coordinator (PIC) and the Section Traffic Manager (STM). c) Collect and consolidate EC/DEC monthly reports for submission to ARRL HQ in a timely manner. d) Act as final arbiter within the Section on matters relating to ARES policy. An SEC also performs tasks that relate to promotion of the ARES within the Section such as: a) Promote ARES membership drives, meetings, activities, tests, and procedures (such as this manual). b) Encourage groups of community amateurs to establish local emergency organizations. The operations role of the SEC involves acting at the Section level to: a) Maintain contact with other communications services and serve as liaison to agencies which have a jurisdiction above the county level such as the California State Office of Emergency Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the National Weather Service. b) Coordinate mutual aid response both inside and outside the Section. c) Coordinate the communications structure established to support emergencies that have a Section-wide scope. This might involve making decisions about frequency usage, coordinating with repeater groups during an incident, etc. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 6.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 6 1 Duties of the District Emergency Coordinator (DEC): Duties of the District Emergency Coordinator (DEC) Since ARES tries to match itself to the agencies we serve, our appointment structure below the SEC matches the political lay of the land. The DEC is charged with coordinating ARES programs at the county level. As a manager this involves: a) Acting as liaison to county government through the county Office of Emergency Services (OES) and other county level groups such as the Emergency Manager's Association. b) Coordinate the training, organization and participation of Emergency Coordinators in the county. This includes organizing the county Simulated Emergency Test (SET) every year. c) Coordinate the interrelationship between local emergency plans such as frequency coordination. d) Recommend EC appointments to the SEC. e) Coordinate the reporting and documenting of ARES activities in the county. A DEC also has a complex and varied role to play in any actual ARES operation. This involves items such as: a) Making local decisions concerning the allotment of available amateurs and equipment during an emergency. b) Provide direction in the routing and handling of emergency communications of either a formal or tactical nature. c) Coordinate with served agencies to determine their respective needs. d) General problem solver! All of these are activities which must essentially remain in effect around the clock during extended ARES operations. No one person can be available 24 hours a day thus the DEC or SEC may appoint "Shift Supervisors" to act in the DEC's place when the DEC isn't directly available. The Shift Supervisor may be any trained individual that the DEC feels is qualified to handle the function. This person carries the same load as the DEC during their respective shift and should be given all possible cooperation. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 7.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 7 1 Duties of the Emergency Coordinator (EC): Duties of the Emergency Coordinator (EC): Within ARES the Emergency Coordiantor (EC) is the front line manager of an ARES team. Nominally each city within a county has a single individual assigned to act as EC for that city. This person is responsible for: a) Manage and coordinate the training, organization, and emergency participation of interested amateurs within their cities. b) Establish an emergency communications plan for the community that will effectively support the city agencies. c) Establish a viable working relationship with the city govern- ment and all private agencies operating within the city. d) Establish local communications networks run on a regular basis and periodically test those networks by conducting realistic drills such as the Simulated Emergency Test (SET). e) In times of disaster evaluate the communications needs of the city and respond quickly to these needs. The EC will assume authority and responsibility for emergency response and performance within the city. ECs bear the brunt of the management load in times of disaster and are consequently given a wide area of authority within the ARES organization. They also, however, rely on the experience and advice of the entire Section Staff to help them perform their duties. Site Supervisor's Duties: Site Supervisor's Duties: Any time more than one ARES operator is placed at a specific location a Site Supervisor should be appointed for that shift. Nominally the EC will designate one operator at each location. The Site Supervisor's will act as a liaison between the ARES operators and the group being served by the ARES team. The Site Supervisor should: a) Determine if any adjustments should be made in the staffing requirements for their location. b) Ensure that a new shift arriving is fully briefed on their assignments before the previous shift is relieved. c) Handle local questions about traffic routing. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 8.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 8 1 Emergency Responder's Duties: Emergency Responder's Duties: The individual ARES team member provides emergency communications under adverse conditions. To prepare for this assignment the ARES member should attempt to avail themselves of all training oportunities, gather and prepare their equipment for extended field use, and practice traffic handling and net operations. There is an implied commitment that an ARES team member will try to make himself and his equipment available during disaster situations. This is not to say that this obligation should come before work or family. Simply put, you cannot help others until your own house is in order. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 9.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 9 1 Who does ARES help? Who does ARES help? ARES serves many masters, and each of these served agencies has different needs and expections from ARES. Due to these varied requirements ARES has developed a diverse set of capabilities to support our different missions. When working with local governments ARES teams nominally work with Police and Fire officials. Our missions might include supplementing city communications capability by setting up a station at an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), dispatching shadows with city VIPs, or providing communications between the EOC and various field locations such as shelters. As an example of some of the resources that have already been put in place in support of these missions most city EOCs already have amateur antennas in place, along with antennas at several pre-identified schools intended for use as shelters. At the county level ARES interracts with the county Office of Emergency Services. ARES might be asked to provide EOC to EOC communications links, communications between the county seat and city EOCs, or communications to state government entities. Several agencies of the state government use amateur radio to supplement their capabilities. Perhaps the best known of these is the Volunteers in Prevention (VIP) program sponsored by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Pretection (CDF). VIPs have received special training in fire line safety, and other aspects of fire prevention/suppression activities. CDF uses VIPs during large wildland fires to supply additional communications channels between the incident and the ranger unit headquarters, shadows for CDF officers, or in helping solve difficult communications problems induced by the surrounding terrain. There is also a "Memoradum Of Understanding" (MOU) between the American National Red Cross and the ARRL that establishes a cooperative environment between the two organizations. Under the authority of this agreement, ARES provides needed communications on the Red Cross's behalf. This might entail shadow duty, shelter communications, or providing other technical assistance. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 10.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 10 1 RACES or ARES? RACES or ARES? RACES, the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service, is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and is part of the Amateur Radio Service that provides communications for civil preparedness purposes only, during periods of local, regional or national civil emergencies. These emergencies are not limited to war-related activities, but can include natural disasters such as fires, floods and earthquakes. As defined in the rules, RACES is a radiocommunications service, conducted by volunteer licensed amateurs, designed to provide ermergency communications to local or state civil-preparedness agencies. It is important to note that RACES operation is authorized by the FCC at the request of a state or federal offical, and this operation is strictly limited to official civil-preparedness activity in the event of an emergency communications situation. Amateurs operating in a local RACES organization must be officially enrolled in that local civil-preparedness group. RACES operation is conducted by amateurs using their own primary station license. The FCC no longer issues new RACES (WC prefix) station call signs. Operator privileges in RACES are dependent upon, and identical to, those for the class of license held in the Amateur Radio Service. All of the authorized frequencies and emissions allocated to the Amateur Radio Service are also available to RACES on a shared basis. But in the event that the President invokes his War Emergency Powers, amateurs involved with RACES would be limited to certain specific frequencies while all other amateur operations would be silenced. While RACES was originally based on potential use for wartime, it has evolved over the years to encompass all types of emergencies. When operating in a RACES capability, RACES stations and amateurs registered in the local RACES organization may not communicate with amateurs NOT operating in a RACES capacity. Only civil preparedness communications can be transmitted. Although RACES and ARES are separate entities, the ARRL advocates dual membership and cooperative efforts between both groups whenever possible. The RACES regulations now make it simple and possible for an ARES group whose members are all enrolled and certified by RACES to operate in an emergency with great flexibility. Using the same operators and the same frequencies an ARES group can "switch hats" as required with no interruption of service. This attitude is the official policy of the SCV Section, and in most counties within the section ARES and RACES are now indistinguishable. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 11.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 11 1 As a practical matter, enrolling as a RACES member within the State of California requires registering with the county government and signing a loyalty oath. This entitles the registrant to Workman's Compensation benefits for any accidents occuring during officially designated activities. How to Contact ARES: How to Contact ARES: As described previously, each city has an Emergency Coordinator who is responsible for the ARES team in his respective city. An up- to-date list of EC's is available in the SCV Shift Supervisor Manual. The list contains the phone number for each of the ECs in in the Section. Emergency Coordinators also check into the Section Manager's Net held on Tuesday nites at 9:00pm every week. Common frequencies are WB6ADZ/R, 146.115+, and W5RBK/R, 440.100+. Types Of Emergency Nets Types Of Emergency Nets There are three types of nets which might be set up during an ARES event. These are the TACTICAL NET, RESOURCE NET, and the COMMAND NET. Which net, or whether all three evolve during an event is strictly a function of the size of the event. Tactical Net: The "Tactical Net" is the "front line" net during an incident. This type of net is typically used by a single city to manage amateur radio operations within that city's boundaries. There may be several tactical nets for a single operation depending on the volume of traffic. Types of traffic which might exist on this net could be anything from traffic handling to co-ordination of ARES efforts to recruiting. When an event grows beyond the boundaries of a single city/agency to the point where mutual aid is necessary, it becomes necessary to create the next type of net, the "Resource Net." Resource Net: A "Resource Net" is primarily used to recruit resources (both operators and equipment) in support of mutual aid operations. The "Resource Net" evolves as a natural outgrowth of the size of the incident. The "Resource Net" is also used as a check-in point before an assigned responder leaves for his/her assignment. As the size of an operation increases and more ARES jurisdictions become involved in the incident, a "Command Net" may become necessary. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 12.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 12 1 Command Net The "Command Net" allows the ARES leadership to communicate with each other to resolve amateur radio operations-related problems. This is also the net which would be used to allow cities to talk to each other. It is conceivable that this net could become cluttered with a high volume of traffic; it may be necessary to create further tactical nets to allow this traffic to flow efficiently. As an added note, when other agencies such as Red Cross establish their own nets they are considered tactical nets. Each such tactical resource should have someone monitoring the main Command Net so that they can respond to Agency to Agency requests. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 13.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 13 1 Being Part of an ARES Net: Being Part of an ARES Net: Taking part in an ARES net and learning how to handle traffic are perhaps the two major required of an ARES team member. Being a successful participant of an ARES net requires exercising some discipline, and observing a few basic rules of the road: 1) Report to the Net Control Station (NCS) promptly as soon as you arrive at your station. 2) Ask the NCS for permission before you use the frequency. 3) Only use the frequency for traffic, not for chit-chat. 4) Answer promptly when called by the NCS. 5) Use tactical call signs whenever possible. 6) Follow the net protocol established by the NCS. Getting on and off the net is important, but traffic handling techniques are important, also. The first step in the process is getting all the information needed for the message: 1) Get the exact title/address of the addressee from the sender. This is EXTREMELY important to guarantee the accurate prompt delivery of the message. 2) Make the message as short and consise as possible when originating your own message traffic. If handed a message originated by someone else, do not modify it. Send the message exactly as it is written. It is not as important that you understand the message content, as it is that the addressee receive an unaltered message. 3) Get an exact title of the sender. If a response is required, the exact name and title of the sender will become very important. 4) Number, log and time stamp the messages as you send them. This will allow you to reference the messages more easily later. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 14.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 14 1 Message Form: Message Form: Below is a suggested message form that may be used on a tactical net. This should serve you under most circumstances. If an agency has created a different message form, then use that form instead. +--------------------------------------------------------------+ +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | ARES Message Form | | ARES Message Form | | | | | | To: ______________________________ Date: ______________ | | To: ______________________________ Date: ______________ | | ______________________________ Time: ______________ | | ______________________________ Time: ______________ | | Title: ______________________________ Msg #: _____________ | | Title: ______________________________ Msg #: _____________ | | Message: _________________________________________________ | | Message: _________________________________________________ | | __________________________________________________________ | | __________________________________________________________ | | __________________________________________________________ | | __________________________________________________________ | | __________________________________________________________ | | __________________________________________________________ | | __________________________________________________________ | | __________________________________________________________ | | __________________________________________________________ | | __________________________________________________________ | | | | | | Signed: ______________________________ | | Signed: ______________________________ | | Title: ______________________________ | | Title: ______________________________ | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 15.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 15 1 How to Send the Message: How to Send the Message: Now that all the information for the message has been accquired, check into the net and ask the Net Control Station for permission to pass traffic to the destination station. After the NCS tells you to go ahead with your traffic make a directed call to the destination station. Once the destination station acknowledges your call inform the station you have traffic for them and to let you know when they are ready to copy the traffic. When the destination station acknowledges they are ready to receive the message, begin transmission of the message by SLOWLY stating to whom the message is addressed, along with any title. Perhaps the best way to pace your transmission rate is to write down the message as you are sending it. After you have sent the addressee's name and title, pause to ensure that the receiving station has a solid copy. The receiving station may ask you to repeat a certain word or phrase that they were not able to copy accurately. After sending addressee header, send the main body of the message. Again...go slowly! Use phonetics to spell out difficult words as needed. Pause at the end of each sentence to give the receiving station a chance to ask you for a repeat of a word or phrase, called a "fill". Finally, send the signature and title of the originating official. Once the receiving station has acknowledged that they have received the message correctly, pass the frequency back over to Net Control. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 16.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 16 1 Alerts: Alerts: ARES begins to react ONLY when we've been alerted. Some situations are "self-alerting" like an earthquake, i.e. everyone knows it happened. However, under normal circumstances an agency needing our help will contact us by calling a responsible officer of ARES by phone, or calling a reverse autopatch to get hold of us. Each of these alerting methods requires ARES to respond in a slightly different manner. If you feel an earthquake the FIRST thing you should do is make sure your own location is secure. Once you're sure of your own situation turn your radio on and LISTEN to the resource net. Call net control ONLY if you have damage or injuries to report. During the initial minutes after a quake the resource net will be trying to determine what areas are damaged, and deal with anyone that needs immediate help. Stay off the frequency and listen! Listen for your EC to come up on the resource frequency and give instructions for your team. Your EC will give you the necessary information to allow you to respond. If you have the ability to listen to more than one frequency you might also monitor your city simplex frequency. The other major way that you will be alerted to an emergency is by receiving a phone call from another amateur via your ARES team phone tree. This works differently in each of the cities. One system involves you simply reacting to the phone call by turning on your radio to the city simplex channel and waiting for the EC to give you directions, another reaction might involve you passing the alert message to a small list of hams on your own mini phone tree before you finally turn on your radio. The final system you might encounter is to hear the phone patch on your local repeater ringing. If you have the codes to answer the phone do so and write down the information the caller gives you. After you get all of the information contact your EC, or DEC immediately so that they can begin the appropriate alert procedure. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 17.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 17 1 How To Respond: How To Respond: Now that you've received an alert the first thing you have to do is ensure your own situation before you can render aid to someone else. Check that the building your in isn't falling around you, etc. Next take care of your own home and family. This includes making sure that your family is ready to deal with the problems they are likely to encounter. The best way to do this is by prepartion before the emergency. Talk about what your're likely to be involved with and how the family is going to deal with it. Another aspect to consider is having food and equipment ready to go so that you're self-sufficient. Try to have sufficient supplies to last for 72 hours without outside help. How are You Dispatched? How are You Dispatched? There are two methods of dispatch employed by ARES. These are self-dispatch, and dispatch via assignement from the Resource net. How you are dispatched depends on the emergency plan for your city. Self-Dispatching means going to a pre-assigned location after you become aware of the emergency. Your responsibility might involve heading for the local hospital, or getting to the EOC as quickly as possible. Your EC would have established your responsibilities in prior training if your city plan employs self-dispatching. Self-Dispatching has the advantage of putting trained individuals into critical spots quickly. The tradeoff for this form of dispatch is depending on specific individuals being available when the emergency is declared. Self-dispatching DOES NOT mean heading to your position on a whim. You would respond under specific conditions, i.e. a severe earthquake occured, or you were activated by phone tree. These conditions should be outlined in your city emergency plan. Ask your EC. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 18.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 18 1 The Resource Net is the other mechanism employed by ARES for organizing man-power/hardware availability. Each county employs a single resource frequency where you can normally expect to find the net operating. The resource net's job is to recruit operators to fill job slots that have been requested for staffing by ARES. If you are available(and trained) to fill a job that the resource net is trying to fill then simply call the Resource NCS and give NCS the information s/he asks for. Nominally the NCS will ask for your name, call-sign, and a phone number you can be reached at. A VERY important step in this process is asking NCS what special equipment/training you might need for the job you're going to fill. Please DO NOT volunteer for a job that you don't have the training/ equipment for. There will normally be plenty of positions that need filling, don't put yourself at risk by stepping into a situation you're not prepared for. Resource NCS will give you a time that you need to be on station. You should also find out who you should report too when you arrive. If there are any other special instructions, or if you have questions about how to get to the assignment this is the time to ask Resource. Responding to Your Assignment: Responding to Your Assignment: Before you travel to your assignment you should check in with Resouce NCS and advise him/her that you are in-route to your assignment. Timely notification allows the Resource NCS to verify that all assignments are going to be filled as expected. Plan on arriving at your assignment at least one half hour early. You want to relieve the previous shift on time because: 1) You expect the next shift to relieve you on time thus you should provide the same courtesy to the person you're relieving. 2) You need to receive a thorough briefing from the previous shift about the duties of the position you are taking over. You want to arrive at the assignment safe and sound so use care in driving to the assignment. Do NOT drive like an emergency vehicle with the lights and siren running. If you have some form of identification for your car like the magnetic signs which say "Amateur Radio Communications" you should install them before you leave. This may help you get past road blocks, etc. a little more easily as you proceed to your assignment. Even with identification on your car you still might be stopped by law enforcement officials. Try to explain to the officer where you are going and why. If this doesn't work then call the Resource NCS and inform them of the situation. It may be necessary to contact the appropriate agency to get you past the road block. Just remain patient. The message will eventually get through and so will you. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 19.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 19 1 Once you arrive at the assignment you should collect your gear and make contact with the person named by Resource NCS . This might be the operator you are relieving, the amateur radio Site Supervisor, or a liasion officer for the agency you're helping. This contact person should be able to either brief you on the job you are going to do, or direct you to the person who can. Once you get that briefing, you're ready to go! Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 20.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 20 1 Minimum Equipment List: Minimum Equipment List: Anytime you respond for an ARES event, whether training or the real thing, there is a minimum set of equipment you should bring with you to get the job done. These items are: 1) Yourself! 2) A 2m HT. 3) An ARES ID card. 4) A 2m Magmount. 5) Spare batteries. 6) An ear-phone. 7) An ARES hardhat. 8) Appropriate clothing. 9) Paper and Pencil. The majority of these items should be kept in a "Ready Box" so that all you need to do is pick up the box and you will be ready to go. You might also consider the items on the following list for inclusion in this ready box. This list is designed to allow you to stay in the field for up to 72 hours. Extended List: Extended List: 1. Radio license 2. message forms, log books, etc. 3. Toolbox (72 hours) a. pliers b. screwdrivers c. socket wrenches d. electricians tape e. soldering iron and solder f. VOM 4. Radio gear a. Rigs, i.e. other than 2m ht b. Mike for the above radios c. headphones d. power supply e. extra batteries f. antennas with mounts g. Patch cords h. SWR bridge(VHF and HF) i. extra coax 5. Personal gear (short duration) a. snacks b. liquid refreshment c. throat lozenges d. personal medicine e. aspirin f. extra pair of prescription glasses g. Sunglasses Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 21.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 21 1 6. Personal gear a. foul weather gear b. 3 day supply of drinking water c. 3 day supply of food d. mess kit with cleaning kit f. first aid kit g. sleeping bag h. toilet articles i. alarm clock j. flashlight with batteries k. candles l. 3 day change of clothes m. waterproof matches Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 22.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 22 1 PART TWO PART TWO ARES Operations/Types of Assignment ARES Operations/Types of Assignment This section of the manual describes some of the assignments you can expect to run into during ARES operations. A definition of each of the different jobs is given along with any special considerations for handling that assignment. Special Events Communications - Are They Legal? Special Events Communications - Are They Legal? The first question you should try to answer is whether the type of help that is being requested is appropriate use of ham radio. With the 1989 rewrite of Part 97 the rules are less vague about this issue than they use to be: 97.113 Prohibited Transmissions (a) No amateur station shall transmit any communication the purpose of which is to facilitate the business or commercial affairs of any party. No station shall transmit communications as an alternative to other autorized radio services, except as necessary to providing emergency communications. At station may, however, transmit communications to: (1) Facilitate the public's safe observation of, or safe participation in, a parade, race, marathon or similar public gathering. No amateur station shall transmit communications concerning moving, supplying and quart- ering observers and participants for any sponsoring organization unless the principal beneficiary of such communications is the public and any benefit to the sponsoring organization is incidental. In practical terms this means that you can help the sponsor if your communications effort is primarily beneficial to the public. As an example assume that you are net control of a net working at a marathon. Water Station 1 calls and asks you to order 3 pizzas for them. This ISN'T appropriate because the primary beneficiary is not the general public but rather the hungry people at Water Station 1. Rover 2 calls in and informs you that a participant has collasped. This IS appropriate use because someone's health is involved. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 23.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 23 1 Personal safety of both you and the event participants is of paramount importance during any event. Always try to use common sense, i.e. don't put yourself into dangerous situations. (See the section on Safety) If a medical emergency should arise during the event you should do anything necessary in the realm of communications to assist. What this does mean is use your radio in any fashion that will help alleviate the problem. It's OK to hand the radio over to a paramedic or EMT to let them talk to a doctor. This is more efficient than having the amateur operator act as an intermediary. As a final word of caution you should always call for medical professionals to deal with any medical emergencies you may encounter. The primary assignment of an amateur operator at any public service event is to provide communications. You are trying to act as a phone system for the different event officials. Do not make decisions on behalf of the event officals. Pass all the traffic on to appropriate officials AS WRITTEN; do not react to messages on their behalf. Shadow Duty: Shadow Duty: A Shadow is an amateur radio operator that is providing a communications channel between the person he is "shadowing" and other stations on the net. You have two duties here. One is to stick like glue to the person your shadowing without getting in their way. The second duty is to be prepared to communicate successfully from any place that your assignment might travel. You need to ensure that you have the proper equipment to communicate on behalf of your shadow. As you take the assignment make sure that you ask Resource NCS about any special equipment you might need. Quite often a shadow will have to to talk from a moving vehicle as well as be able to move around in the field with the VIP. If this is the case then appropriate equipment would include a several- watt HT with alkaline batteries, as well as a mag-mount that can be placed on the exterior of the vehicle. If the official is expected to travel into very remote areas then a mobile 2m rig with 10-25 Watts is also appropriate. Powering the larger 2m mobile rig can be tricky so you might also have to provide a 12 to 24 Amp-hour gell cell if the vehicle doesn't have a cigarette lighter where you might obtain power. The last consideration and perhaps the most substantial is whether you have the appropriate training for the shadow assignment. Enquire with the Resource NCS as you take the assignment about such special circumstances. You should also make the VIP you are shadowing aware of your level of training so that your aren't exposed to dangerous situations. An example might be shadowing the Incident Commander of a wild lands fire into the field. You should only take this type of assignment if you have had a formal fire line safety class. Public Service Events: Public Service Events: Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 24.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 24 1 There are several different types of events where ARES might be asked to assist with communications. You can expect to work at bike-a- thons, foot races such as 10Ks or marathons, car races, public festivals such as Cinco-De-Mayo, etc. The sponsors of any of these event might ask hams to help with communications. You should ideally only be used as a communicator. It's rather hard to turn down someone who asks for your assistance though. Perhaps the best advice here is to go ahead and lend a hand as long as it doesn't interfere with the job you have to do as a communicator. As with any event, the type of equipment you are going to need is a function of the job you expect to do. If your going to be the NCS you'll need: 1. A 10 Watt base radio. 2. A portable antenna such as a 2m J with mount. 3. A battery with enough capacity to last your shift. 4. Table, chair, and writing implements. 5. Minimum ARES Equipment list items. You're on foot: 1. An HT with at least a 1 Watt output level. 2. A hot-rod style gain antenna for the HT. 3. Minimum ARES Equipment list items. Mobile in a car: 1. An HT with at least a 3 Watt output level or a mobile rig. 2. A mag-mount antenna mounted on the exterior of the vehicle. 3. Minimum ARES Equipment list items. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 25.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 25 1 Red Cross Operations Red Cross Operations Amateurs have a LONG tradition of helping the Red Cross with their communications needs. In keeping with this tradition the ARRL formalized the relationship between the two organizations by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Red Cross. In providing communications for Red Cross you are most likely to operate either at a shelter, or at the Red Cross chapter. There is a different set of considerations for each of these assignments. When operating at a shelter site be aware of what are appropriate communications for amateur frequencies. Any message dealing with logistical or Health and Welfare is appropriate for amateur channels. Keep in mind that amateur frequencies are often monitored by news agencies. Traffic of a sensitive nature should be handled by a more secure communications medium such as the telephone. Equipment requirements for shelter duty may vary depending on whether the net is operating on a repeater or a simplex frequency. You should be prepared to bring: Net on a Repeater 1. ARES Minimum equipment list 2. Hot Rod style gain antenna for the handheld 3. Lots of blank message forms Net on Simplex 1. ARES minimum equipment list 2. Base or mobile radio with a 10 to 25 watt output 3. Portable antenna, such as a J-pole 4. Lots of blank message forms Meals are usually provided at Red Cross shelter sites, so bringing your own food is usually not necessary. When reporting for duty at the shelter inform the shelter manager or amateur radio site supervisor of your level of training. This is to prevent being assigned a task for which you may not be qualified. If you encounter any medical situations make sure that you notify the appropriate personnel instead of trying to deal with it yourself. Again, your primary responsibility is communications. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 26.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 26 1 Being a Red Cross Shadow Shadow duty for the Red Cross will usually involve either providing communications for a Red Cross official, or acting as a radio operator for a Red Cross mobile unit such as a mass feeding station. You will probably need both a mobile AND a handheld radio when shadowing a Red Cross official. If you are providing radio capability for a mobile unit a mobile radio system should be adequate. When using a mobile amateur radio in a Red Cross vehicle remember that a 12 volt source may not be available, and you may need to supply your own power source such as a gel-cell battery. Mobile unit duty is also likely to be a longer than average shift since you will be operating on vehicle's shift assignment. It is conceivable to work as long as eight to ten hours on one of these assignments. Duty at an Emergency Operating Center (EOC) Duty at an Emergency Operating Center (EOC) The government operates from an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during an emergency staffing the EOC with senior government officals to help administrate the event from one location. The EOC may be in a governmental building, at a police or fire department or other location. Amateur radio resources may also be operated from this location, and an Emergency Coordinator or other ARES official may operate from here. As an emergency responder you may be asked to be a Net Control Station, a messenger, or as a channel monitor. The Net Control Station may be handling one of the nets originating from the EOC. Messengers move traffic between Red Cross or other officials and the EOC, or as spare hands as needed during the shift. The channel monitor position listens to public service frequencies to keep officials informed on the status of the incident. The Net Control Station should utilize a fairly experienced operator. Special training should be taken before attempting this position during a major event. The best background for someone filling a Messenger's position is a good knowledge of traffic handling. You can expect to take messages that are destined to go out via radio, and to deliver messages that have arrived from the radio circuit. It is also your responsibility to put any originating messages into proper format before they are sent. For more information, review the section on traffic handling earlier in this handbook. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 27.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 27 1 A channel monitor listens to a public service frequency on behalf of the DEC/Shift Supervisor. You can expect to be briefed on the type of information to monitor as you start your shift. Generally anything that will help officials keep abreast of the event as it develops is of interest. Equipment at the EOC: Equipment at the EOC: There generally isn't any required equipment other than perhaps a handheld that might be used on a local intercom frequency. The EOC will normally be equipped fairly early in the event and the equipment can be expected to stay in place for the duration of the event. MCIP Operations (Santa Clara County): MCIP Operations (Santa Clara County): The Multiple Casualty Incident Plan (MCIP) has been developed in Santa Clara County to deal with medical emergencies where there are many casualties. Management of such an event is expected to require multiple jurisdictions and mutual aid operations. Amateur Radio is a primary method used within the plan to allow responding agencies to communicate with each other. There are three primary nets that will be used during an MCIP event. These are our standard Resource net, a Hospital Tactical Net, and an on-scene Tactical Net. A Resource Net is established to begin the process of gathering amateur operators and equipment for response to the MCIP staging area. Under the MCIP plan the Resource net automatically has a set of amateur radio positions to be staffed. This will include sending two amateur radio operators to each of the area hospitals and a number of well equipped operators to respond to the MCIP staging area. A NCS will also be required for the Hospital Net. This position can be staffed by any qualified amateur and operated from any convienient location. The Hospital Nets will coordinate information flow between the incident and the area hospitals. As stated previously the MCIP calls for two-member teams to staff each of the area hospitals. The first member of the team will operate a radio on the Hospital net while the second member of the team should position themselves near the emergency room. Locate the hospital net radio wherever the antenna drop is located. The second team member should notify the head of the Emergency Room that he is present and to what services can be provided, and ask where he may be located to provide communications in a place out of traffic. Both members of this team should choose a convenient intercom frequency that they can use within the hospital. It is suggested that 220, or 440 Mhz is a good choice for this intercom channel. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 28.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 28 1 A packet station may be requested at the incident to keep track of victim information. Resource Net should attempt to find a portable packet operator (with equipment) to be dispatched to the incident as quickly as possible. The victim information should be entered into the ARESdata database as quickly as possible. The information should include the victims' name, victim number, triage status, and the unit number of the transporting ambulance. The best way to obtain this information is to monitor the hospital net as the ambulances are dispatched. The ARES incident response will be managed by an on-scene manager, usually a DEC or EC. Report to this individual as you arrive on the scene of the incident. You will most likely be asked to perform shadow duty at the incident scene, shadowing the medical supervisor, transportation officer, Incident Commander, or other emergency personnel. All of this communication should take place on the local Tactical Net. The transportation officer shadow has an added duty of being required to feed information into the Hospital Net. This position requires monitoring two frequencies at once and is rather difficult. The other shadows are EXTREMELY important to the success of the MCIP response as we are the primary communications path between the different agenices responding to the incident. Types of Traffic During an MCIP: Resource net during an MCIP is run in the same manner as most other operations with the exception that most of the staffing requirements are predetermined. The on-scene ARES manager will provide details on any extra staffing requirments that the incident may require. During practices of the MCIP we usually pre-stage the amateurs at each of the required locations, and the resource net is used primarily in the demobilization phase of the drill to coordinate the delivery of each of the practice victims from the area hospitals back to the incident scene. Traffic that is appropriate for the Hospital Net includes notification of which ambulances have been dispatched to which hospitals, and expected casualty types on each ambulance. Hospital-to-Hospital communications are also expected and encouraged. A system known as triage sorts victims into three general classifications for transportation based on their injuries. The first classification "Now" implies that the victim requires immediate transport. The second classification "Later" implies that the injury isn't as severe and the victim can be transported on a secondary basis. The last classification DOA is used when the victim has suffered mortal injuries or is already dead. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 29.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 29 1 The transportation officer shadow will send traffic to each of the hospitals notifying them of an ambulance's arrival and the injuries of its victims. This notification should include the unit number of the ambulance and the number of victims in each classification. You might use something such as "Valley Medical Center from Transportation - Ambulance 313 is enroute to your facility with 2 NOWs and 1 LATER." It is important to remember that the media may be monitoring, which is why you should NEVER transmit the names of victims in the clear. This avoids any premature release of information that may cause unnecessary anguish for the families of the victims. Packet radio is used to log each of the victims' numbers along with their medical status and location. It is also possible to communicate with Santa Clara County Communications via ARESdata for more secure communications. Local tactical channel traffic may be varied in content. As an example you may hear traffic between the Incident Commander and the medical supervisor discussing logistics, or the channel might be involved with organizing amateur resources. Generally any form of communications between resources at the scene is considered appropriate. MCIP Equipment: If responding to the incident, bring at least the ARES minimum equipment list. This should stand you in good stead since most of the work will either be on the tactical net involving point-to-point communications at the scene, or through repeaters on the hospital net. A packet operator should bring a full portable packet station with printer, a suitable power source such as a 12Amp-Hour to 24 Amp-hour battery, and a mobile 220 radio to reach the ARESdata system. NCS stations should be use equipment that guarantees they will be copied well through the repeaters, as they require strong commanding signals. MCIP Safety Concerns: If the MCIP is due to a hazardous materials spill stay well away from any dangerous area. Pay attention and FOLLOW all directions given to you by safety personnel. Be VERY aware of all of the heavy equipment in the area. It's much easier for you to see the big fire engines than it is for them to see you! You can expect helicopters to be operating in the area so review the section on helicopter safety. Above all else use common sense. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 30.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 30 1 If in a shadow duty position make sure you inform the person you are shadowing as to the extent of your training. This will help the official determine when conditions are unsafe for you, and they may ask you to stay behind until they return for you. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 31.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 31 1 Fire Support Operations: Fire Support Operations: SCV Section ARES is heavily engaged in supporting members of the Volunteers in Prevention (VIP) program sponsored by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). Members of VIP go through fairly extensive training to allow them to accompany CDF officials onto the fire line, work around helicopters, etc. Fire support operations involve activities as Resource NCS, shadow duties for CDF officers, tactical communications at the Incident base, and packet operations to/from the Incident base. Amateurs may also be used as a technical resource during the incident. Many CDF positions ask for a 24 to 48 hour commitment; be aware of the time commitment before you accept the posting. CDF requests resources in anticipation of what they will need over the next 24 hours. Its very possible that you will be asked to respond to an incident, and then be cancelled enroute. Another likely occurance is that you'll get to the staging area and sit there for 24 hours and never get deployed. This system is difficult for volunteers to deal with because they don't feel that their efforts are appreciated when they are told to go home without ever being given a chance to be utilized. The fact is that you ARE appreciated. The mere fact that you were willing to volunteer is significant and recognized by the agencies we serve. The VIP program has an alerting phone tree, and an organization within VIP that is responsible for handling alerts and running a Resource Net. ARES members may be asked to supplement this function as an event goes beyond the initial response phase, by continuing the resource net started by VIP. A VIP Resource Net is managed like any other ARES resource operation. The Resource NCS can be located anywhere that is convenient. It is ALWAYS a good idea to recruit a backup NCS that can spell you during your shift. Shadow duty with a CDF officer can be VERY demanding. The officer is very likely to go into the backcountry and you may to be asked to accompany him. He might get there via truck, car, or helicopter. You need to be ready to communicate in all of these circumstances. See the equipment list for shadow duty to know how to equip yourself. Another word of warning is that if you aren't physically fit this can be a dangerous assignment. There is likely to be alot of hiking in steep terrain. You shouldn't accept this assignment unless you've had the VIP fire line safety class and are physically fit. This is the main reason that CDF usually only requests VIP trained personnel. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 32.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 32 1 Incident base communciations can involve both logistical and tactical traffic, using either repeaters or simplex frequencies. This is a less physical assignment, in fact, if working a late night shift it can be actually boring. Thats all part of the job. You can expect to be utilized at different parts of the incident base. You may order dinner through the local Ranger Unit for the entire Incident Base (IC), or help with communications between a staging area and the IC. CDF employs packet to handle much of the logistics load between the IC and the local Ranger Unit. The packet station is nominally set up in the CDF communications van (VIP-1). A knowledge of the different TNC's and firmware used is helpful for this position. Types of Traffic: CDF uses the Incident Command System so there is a standard vocabulary employed in communications. Traffic uses plain text. They don`t use 10's codes, etc. You should be prepared to make the mental switch from terms like QSL to `Copy'. Tactical communications usually involve conversations between CDF officers, or passing messages about situational data. In any case make sure you use tactical calls and obey the NCS. Logistical information will nominally flow between the IC and the Ranger Unit and most often will go via packet circuits. This type of traffic usually involves resource allocation. The most notable feature of this traffic is that it MUST be accurate. This is why packet is so handy. Equipment for CDF operations: If involved with shadow duty the ARES minimum equipment list is a must. You'll also probably need a mobile radio and power supply since the position may involve going out into the middle of no-where in a vehicle. Operations around the IC are handled with handheld radios on two meters, though 440 and 220Mhz are also employed by VIP. If you have all of these then bring them. As an example, the Command Net used by VIP team leaders is usually going to be up on 440 Mhz. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 33.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 33 1 Mandatory equipment includes: 1. Boots (not tennis shoes!) 2. A change of clothes. These should be light material, and not synthetic. Cotton works well. 3. A bed roll or sleeping bag 4. Leather gloves 5. 1 Quart canteen 6. Toilet articles and a first aid kit CDF Safety Concerns: It is important to not be placed into a situation for which you have not had the proper training. As an example, if you have not taken the CDF fire line safety class INCLUDING deployment of the fire shelter, then do not volunteer for a CDF shadow assignment. Make the Resource NCS aware of your training level as you accept the assignment. Make the Site Supervisor at the IC aware of your training level as you arrive at the incident. This should prevent you from being given an inappropriate/dangerous assignment. If you are a shadow make the officer you are accompanying aware of your training level. This will cause him to take your abilities into account as he proceeds about his tasks. As always your own situational awareness is important to your own safety. The following is a list of situations that you should be watching for when involved with a fire. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 34.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 34 1 Thirteen Situations That Shout "Watch Out" Thirteen Situations That Shout "Watch Out" 1. You are building, or working on a fireline down-hill toward a fire. 2. You are fighting a fire on a hillside where rolling materials can ignite a fire below you. 3. The wind begins to blow, increase, or change direction. 4. The weather turns hotter or drier. 5. You are on a fireline in heavy fuel with unburned fuel between you and the fire. 6. You are in an area where the topography and/or cover makes travel difficult and slow. 7. You are in unfamiliar country. 8. You are in an area where firefighters are not familiar with local factors influencing fire behavior. 9. Attempting a frontal assualt on a fire with engines. 10. Frequent spot fires are crossing the fire line. 11. You cannot see the main fire and you are our of communicationwith anyone who can see it. 12. You do not clearly understand your assignment or instructions. 13. You feel drowsy and feel like taking a nap near the fire line. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 35.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 35 1 Helicopter operations: Helicopter operations: As ARES operations work more closely with helicopters, it is important that you have a basic familiarity with how to approach a helicopter safely. 1. Wear a hardhat WITH A STRAP. You don't want the hat heading into the blades of the helicopter. 2. Approach the copter from the front of the helicopter so the pilot can see you. 3. Approach from a down hill slope...approaching from an uphill slope can be deadly. 4. Don't approach until the pilot or someone else signals you to do so. 5. Duck down as you approach the helicopter. Be VERY AWARE of all of the paraphenalia you are carrying and its height. Keep it all from hitting those blades! 6. Make sure all of the equipment you are carrying is fastened tightly to your person so it doesn't get loose. Make sure your pockets are buttoned up, etc. The blades can can actually create a negative lift and suck items right up into the blades that aren't secure. Safety as an ARES Emergency Responder Safety as an ARES Emergency Responder Within this manual we've stressed the importance of taking your safety as your own responsibility. There are several aspects to conducting yourself in a safe manner. The first step you can take is to be adequately trained. One manner to extend your training is to take classes offered by other agencies. The Red Cross offers classes in First Aid, CPR, etc. throughout most of the year. Any of these classes will enhance your own safety because you'll be more aware of how to take care of yourself. CDF, through the VIP program offers an extensive training program in basic fire line safety. This training includes basic first aid, familiarity with how to equip yourself, what situations to watch out for during a fire, etc. This helps to improve your situational awareness as well as be knoweledgable about what constitutes a dangerous situation. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 36.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 36 1 With all this training it is still important to remember that you should only wear one hat during an ARES/RACES operation. You are there as a communicator, not a first aid provider, or a firefighter. This helps avoid confusion about your role, and will help you from putting yourself into unsafe situations. Safety is just as important at home. You should ensure that all is well at home before responding to an emergency. This allows you to keep your mind on the situation instead of worrying. As your working an emergency you need to keep yourself aware of what is occuring around you. This is the only way you can expect to see a dangerous situation before it surrounds you! Keep your eyes open and your brain on high alert! Stay situationally aware. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 37.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 37 1 Stress Management Stress Management This section is extracted from a paper written by Sharon Moerner, N6MWD prepared after she gave a talk on Stress Management at the Emergency Response Insitute on 6 May 1989 and at the Pacific Convention Division on 5 October 1989. Types of Disasters Before discussing how to manage stress in disasters, it is important to provide a brief background on the nature of disasters. Riverine floods (flooding caused by excess precipitation over large land areas and/or by melting snow) are the most commonly occurring natural disasters in the United States yet they do not cause the greatest difficulties for workers. Research indicates that it is the disaster that strikes without warning that produces maximum social and psychological disruption for individuals. Typically, a flood gives people warning in the form of heavy rain or overfilled reservoirs; it rarely occurs as an absolute surprise. Technological disasters are thus more stressful for victims and workers than are natural disasters. This is both because such disasters often occur without warning and because both victims and workers have a feeling that a manmade or technological disaster "should have been" prevented. Last but not least, disasters that occur at night are reported to be more psychologically disturbing than those that occur in the day. Community Reactions to a Disaster Contrary to popular belief, panic does not generally follow a major catastrophe! In other words, mental illness does not suddenly appear on the scene in full blown florid state. People rarely disintegrate and become incapable of coping nor do people become shells of their former selves--incapable, ineffective, self-centered, and thoughtless. If panic occurs at all, it is most likely during the period of threat; disasters that give warning may precipitate panic in some but it is relatively rare. In a disaster, people respond to active interest and concern. It can not be emphasized enough that disaster stress reactions are a normal response to an abnormal event. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 38.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 38 1 In a disaster, people experience problems of living and readjustment. Consequently, there are certain thoughts and feelings that are common to all who experience a disaster. If you are an emergency worker who is also a victim in a disaster, you may experience many of the following normal symptoms: a. concern for basic survival b. separation anxiety centered on the self and also expressed as fear for the safety of significant others c. regressive (immature) behaviors d. relocation and isolation anxieties e. the need to express feelings about experiences during the disaster f. the need to feel one is part of the community and its rehabilitation efforts g. altruism (the desire to help others). There may also be grief over the loss of loved ones or loss of prized possessions. In such cases, there may be somatic distress (stomach disorders, shallow breathing, exhaustion), preoccupation with image of the deceased, guilt (especially if you felt the tragedy could have been prevented), hostile reactions (irritability, anger, avoidance of friends/relatives), changes in routine behaviors, and you or the other bereaved may take on the behaviors of the deceased person. Stress Theory "So there are a few generic symptoms in a disaster--how does that effect my work as a communicator?" you wonder. To understand, a quick explanation of stress is in order. Basically, certain external events (stressors) can put extra demands on the individual (stress) which can lead to physical and/or emotional wear and tear (strain). Hans Selye proposed a three stage General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) to explain stress. In the Alarm Phase, the body gears up for stress or a "fight or flight" response. In this phase, there is an increase in the body's heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. This is very useful as it provides the body with additional strength, produces highly focused behavior, and assists in task performance. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 39.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 39 1 The second phase is called the Resistance Phase and the above noted local physiological defense mechanisms in the system "take over." The individual looks as though s/he has adapted to a stressful lifestyle. In the Exhaustion Phase, however, the body's defensive resources are overtaken. Symptoms appear such as gastrointestinal tension, nausea, muscle tremors/cramps, heart palpitations, ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, or profuse sweating. If this continues for too much or too long, stress can culminate in death (think of Type-A workers, early heart attacks, and ulcers to better understand the potential lethality of stress). Clearly, stress is not all bad! People often perform at their best when a tad bit stressed or when aware of being under observation. The problem is when stess accumulates without respite. Unfortunately, this problem occurs to disaster workers and the following sections will discuss both the types of stress inherent in disaster situations and how to cope with stress. Types of Stress on Workers There are three major types of stress that emergency responders face in a disaster: event stressors, occupational stressors, and organizational stressors. Disasters that are particularly hard on responders contain event stressors that entail personal loss or injury, traumatic stimuli, and mission failure or human error. Stimuli such as painful deaths, gross violations of physical integrity, contact with mutilated bodies, or the death of children are especially traumatic, and it can be anticipated that an emergency responder dealing with such stimuli will have emotional problems at some point. Although it is unlikely that we, as communicators, would have responsibility for life and death decisions in triage, the research indicates that emergency responders with these responsibilities greatly suffer in the face of such traumatic situations. An additional event stressor is a manmade disaster where both victims and workers are often outraged that the event was allowed to occur. Mission failure or human error may generate a strong sense of powerlessness and helplessness among responders. There is consequently a high degree of anger which may interfere with the emotional recovery process (to be discussed below). Occupational stressors faced by emergency responders include things such as time pressures, work overload, hazardous work environments, and conflicts or uncertainties in the work situation. Unfortunately, heavy work loads, long hours, and pressure to accomplish difficult tasks quickly are inherent in emergency and disaster work. There are often periods of low activity and little pressure that may then be interrupted suddenly by incidents that demand great concentration and physical exertion. The unpredictability of a disaster's workload is stressful as is the difficulty in controlling the environment. It is important to be aware of the fact that noise alone, especially with extended exposure, is stressful (wearing headphones thus decreases your stress while also enabling you to hear!). Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 40.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 40 1 Organizational stressors are concerned with the conflicts and uncertainties in a worker's role or at the work site. Role conflict or role ambiguity are terms frequently used when describing organizational stressors and it has to do with the uncertainty surrounding the nature/purpose/responsibilities of one's job. Hams are frequently faced with this particular stress if we lose sight of the fact that communication--not decision making--is usually our role in a disaster. Any uncertainty about our duties, however, may lead to emotional costs in the form of tension, dissatisfaction, and lowered self-esteem. Disaster Worker Phases of Stress There are four major phases of stress: Alarm, Mobilization, Action, and Letdown. Each of these phases is associated with certain reactions that can be divided into four areas: physiological reactions, cognitive reactions, psychological/emotional reactions, and behavioral reactions. In the Alarm Phase, we are having to comprehend and adjust to the news of the disaster. In other words, our energy is geared toward collecting and making sense of the available facts and information. People initially feel shocked and stunned. The Alarm Phase is quickly followed by the Mobilization Phase. In this latter phase, the focus is on the development and coordination of plans. Supplies, equipment, and manpower are inventoried and mutual assistance may be requested at this time. The physiological reactions to the Alarm and Mobilization Phases are such that our bodies gear up for a "flight or fight" response. Our bodies begin to mobilize for peak performance and so we find increases in our pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and perspiration rate. Our major cognitive reaction (cognitive means it deals with our thought processes) is one of disorientation. We may have difficulty in making sense out of all the information coming in; we have trouble comprehending the scope of the event. The psychological/emotional reaction during the Alarm and Mobilization Phases is largely one of shock; there is often anxiety or fear about what will be found at the scene. Behavioral reactions include: difficulty communicating or putting thoughts into words, increased levels of activity, and decreased efficiency. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 41.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 41 1 In the Action Phase of disaster worker stress, we see responders who are actively and constructively working at necessary tasks. There is a high level of activity and stress. The following physiological reactions are the first reactions to occur in acute stress reactions (but may be the last symptoms to appear in chronic stress or burnout so these may be seen at both the beginning of a disaster and at the end of a long-drawn out disaster): a. increased pulse, respirations, blood pressure, perspiration (if this continues for too much or too long, there is often gastrointestinal tension, nausea, muscle tremors/cramps, heart palpitations, ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, and profuse sweating) b. trouble getting breath; increased problems with allergies, skin conditions, and asthma c. nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea d. sweating or chills; cold hands/feet; clammy skin; tremors (especially of hands, lips, and eyes) e. muffled hearing f. headaches g. feeling weakness, numbness, or tingling in part of the body; feeling uncoordinated h. muscle soreness or stiff neck; lower back pain i. lump in the throat j. chest pains (have this checked at the hospital) k. faintness/dizziness; fatigue l. exaggerated startle reaction m. appetite change; weight loss/gain The cognitive reactions are the next to occur after the physical symptoms in acute stress situations. These include: (a) memory problems/short term memory loss, (b) disorientation, (c) difficulty naming objects, (d) trouble comprehending information--mental confusion, (e) difficulty calculating, (f) difficulty making judgments, decisions, and problem solving (g) poor concentration and limited attention span, and (h) loss of objectivity with an inability to use logic to solve problems. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 42.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 42 1 The numerous psychological/emotional reactions and behavioral reactions during the Action Phase of disaster worker stress are outlined below: Psychological/Emotional Reactions Behavioral Reactions Psychological/Emotional Reactions Behavioral Reactions ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ feeling high/heroic/invulnerable difficulty communicating feeling high/heroic/invulnerable difficulty communicating feeling grateful for being alive; inability in expressing feeling grateful for being alive; inability in expressing euphoria oneself verbally or in euphoria oneself verbally or in writing writing anxiety/fear hyperractivity anxiety/fear hyperractivity strong identification with effectiveness of activity strong identification with effectiveness of activity the victim the victim blaming and anger outburst of anger blaming and anger outburst of anger irritability, restlessness, frequent arguments irritability, restlessness, frequent arguments hyperactivity inability to rest or hyperactivity inability to rest or let down. let down. sadness, grief, depression, and crying periods; may begin to sadness, grief, depression, and crying periods; may begin to moodiness cry with no reason; prior moodiness cry with no reason; prior neutral stimuli take on neutral stimuli take on new significance (BBQ meat new significance (BBQ meat reminds one of burned reminds one of burned flesh) flesh) recurrent dreams of event recurrent dreams of event or other traumatic dreams or other traumatic dreams guilt wanting to do more to help guilt wanting to do more to help feelings of isolation, detachment, increased use of alcohol/ feelings of isolation, detachment, increased use of alcohol/ and estrangement tobacco/drugs and estrangement tobacco/drugs feeling lost or abandoned social withdrawal, feeling lost or abandoned social withdrawal, distancing, or distancing, or limiting contacts with limiting contacts with others others apathy; diminished interest in sexual problems apathy; diminished interest in sexual problems usual activities usual activities denial or constriction of increased accident-proneness denial or constriction of increased accident-proneness feelings; numbness feelings; numbness excessive worry about the safety excessive worry about the safety of others of others --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 43.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 43 1 Included under the Action Phase is that symptom known as Burn-out. This is a state of exhaustion, irritability, and fatigue which creeps up unrecognized and undetected upon an individual. Others around the worker can tell s/he is burned out as the worker's effectiveness and capability markedly decrease, but the worker is often unaware of it. All of the previously mentioned symptoms may be apparent in Burn-out and it takes about 4-6 weeks for most of the symptoms to disappear. The Letdown Phase is the transition from the disaster operation back into the normal routine of work/family life. This phase is often the most intense period of emotion for workers. There is difficulty letting go and resistance to ending the disaster operation. Responders report a restlessness or inability to get involved with regular work activities and many feel a lack of closure (hams may be dismissed once the communications emergency is over but the disaster isn't "over" for everyone else). There tends to be estrangement from peers who were not part of the disaster operation and this results in feelings of alienation and increased tension within the family or among co-workers. Many emergency responders withdraw during this period because they feel their families can't understand what happened or because they want to protect their family from the more terrible aspects of the disaster. Workers may respond in one of two directions, (a) they need to ventilate (repeatedly talk) of the event or (b) they withdraw and subsequently deny their feelings and they are very unwilling to talk about their experience. Coping with Worker Stress Terrific, now that we know what kinds of stress we may encounter, what do we do about it? The first step is to become aware of what YOUR stress symptoms are. Many people can identify their physiological reactions to stress--just think about what you do in everyday life when under tension. Sweaty palms? Neck aches? Weight change? After thinking about your physical response to stress, consider your other reactions. Do you have a tendency to get snappish or irritable when stressed? Do you tend to "zone out" or become a zombie when overwhelmed? Are you incredibly active without being effective? It is essential that you become sensitive to and define your reactions to stress. When you then go into a disaster situation, develop a "buddy system" with another ham or emergency responder. Tell him/her what your signs are BEFORE you get stressed out (and ask them to tell you their signs of stress) and agree to tell each other when things are becoming a problem. The idea is to have someone be able to help you identify when you've reached your limit (or for you to help them notice they've reached their limit). As mentioned, one of the reactions during a disaster is an inability to rest which may also be combined with a feeling of being invulnerable or on top of things. The problem is that one of you may be feeling "great" and yet displaying multiple symptoms of stress such that you or your buddy are basically ineffective. Having agreed beforehand that you and your buddy can give each other a brief hint when it is time to take a breather will do wonders to decrease the stress. Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 44.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 44 1 As a general rule, it helpful to maintain supportive interpersonal relationships during a disaster. A sense of teamwork and of everyone being "on the same side" helps to decrease personal stress levels. Another useful trick is to use positive self-statements to help stabilize and reinforce yourself. Rather than thinking, "I've got to hurry and pass this traffic and then I've got to go check over here," say things to yourself like, "you're doing fine--keep on track, but don't get rushed." Give yourself positive feedback and reinforcement; "you're doing fine--this is a piece of cake for you" rather than "I'm a terrible net control and everyone is laughing at me." Use distraction or thought stopping techniques to deal with unwanted or irrational thoughts. For people who are visual, see a big red stop sign or the words "STOP" in your head. For those of you who are not visually oriented, say the word "STOP" (or anything else) to yourself. If you are a supervisor or in a management position, it is important that you help to establish shifts that are reasonable for the disaster. People are far more effective working (for example) a six hour shift with five minute breaks between each hour than to work four hours non-stop. Although you may have workers who feel comfortable working 12 hour shifts back-to-back, BEWARE! It is unlikely that your workers will be effective and there is no point in pushing burnout among your volunteers. In addition, you must limit an emergency workers's time in high stress environments. Some areas are more stressful than others; working on a fireline may be harder than working at a base camp whereas shadowing the Public Information Officer may be easier than shadowing the Triage Team Leader. Although we have been involved in tests of the Multiple Casualty Incident Plan in which we see people made up to look injured, we still know it isn't "real." In a disaster, however, having to work in the morgue or among mortally injured humans is one of the most stressful positions to be in. (NOTE: it is recommended that people be rotated out of the morgue unit no less frequently than every two hours.) If you find yourself assigned to such a traumatic area, redefine the unsavory sights to make them less threatening. Consider the body parts as some kind of object, such as waxworks, scientific specimens, or manniquin parts. Doing this on the scene will decrease your stress and enable you to work more effectively although you will probably need assistance later in dealing with what you saw. If you find yourself involved in a long disaster operation away from home, make every effort to stay in touch with your family and friends. Bring a small picture of your loved ones or something that reminds you of home (that old teddy bear?) to help remind you that this disaster isn't "normality." Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Amateur Radio Emergency Service Revised 11/11/90 Emergency Responder Manual Page 45.1 Emergency Responder Manual Page 45 1 Like many things, preparing now for a disaster in the future will benefit you. Being in good physical condition before a disaster means the physical reactions to stress will take less of a toll. Just because you are helping in a disaster does not mean you should stop exercising, eating right, and relaxing. There are many books available on how to take care of yourself in the area of nutrition, exercise, and relaxation so I won't go into detail here except to note a few things: (a) a diet too low in calcium can leave one feeling anxious, irritable, or fatigued (sound like a familiar stress reaction?), (b) vitamin C is essential in the functioning of your adrenal glands (which help to keep emergency workers alert), (c) alcohol and caffeine can deplete the system of B vitamins and minerals yet "B's" are helpful in coping with stress, and (d) it is best to eat frequently and in small quantities during stressful situations. Last but not least, I strongly encourage that a debriefing be held after a disaster operation. A debriefing is a time to provide information about normal stress reactions and a chance for people to express their feelings about the event. A debriefing is not the same as a critique; the former allows ventilation of feelings while the latter provides feedback and constructive criticism about the event. "I was scared, nauseated, and loved every minute of it" may be said in a debriefing whereas "ATV would have been great in this event and how come I didn't get to be net control" would be appropriate in a critique. I hope this is helpful for you. Anyone interested in more information about stress responses or coping in a disaster can obtain several (free) useful booklets by writing to: National Institute of Mental Health--5600 Fishers Lane--Rockville, MD 20857. Conclusion: Conclusion: In this manual we have attempted to cover the basic requirements of being an emergency responder and how to go about that task. Just like any other endeavor the basic skills you need to develop require time and practice. Hopefully, the data presented here will help you in that pursuit. If the only thing you gain from this manual is to BE CAREFUL and use common sense then the manual has succeeded. Good Luck!.ective working (for example) a six hour shift with