amateur radio role in emergency communications

[ICUnurse1997, MSN, APRN]

I feel that ham radio is an important means of emergency communication. I am an amateur extra and was wondering how I could get involved with emergency communication in my area to assist local hospitals in a disaster situation. Is anyone involved in anything like this in your community or know of any programs? If so, could you tell me more about it?

thank you

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Well it's an odd choice for a nursing forum but here we go.

I am not nor have I ever been a HAM operator. I do know through my work for the local EMA that we have operators on file to assist in disaster communication. However I have never actually seen them put into action.

I would email or call your local county level EMA/Communications center. This is generally listed as the county non emergency number. The person you get ahold of may be able to point you in the correct direction, or more likely to their supervisor/community relations person.

Realistically if you want to help in an emergency report to the nearest evacuation center with liscence in hand. They need people to assist with care for evacuees and places that shelter in place such as LTCs and Care homes are generally tragically short in an emergency.

[SiwanRN]

Oh I have an answer for this one! Join your local Medical Reserve Corps unit! They will *~*love*~* that you have HAM radio skills. Find your local chapter here:

MRC

Also, more specific to HAM radio, check out ARES:

ARES