Public Service-Lessons Learned

By

Richard Bartlett, KE6LOU  

After 20+ years of volunteer and paid public service with other organizations, recently I had the opportunity to put my eight-year-old amateur radio license to work.  Public service and emergency communications are an integral part of amateur radio, and that’s where I derive the most satisfaction.   

After participating in several DARC public service events, this is what I learned so far. 

Read the DARC and N5TIM Public Service Web Pages.  They are a wealth of information.  After reading the sections on net organization and procedures, I was able to apply past knowledge and skills, and seamlessly integrate into the public service nets.  I didn’t have to be the “new guy” fumbling about and not fitting in. 

Offer to participate early.  This gives the DARC Communications Coordinator appropriate time to make assignments and get timely information to each participant.   It ensures that we are able to meet our commitment to the event and provide quality operators.  There is nothing more dreadful than to spend your Friday evening trying to find participants.  Keep amateur radio fun for those who are willing to take leadership responsibilities within our club. Offer early, be flexible, be willing, and make event participation fun for both the planners and the participants. 

Use the Resource Types.  The DARC and N5TIM Public Service Web Pages provide excellent information on the different categories of equipment and participation.  Standard resource categories clearly define what your capabilities are (Shadow Operations, Base/Rest Stop/Shelter/Net Control, Mobile/SAG, etc.) and what equipment is needed to carry out that commitment.  When offering to help, advise what categories you are willing and capable of doing.  This ensures that the Communications Coordinator can match resources with needs.   

Be prepared.  Be prepared to make your assignment successful.  Have needed supplies for your assignment.   Most important is a spare battery (my favorite spare is the HT battery that you can put dry cell batteries in.).  Dry cell batteries have a long shelf life, and if your spare battery dies, then the worst-case scenario is an emergency trip to a convenience store.  Carry other supplies such as a notepad, spare connectors, etc.  Remember, if you can’t stay on the air, you can’t communicate! 

Be emergency ready.  Maintain readiness for emergencies or rapidly changed priorities.  If RACES activation occurred during the event, could you respond?  If our operating priorities suddenly shift (such as a missing child or a terror act) could you operate as needed?   

Always take your MAPSCO.  Don’t assume that the SAG (Support and Gear) driver knows the area better than you.  Don’t assume that the pre-printed map given to you has all of the streets listed, or that the aid stations are accurately marked on your map. 

Wear your club nametag.  At most events you wear an event T-Shirt.  Wear your club nametag.  Let the general public, event officials, and other event participants know what organization you represent.  Public events are a great recruiting tool and serve as a means to heighten public awareness of amateur radio. 

I have had a positive and enjoyable public service experience with the DARC.  The DARC events were well organized and professionally led.  Event information and assignments were communicated on a clear and timely basis.  I look forward to continued public service event participation.  Hope to see you there!

Richard Bartlett, KE6LOU