EMC119 Times have Changed!! 
To:   Emergency Communications Units - Information Bulletin
To:   Emergency Management Agencies via Internet and Radio
By:   Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) of the
      California Governor's Office of Emergency Services  

EMC119 Times have Changed!!   For release  2/16/98

From "TAC ONE", San Diego County RACES publication Vol IV,
No. 2 9/20/96.in an article by Tim Powers, Training Officer:

"The concept of training has changed over the years. When I
first started in volunteer emergency communications, all that
was needed was the license issued by the Federal
Communications Commission, the radio equipment and the
knowledge of how to operate it. Well, times have changed.

Today we are asked to perform a variety of tasks, each with a
particular list of requirements, using a diverse array of
equipment, and for an ever growing list of agencies. RACES is
asked to provide communications support for CDF (CA Dept of
Forestry), San Diego County SAR (Search and Rescue), San Diego
County Sheriff's Department and the Office of Emergency
Preparedness. We are asked to use Amateur radio, phone,
packet, ATV, government radio systems, cell phones, and at
times, to hand carry written messages. And the list seems to
grow with each passing event."

The remainder of the article described a series of upcoming
training classes. Basic Orientation was one. Another was on
the Incident Command System. Others were on Packet, Basics of
Public Safety Radio systems and RCV Orientation. "Those in
Field Operations must add Wildland Fire Safety, RCV Radio
Operator, Helicopter Ground Safety, First Aid and CPR.
Additional specialty classes may be mandatory for your
particular assignment."

Their goal "is to ensure that all participants have the
knowledge that will provide them with a safe working
environment." 

__________ 

In the same issue there was a report of a response to an
Animal Rescue unit, one of the many opportunities of service
that Tim didn't mention in the above article.  

After a vegetation fire broke out the Animal Rescue Reserve
responded to protect any threatened animals and the RACES unit
responded to supplement Animal Rescue's communications.
(Ed: horses, cattle and pets.) That particular event only 
utilized five unit participants for their nine hour involvement.

End (edited.) 
                                  ---
ACS Web page: http://acs.oes.ca.gov       FTP archive:
ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/packet/tcpip/incoming for new
bulletins and ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/races for earlier ones.
Landline BBS: 916-262-0856 (graphical & standard interface).
OES ACS staff manager Stan Harter :Stanly_Harter@oes.ca.gov 
State Chief ACS Officer Cary Mangum: Cary_Mangum@oes.ca.gov

EOM EMC