Getting Started with Amateur Radio at an Allied Health Facility
Step 1: Install an antenna on the roof
The first and most important step for establishing amateur radio communications at a facility is to install an antenna on the roof. This lets any licensed amateur radio operator connect his/her own radio and operate from inside the building while still having a strong enough signal to reach the local jurisdictions EOC and other important locations.
Recommended:
- Tri-band (2m/1.25m/70cm) ground plane antenna.
- Located above any other obstructions on the roof. A 10 foot length of 1-1/2” IMC or Rigid conduit is usually sufficient.
- Located 20 feet or more from other transmitter antennas on the roof.
- Feedline of LMR-400 or better coax. Run feedline down to Command Center (or wherever the staff would manage and incident).
- Inductor-style lightening/surge suppressor.
Coordinate specific equipment selection and installation with the local jurisdiction ARES/RACES leader.
Step 2: Recruit, license and train local operators
During emergencies, trained amateur radio operators can be in short supply. And depending on infrastructure conditions, those radio operators that are available may have difficulty reaching a particular facility. So each Allied Health facility can help itself by encouraging staff members and/or residents to become trained amateur radio operators. Individuals must first obtain an amateur radio license. Then they must be trained on proper emergency communications procedures.
Operating on amateur radio frequencies requires a license from the FCC. In order to obtain a license, the applicant must pass a test which covers both FCC rules and some basic technical knowledge. One day “ham cram” sessions are available and are usually best for those who already posess some basic technical knowledge. They include the license exam at the end.
Licensing makes it legal to operate on amateur radio frequencies, but individuals participating in emergency communications also need training on emergency communications procedures. Allied Health operators should take the following 3-hour courses:
Step 3: Install local radio equipment
Permanently installed and regularly tested radio equipment can be a great benefit to the facility because it is already set up and ready to go when an emergency happens. It removes a dependency on equipment provided by volunteers.
We recommend a dual-band voice radio. Larger facilities should consider also adding a packet radio. Coordinate specific equipment selection and installation with the local jurisdiction ARES/RACES leader.