Fundamentals of Emergency Communications

Course Description

This is an introductory training course for hams who are new to Emergency Communications in Santa Clara County. It is the second in a series of courses offered to prepare for entrance into the Santa Clara County Mutual Aid Communicator Program.

Intended Audience

New hams who may be interested in Emergency Communications

Experienced hams who are new to Emergency Communications or new to Santa Clara County ARES/RACES procedures

Prerequisites

• Valid Technician class or higher Amateur Radio license
• Introduction to Emergency Communications

NOTE: The above prerequisites are not strictly enforced. But in order to get the most out of this course, you should have previously attended the above courses. If you have not yet attended one or more of the prerequisites, you should carefully review the course materials for the missed prerequisites prior to attending this course. Then, be sure to attend any missed prerequisites at your earliest opportunity.

Format

In person, 3 hours

Students should bring

• Copy of course materials (see below)
• Pen/pencil and pad of paper

Learning Objectives

• Describe the Disaster Service Worker program, including their responsibilities as a participant
• Describe the purpose and appropriate usage of the main Santa Clara County ARES/RACES nets
• Describe and execute the proper procedures for mobilization, tracking, and demobilization, including the use of the Resource Net
• Submit a mike-mike report
• Properly complete an ICS 214 Log
• Properly complete and send/receive an ICS 213 Message form

Topics Covered

• The Disaster Service Worker program
• Santa Clara County Nets
• Mobilization, Tracking, Demobilization
• Fundamentals of Logging
• Fundamentals of Message Handling
• Additional Training
• Credential Program