KC3WII

I can’t image a good reason not to. Consider making the experience personal and unforgettable: http://www.braillebookstore.com/Braille-Business-Cards https://www.everydaysight.com/braille-business-cards/ https://www.acb.org/braille-business-cards https://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/business/business_card_specs.html

Is there anyone excluded from participating in the Ham community on the basis of their race, sex, religion, sexual preference (not that this is anybody’s business), or age? Heck, most of us are just happy to get a volunteer. Most modern Americans couldn’t care less how much pigment is in someone’s skin or what they like to do in the bedroom. All are welcome. If they prefer to do something else, that’s fine too. Cheers!

My answer depends on how we agree to define “deploy.” Am I driving through my region and finding myself observing a situation or intercepting a distress call from someone in a bad situation? I’m keying the microphone and I’m self deployed. Am I reading about Hawaii fires and buying a plane ticket, renting a zodiac or a helicopter, making my way into the situation and setting up in an affected AOR? No. A few thoughts from one who was often responsible for operations in dangerous areas: No one goes in alone. Whether military, fire, or EMS operations, there was always prioritization, logistics support, a plan for egress, and accountability. Without accountability we see poor outcomes. When there are independent operators, there is a good chance they’ll be in the way or worse - become a new victim to prioritize. I’d believe that “deploying” into a situation with which one has no training, experience, or familiarity isn’t smart. Even with that training an experience, going it alone is not smart. That said, could we deploy when people know who we are and our deployment is coordinated? Sure! But my interpretation of the question is that we’re exploring the concept of “self deploying.” Like... Some guy or gal with a HAM radio wandering into a disaster area without checking in with whomever has command responsibility. If that’s the definition, then “self deployment” is a big risk and something I would discourage. PS - if there is a situation where regular emergency services are overwhelmed, the process is to call in mutual aid from surrounding regions. When that isn’t enough, FEMA can be activated by local officials. From the time mutual aid is called, a command element generally shifts from whomever was there first to whomever is best qualified as help arrives. The command element begins to adopt FEMA incident command structure and process. I can see good reason and benefit to connecting with command, checking in with skills available, and taking an assignment at that point. I can’t imagine a communication challenged situation where emergency management would not welcome competent communication’s support. If you do find yourself in that situation, understand that there is a lot going on and our role is one of many. Do your best to do what they need you to do and you’ll be considered value add. Best scenario is if this appeals to you, start becoming familiar with FEMA ICS and NIMS now, connect with your local fire and police, and let them know you (and vice versa). Most operators are nervous around untested people serving in high pressure environments. They’ve seen too many “squirrels” who don’t adapt well when adrenaline is flowing.

Hey Ham Community, this is an automated post on behalf of our new member: KC3WII, On behalf of Ham Community, let's give KC3WII a warm welcome. KC3WII, we encourage you to browse around and get to know the Community's many sections. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask, as with all things HAM, we all love to give advice 😎 For everyone's information, KC3WII joined on the 08/13/2023; this is their profile: View Member.