| | Amateur Radio Supports Oregon Disaster Airlift Response Team |
On Saturday June 8 and Saturday June 15, 2024, the Oregon Disaster Airlift Response Team (ODART, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) conducted its third annual “Whale Run” full-scale exercise involving general aviation aircraft supported by amateur radio communications. While the pilots were conducting reconnaissance flights of infrastructure and delivering nutritional and medical supplies to remote coastal communities (including two Native American tribes), hams were sending landing area weather reports and tracking takeoffs and landings via Winlink on HF. The exercise scenario was a simulated abrupt shift of the Earth’s crust along the Cascadia Subduction Zone in the Pacific Ocean resulting in a full-length "megathrust” rupture of that fault. The aftermath of such an event involves a large earthquake with aftershocks; coastal subsidence; tsunami waves; liquefaction of tidal flats, river estuaries, and areas with artificial fills; landslides along steeper slopes and reactivation of some older deep-seated landslides; widespread containment failure of above-ground and below-ground fuel and chemical storage tanks, ground and surface water contamination, and toxic chemical spills and fires; widespread failure of the electrical grid, water distribution infrastructure, roadways, and bridges; and damage to fiber-optic and copper lines, cellular and landline phone systems, commercial radio, Internet services, and (yes, even) amateur radio repeaters. For areas between Cape Mendocino in Northern California and Nootka Island in British Columbia, it is not a matter of “if” this will happen in the future, but “when” it will take place. ODART conducted 11 cargo positioning flights carrying 3,050 pounds of food on June 8, and 11 cargo delivery flights on June 15. The amount of cargo delivered on the second Saturday to simulated impact areas was less, as one of the destination airfields on the northern Oregon coast couldn’t be reached safely because of weather. Hopefully, that set of deliveries can be completed before the end of the summer. In 2023, one float plane made a single delivery flight, but in 2024 this increased to five float planes making a total of six delivery flights. |
 | | ODART pilot Ted Millar taxis his 1956 DHC-2 float plane toward the docks at Regatta Park on Devil's Lake at Lincoln City, Oregon, while two members of Lincoln County ACS wait to offload the cargo. [Photo courtesy Steve Aberle, WA7PTM] |
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New for the 2024 exercise from an amateur radio perspective was the use of custom Winlink forms (using insertion tags) which made the information transfer more efficient and resulted in consistent formatting. An aeronautical mobile station was aloft on both exercise weekends to see how air to ground communications via ham radio might be effective in relaying tactical messages in an actual emergency. Despite using headphones, a high noise level in the cockpit is something which still requires a better solution. The 2024 edition of the “Whale Run” full-scale exercise involved 20 general aviation pilots flying over 7,500 air miles. They were supported by over 40 radio amateurs from 10 different counties across a 360-mile-long geographic footprint. This exercise was a bit more challenging as a CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) from sunspot AR3712 occurred just a few hours before the start of the exercise on the second day, but the communications teams overcame the challenge. All food banks were most grateful for the donations they received. Volunteer general aviation groups with missions similar to ODART exist in most areas of the country, so if your Emcomm group isn’t currently helping one with their communications, now would be the time to reach out. -- Steve Aberle, WA7PTM, Assistant Director, Northwestern Division |
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| ARES LAX Northeast Excels in Angel Fall Complex Exercise |
During the "Angel Fall Complex" exercise held on June 29, 2024, ARES LAX Northeast demonstrated exceptional teamwork and technical proficiency. This exercise tested the capabilities of amateur radio operators in a simulated scenario in which a cyberattack, orchestrated by a hacker group named "Specter Net," targeted Southern California’s healthcare infrastructure. The goal was to ensure that mission-critical communications could still be maintained despite the disruption. Radio operators worked in pairs and on-site at five hospitals (Huntington, Kaiser LAMC, White Memorial, San Dimas, Pomona) and the LA County Medical Alert Center (LAC-MAC). Over four hours, the MAC station received 74 messages, successfully transmitting 100% of the mission-critical traffic sent via VARA Chat (www.varac-hamradio.com). Team Cohesion and Mutual Support ARES LAX Northeast radio operators displayed remarkable coordination and mutual support throughout the exercise. The exercise plan required operators to use VARA Chat, Winlink, and PinpointAPRS (www.pinpointaprs.com) on the 2-meter and 1.25-meter bands, as well as complete, rename and transmit standard LA County forms as spreadsheets and documents. Their ability to work together as a cohesive unit was pivotal in handling the demanding nature of the exercise. “We are introducing higher stress levels in these exercises to get operators used to it. In a real event, operators would be concerned about their families, homes and neighborhoods which would result in elevated stress levels” said Jeff Liter, W2JCL, Assistant District Emergency Coordinator for ARES LAX Northeast. After the hotwash, Jason Chan, KM6WJQ, noted that Jeff’s comments resonated with him. “I am glad that they are challenging us. It helps us better prepare for adverse conditions.” VARA FM: A Valuable Asset VARA FM proved to be an indispensable tool during the exercise. It facilitated the rapid transmission of spreadsheets and word forms, which were essential for managing hospital resource requests, bed availability reports, and general messages. Its digipeating capabilities helped overcome propagation challenges on the 2-meter band, ensuring reliable communication. Additionally, VARA FM seamlessly integrated Chat and APRS functionalities, streamlining the communication process. Operators praised VARA FM digipeating capabilities. Jason Chan, KM6WJQ, who operated with Ed Vanderpool, KJ6LYS, from Pomona Valley Hospital, said “from Pomona we do not have a line of sight connection to the Medical Alert Center (MAC) due to a mountain range. We therefore leaned on the digipeating capabilities our teammates at White Memorial and Huntington hospitals provided. I was especially impressed with Eric, N5KMF, at White Memorial. It was his first deployment exercise and he and his VARA FM digipeater played a critical part in passing our traffic to the MAC.” Effective Use of PinpointAPRS PinpointAPRS was instrumental in providing real-time hospital service level updates and tracking station locations. Operators at the hospitals and the MAC successfully used PinpointAPRS to send hourly service level updates, which were crucial for maintaining situational awareness and coordinating responses. “We used PinpointAPRS with VARA FM on a tactical frequency, as defined by our ICS-205 Radio Communications Plan”, said Oliver Dully, K6OLI, District Emergency Coordinator for ARES LAX Northeast. “PinpointAPRS and VARA Chat play well together, so it’s easy to stay on the same frequency. And just to clarify: We rarely use the national APRS frequency for our exercises - and when we do we use packet instead of VARA FM.” Key Accomplishments Successful transmission of forms: All stations transmitted mission-critical forms via VARA FM Chat, achieving a 100% success rate. This included bed availability and resource request spreadsheets, demonstrating VARA FM's efficiency in handling vital data. Live service level updates: PinpointAPRS enabled operators to provide timely service level updates, which were easy to access and interpret, enhancing the overall responsiveness of the exercise. Robust digital and voice coordination: The exercise highlighted the effectiveness of combining digital and voice operations. The disciplined approach of the operators ensures smooth communication and coordination, with voice net control on the LAX103 repeater and digital traffic on LAX303 simplex. Lew Soloway, AC6LS, Assistant District Emergency Coordinator for ARES LAX Northeast and voice net control remarked that “emergency communications skills are perishable. Regular exercises, like the “Angel Fall Complex,” are critical to refreshing, enhancing and updating our skills as radio communicators. We also work closely with our hospital and county partners for these exercises, which strengthens our communities.” Looking Forward The success of the "Angel Fall Complex" exercise has highlighted areas for further improvement and training. ARES LAX Northeast plans to enhance training for spreadsheet forms, refine best practices for VARA Chat, and continue to evolve their digital communication strategies. By building on these achievements, ARES LAX Northeast is well-prepared to support critical communications in future emergency scenarios, ensuring that vital information can be transmitted quickly and reliably, even in the face of significant challenges. -- Oliver Dully, K6OLI, Pasadena, California, July 6, 2024 |
| RIMPAC 2024: The Role of Amateur Radio in Supporting Hawaii Healthcare Groups with Emergency Communications |
Honolulu, HI, July 12, 2024 – In the world’s largest international military maritime exercise, 37 amateur radio operators from Hawaii volunteered, showcasing the indispensable value of amateur radio in emergency preparedness and response. The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 brings together 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel. During this exercise, over 21 medical facilities statewide were staffed with amateur radio volunteers. Video Highlights: Watch the exercise highlights. One exercise combined assets and expertise from hospitals, medical professionals, military sea and airlift operations, and amateur radio across Hawaii. This collaborative effort ensured a comprehensive approach to emergency management, enhancing overall effectiveness and response capability. Taking place in summer 2024 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and across Hawaii, it fostered cooperative relationships and vital disaster training. HealthComm: The Backbone of Emergency Communications HealthComm provides amateur radio communications to health care associations in Hawaii during emergencies and disasters. This collaboration ensures seamless communication across the state, from hospitals to medical facilities, through the expertise of amateur radio operators, proving crucial in both simulated and real emergencies. Hawaii Healthcare Emergency Management (HHEM): Central to its mission is the provision of timely alerts, warnings, notifications, and situational updates via the coalition communication and information system. This system includes amateur radio, understanding that traditional means may be down and volunteers can serve in times of need. Utilizing Winlink Radio Email, UHF/VHF radios, HF radios, DMR, public service radios, and satellite radios, amateur radio operators ensure a resilient communication network. Advanced Communication Techniques During RIMPAC 2024, the Incident Command System (ICS) and Winlink Radio Email facilitated check-ins from each hospital. Amateur radio operators on Ford Island provided essential reports on patient numbers and severity, helping balance the load across medical facilities and ensuring efficient care. Join HealthComm If you are a licensed amateur radio operator interested in joining HealthComm, please contact Jackson Tsujimura, KH6DQ. More volunteers are needed to support our mission of ensuring effective emergency communications across Hawaii. Many of the volunteers participating in RIMPAC 2024 are also dedicated members of other vital emergency communication groups, such as ARES, RACES, and CERT. These committed individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise from their involvement in these organizations, further enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of emergency communications during the exercise. Their participation underscores the critical role that amateur radio plays in a wide range of emergency preparedness and response efforts, ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle disasters and emergencies with resilient and adaptable communication networks. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers, community groups, medical professionals, and military personnel whose tireless efforts and commitment to public service have made the RIMPAC 2024 exercise a tremendous success. Your collective contributions ensure the safety and preparedness of our community, exemplifying true collaboration and excellence. -- Michael Miller, KH6ML, ARRL State Government Liaison and Assistant Section Manager, Pacific Section |
| Amateur Radio Medical Support |
Sweeping changes in healthcare delivery practices and regulations are impacting amateur radio in our emergency communications and public service roles. The first change was the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law requires detailed healthcare information be kept private. A second trend, around 2010, saw regulations and incentives published, driving the healthcare system in the US toward the use of electronic medical records vs. historical paper charts. These are subject to HIPAA privacy rules. A third trend, seen starting in 2020, was the appearance of shortages of medical services, such as available hospital beds, emergency room capacity and emergency medical services such as ambulances and medical volunteers. Background and History The days of hams grabbing a handheld radio and self-deploying to the hospital in the event of an emergency are long over. Hospital-based voice radio nets or radio clubs/rooms are less common. However, considering the shortages of all types of medical services, the door is far from closed for volunteer medical support. Organizations like the Mayo Clinic have been working on guidelines for managing mass casualty incidents. These are situations in which the number of medical cases exceeds treatment and response resources. One published framework for this is called SALT -- Sort, Assess, Lifesaving Interventions, and Treatment/Transport. Patients are triaged into these categories: Green (minimal); Yellow (delayed); Red (immediate); Grey (expected to die); and Black (dead). Hams and volunteer medical resources are generally involved in Green cases. We may be asked to assist with Yellow cases (often transport coordination). Generally, only professionals manage Red, Grey and Black cases, often via 911. Several use cases for hams supporting health care delivery particularly at volunteer led events have been observed: Small Race/Parade Model In this model, a community group will organize a 5K/10K race/walk or parade. They pull permits and organize a committee. There is usually a start/finish area that might have a medical tent or table. A volunteer medical person or team is organized. A larger race might have aid stations out on the course. These might have medical staff at aid stations or water stops. There may be a dedicated ambulance for cases more serious than Green. Hams would set up a net control at or near the medical table. A repeater might be borrowed. Hams would check in from aid stations or mile markers with “reportable” conditions such as injuries. Serious injuries (suspected heart problems, bad falls) are usually first called into 911. All situations are logged (on the ICS 214 form) in very basic summary form (to avoid HIPAA violations) and shared with medical and event leadership. This tends to provide a clear, real time operating picture. This can also “deconflict” incidents such as multiple ambulance dispatches to the same scene for the same person. Larger Scale Community Events A more formal NIMS/ICS structure may or may not be seen or recognized as a basis for these events. One important point: the medical resources caring for event participants may be organizationally in the Operations section, not under Logistics. And the communications resources may be embedded in the medical team and not caring for event internal logistics needs, but relaying “runner down” status to EMS. If this was a government forest fire response, the medical section is caring for injured firefighters. At a marathon, 300 injured runners might seek care, and with just one staff member. One model seen at marathons: most hams are embedded in the runner-facing medical units, a few might be loaned out as internal “net controls’ on rented radios for logistics or water stops or to manage Supplies Athletes and Gear (SAG) buses. Very Large Incidents/Events The 2019 CERT Manual and the Boston Marathon Bombing After Action Report show clear roles for volunteers. The idea is that trained volunteers are the front end of the system. So in the case of CERT at an earthquake, volunteers care initially for themselves and their families. They may also check on their neighbors. The objective is to triage and manage Green cases, and reduce the strain on 911 resources to conserve them for Yellow and Red cases. As directed, they may be deployed to other areas. HIPAA and Ham Radio Two features of HIPAA are widely used by hams to support emergency communications and public service. One is the Red Cross exemption: The Red Cross and other volunteer groups are not recognized as healthcare providers, so there may be limited information sharing. This is a complex topic, however. The other provision allows a facility directory to share the location (only) of a person being treated. This is used as an example: Allowing the location (only) of an individual (often identified just by race bib number) at a marathon needing care to be relayed to health providers. At a given scene or event, the healthcare providers might decide to use a secure Electronic Medical Records (EMR) type of system. Ham volunteers may or may not be invited to directly participate in that. At some events, hams have expressed concerns about the security required and have decided to disengage in the handling of secure data. Review Mass casualty incidents are a topic of concern for medical leaders, emergency management staff and event planners. There is a large and proven role for volunteers in this work. It is best to focus on simpler, less urgent cases (Green) and look to our served agencies for guidance. Events are often in need of volunteer support and can be used as excellent avenues for real world training and practice. – Erik Westgard, NY9D, Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator, Minnesota ARES |
| Winlink Supports International Health Service in Honduras |
The International Health Service has been sending volunteer medical/dental teams into remote areas of Honduras, Central America, for 40 years. These teams provide needed medical care to impoverished populations, often in remote, isolated villages that may require riverboats, small planes, or hours riding in 4 x 4 trucks to reach. Communications from these villages is always a challenge, having no internet, no cellular service, and often no electricity. Once on site, we have to establish communications with the outside world for emergencies, security, medical consultations, patient transfers, coordination of travel and logistic support, as well as health and welfare messages to family members back home. Each team has an amateur radio operator embedded who sets up and operates an HF Winlink communications station. The beauty of using Winlink is that from an area with no working internet (like the middle of the jungle) it can send and receive emails that are delivered to anyone in the world via their normal internet email system. It's invisible to the recipient that the first leg of the email's trip is actually transmitted by HF radio. This year, I deployed in a dual role as my IHS team's engineer and radio operator to the most remote villages in the western mountains of Honduras. After a grueling 12-hour bus ride to transport our team, medical equipment and supplies to the general area, then another 4-hour trek through mountain “roads” with potholes the size of Volkswagens, we finally arrived at our first village. Since darkness was approaching, the first priority was to set up our sleeping area for the night. We sleep on the floor in individual tents in any available structure we can find in each village, moving every 2 or 3 days to the next village to again set up and operate a medical clinic. I needed to report our location and that our team had arrived safely. Since it was too dark to scout outside for suitable antenna locations, I unpacked my battery-operated FX-4CR transceiver (20 watts SSB, 10 watts digital) and set up an indoor magnetic loop antenna. Using Winlink VARA HF, I connected with the N5TW RMS 1200 miles away and was able to successfully send my traffic. I must explain that during the times of IHS operations, N5TW aims his phenomenal stacked, phased beam antenna array connected to his Winlink RMS station towards Honduras, specifically to support our communications. During our travels from village to village, even with low power and a magnetic loop antenna indoors, I was always able to connect to N5TW on 15 meters from early morning into the night, even when the propagation forecast charts indicated in the red with zero path quality. I came equipped with an FT-891 full power rig, PACTOR modem, and several different antenna systems but since the simple QRP setup was perfectly adequate, all the other equipment just stayed in the Pelican case throughout the deployment. The Winlink system was invaluable to our operations. Besides handling our routine communications, we had an unexpected event that required the evacuation of one of our doctors from the middle of nowhere back to the U.S. This required a lot of communication and coordination. This year, hams who served on other IHS medical teams throughout Honduras included: N5YZJ, KC0JON, KB0UUP, KI5RWK, and K5TAS. -- Dr. Steve Posner, KX5SP [The author is a retired U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Officer and served as an Emergency Response Coordinator and Communications Director for the National Disaster Medical System where he was deployed to 99 major disaster sites throughout the U.S. and around the world]. |
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible to apply for membership in ARES. Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES. Please inquire at the local level for specific information. Because ARES is an amateur radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership. How to Get Involved in ARES: Fill out the ARES Registration form and submit it to your local Emergency Coordinator. |
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