Allied Health Amateur Radio Equipment

Amateur radio stations exist at the county EOC, all city EOCs, all hospitals in the county, and at the Medical Health Joint Operations Center. These stations exist to provide communications support in the event of failed or degraded commercial communications systems. Allied health organizations can make their facility ready to support amateur radio communications by installing some basic equipment. The following recommendations for voice and data communications equipment are provided to help build a compatible, effective and efficient communications system.

For maximum efficiency and effectiveness, the ideal location of the radio equipment should meet the following requirements:

• Adjacent to the agency's Command Center or administrative area (whatever location would be used to manage an emergency)
  • During an emergency, almost all radio traffic will be to/from the emergency management staff. Minimizing the distance between the command center and the radio station means the operator will be away from the station much less.
  • A small anteroom off to the side of the administrative area is ideal.
  • During non-emergency times, licensed staff or residents may wish to use the equipment for practice. The ideal location would be accessible to those authorized to use the equipment.
• Quiet
  • For the radio operator: The radio operator can/will use a headset, which can help reduce distractions. But surrounding noise should be kept to a minimum (typical office-level noise is fine).
  • For others: The radio operator will need to speak into the microphone. Doing so shouldn't interrupt others in the room.
• Secure
  • The radio operator will usually bring their own personal effects and may need to bring additional equipment. These items should be secure when the radio operator needs to leave the station, such as to retrieve/deliver a message or visit the cafeteria or restroom.
  • The amateur radio equipment must be secured to prevent use when a licensed operator is not present. A locked cabinet is commonly used.
• Separated from patients
  • Amateur radio operators should be separated as much as possible from patient areas to protect both the operators and patients from any possible exposure to diseases, pathogens, etc.
• Room for up to two people
  • In most cases, a single operator will be sufficient. In particularly busy times, an extra operator could be useful. Each needs a place to sit and operate computers, radios, etc.

Reliable power is essential for emergency communications.

• Power during sustained outage (> 1 hour)
  • The amateur station should have access to at least one 120V 15A circuit that has backup generator power via automatic transfer switch.
• Power during brief outages (< 1 hour)
  • The station will also benefit from some local battery power to keep equipment going during transfers between commercial and generator power, or during generator faults or other localized electrical problems.

Amateur radio frequencies can only be used when a licensed amateur radio operator is present. But during an emergency, the number of available amateur radio operators can be stretched thin. Agencies can better prepare themselves to be self-supporting by encouraging their staff and residents to become amateur radio operators. Then they won't need to depend on someone being available and able to get to them.  The local city's amateur radio Emergency Coordinator can discuss licensing, on-going training, and other participation options.

Amateur Radio Licensing

Links to several organizations that conduct licensing classes and exams.

ARES/RACES Training Courses

To be effective during an emergency, licensed operators need additional training in emergency communications procedures and techniques.

Allied health organizations are encouraged to discuss their needs with their local city's amateur radio Emergency Coordinator before making any purchases.

The most important investment is an antenna on the roof. This makes it possible for an amateur radio operator to attach his/her own radio and hear and be heard by other stations.

• VHF/UHF Antennas
  • Antenna
    • 1 x tri-band (2m/1.25m/70cm) ground-plane antenna mounted at a high point on the roof, separated by 10-20 feet from other antennas, and free of nearby obstructions
    • Feedline: In most cases, LMR-400 or equivalent coax is recommended. 1/2 inch Heliax (LDF4-50A) is ideal.
  • Lightning Arrestor
    • Recommendation: DC-blocking, inductor-type arrestor for each feedline

The next most important piece of equipment is a radio. Facilities with larger populations, particularly those with amateur radio operators on staff or in residence, can benefit greatly from having the radio on-site, plugged in, and regularly tested by the local, on-site operators. Smaller facilities may choose to hope for an amateur radio operator being available to bringing his/her own radio to plug into the pre-installed antenna. Again, it's best to discuss the specific needs of the facility with the local city's amateur radio Emergency Coordinator.

Note that amateur radio equipment can only legally be used when a licensed amateur radio operator is present. So, it needs to be kept in a secure location (such as a locked cabinet) to prevent unlicensed use.

• Voice Equipment
• Voice radio
  • Recommendation: 1 x dual-band (2m/70cm) radio with data connector (to enable packet radio use)

Sending resource request forms and other messages via an e-mail-like data transmission can dramatically improve efficiency and effectiveness of radio communications. Whether the data equipment should be supplied by the facility or brought by an amateur radio operator that is dispatched to the facility is a subject best discussed with the local city's amateur radio Emergency Coordinator.

• Packet Equipment
  • AX.25 (Packet) over VHF Amateur Radio (includes equipment details and other resources)
    • Recommendation: A complete packet station, including: radio, TNC, TNC/radio cables, PC, printer, and recommended software
    • Note: A method to share the antenna with the voice radio will be needed. There are several options, some better than others, which include: using an extra antenna, sharing a single antenna with a triplexer and diplexer combination, or sharing a single radio using two VFOs. The city EC will be able to discuss the best option.