Saturday, May 31, 2014

AR-1 DMAT

Today is the quarterly meeting of the @AR1DMAT and I am enjoying the cameraderie of a great team and learning from the multiple training sessions.

Right now learning about prevention of Trench Foot - a real need to know for all backpackers and /PM operators and Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio operators #RADAROPS since it prevents pain and incredible infections / gangrene.

Monday, May 19, 2014

The Amateur's Code

The Amateur's Code


by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA (1928)


The Radio Amateur is:

CONSIDERATEnever knowingly operating in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
LOYALoffering loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs and the American Radio Relay League, through which Amateur Radio in the United States is represented nationally and internationally.
PROGRESSIVEwith knowledge abreast of science, a well built and efficient station, and operation beyond reproach.
FRIENDLYwith slow and patient operation when requested, friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance, co-operation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.
BALANCEDRadio is an avocation, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.
PATRIOTICwith station and skill always ready for service to country and community.




Amateur Radio for hospitals - a valuable resource

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2014/05/19/ham-radio-old-technology-gets-new-respect/

Brief article generally describing value of Amateur Radio operators within hospitals.




Thursday, May 15, 2014

Maintaining Leadership Focus in Volunteer Emergency Organizations

Outstanding How-To article on how to manage Volunteer Emergency Organizations.
http://bigmedicine.ca/wordpress/2011/11/judy-esmond-options-maintaining-leadership-focus-in-volunteer-emergency-organizations/#sthash.VEClTRzS.dpuf

I especially want to point out the following paragraph of the article:

PEOPLE

1) Leaders should ensure that every step is made to make a newbie welcome. A ʺfather – figureʺ (utilising specific skills and abilities) can take the newbie under his or her wing for the first two or three meetings; making them feel at home and instil a sense of belonging. It is a common fact that if a newbie hasn’t made a friend within the first seven weeks, there is a strong possibility they won’t hang around much after that.

2) Home in on the skills, talents, abilities, attributes, etc of the newcomer and begin to utilize them ASAP.

3) If membership or team spirit appears to be waning, perhaps a change of leadership is needed? Leaders who hold the post for long periods can generate staleness. Fresh blood often introduces a fresh approach.

My comments to this are:

Regarding #1:
I specifically thank all the members of the ARES-Club (Arkansas Radio Emergency Services Club) for having made me feel welcome from the first moment onwards and for your continued elmering. It is not often that one meets HAMs like you.

Regarding #2:
I also thank you for having utilized my skill set from the beginning - it takes a confident and knowledgeable person to guide someone else, knowing how to apply their skill set and allowing them to gain leadership experience - and you did.

Regarding #3:
I certainly see no waning team spirit with the ARES-Club! Why is that? I believe it's because you practice the art of rotating responsibilities. That's exactly what a friend of mine, a US Navy Commander, suggested I practice with our Decon Unit where I work.


See more about "Maintaining Leadership Focus in Volunteer Emergency Organizations" at: http://bigmedicine.ca/wordpress/2011/11/judy-esmond-options-maintaining-leadership-focus-in-volunteer-emergency-organizations/#sthash.VEClTRzS.dpuf