The Death of EmComm
An interesting article appears in the October issue of World Radio Magazine. The author of the regular EmComm section told the readers good bye as he does not intend to write about Emergency Communications in the context of Amateur Radio any more.
If you have never picked up a copy of World Radio magazine you should. It is printed on news print giving it a different appeal. While you are reading the articles you will quickly get a feel for the cranky, and frequently rude, style of the writing which sometimes makes it a little over the top. Good points include “Krusty” old Kurt’s technical advice. The Rules and Reg column is right on the mark, even though the writer consistently lambastes the reader.
The EmComm column is one I never paid much attention to since I think Amateur Radio and Emergency Communications has been, for all practical purposes, dead for years. When I saw he was putting down the pen for this column, I just had to read more.
It turns out the writer has seen what many of us have noticed for some time. He highlights the technical capabilities of the emergency services is in really good shape leaving any contributions amateur radio can provide for most any circumstance almost entirely pointless.
An excellent point is the national and state emergency services have access to HF spectrum just like we do canceling any advantage we might think we have with our own HF bands.
He goes on expressing concern many hams these days desire to be first responders rather than communication assistants. Wannabees is a more appropriate term.
The best advice the author gave to those who wanna-be a first responder is to, well, become a real first responder by volunteering as a fire fighter, police reservist, etc. An amateur radio license makes you a cop, not. If you are not a real first responder, but you do have an amateur radio license and you ever put on a day glow vest or have any kind of attention attracting lights on your vehicle you are a Whacker and an embarrassment to the Amateur Radio hobby. Sorry… that’s just the way it is.
The fact a popular author of a regular column in a ham radio magazine is joining the chorus decrying the absurdity of today’s wannabee EmComm freaks is a welcome next step towards getting real.
Advice to new amateur radio operators. Your new license conveys no authority whatsoever to help our emergency personnel. If you got into Amateur Radio to wear a day-glow vest and direct traffic you should rethink staying in Amateur Radio.
Wanna help? I mean really help?
Just enjoy your hobby, have good equipment, become proficient and relax. The time may come when your radio and you are needed to convey some important information you stumble upon. Don’t hold your breath though.
“When all else fails, amateur radio” is still reasonably true. Just don’t design your life waiting on the “fails” part.
I got into Amateur Radio as a logical extension of my electrical engineering profession. I enjoy antenna design and becoming proficient in contests, Field Day, etc. One day I will put HF into my car to help alleviate the boredom of long commutes; Talking to Europe during the morning commute is an amazing thing.
I don’t desire to be a first responder although I once was when volunteering as a fire fighter. No… I don’t have callsign license plates as I don’t need to tell the world “Hey, I passed a test.” I don’t collect QSO cards or certificates as I don’t need to impress anyone else with my radio activities. I just operate and learn more about radio physics… for my own personal satisfaction and to stay in touch with my ham friends.
This is a very cool hobby with much going for it. Unfortunately the “first responder” type of folks in our ranks spoil the image for all and that is such a shame.
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Not all amateur operators that get there ticket for the purpose for Emcomm are crazy, whacker, first responder wannebes. I know several, including myself, that got their ticket for the sole purpose on assisting in the time of disasters. Are we first responders? No and we will never be. But does amateur radio have a role in disasters or public service? Yes. ARES, Skywarn and Red Cross, amateur radio operators are there to assist the agencies and amateur radio will never be the primary means of communications during a disaster if they are doing their jobs right.
As for the lights and “day-glow vests”, if by wearing one of these vests while supporting an event like the MS-150, YWCA Triathlon, Skywarn, or ARES makes the wearer a “Whacker” then I think we all should stand-up and cheer. Safety vests and lights are not for show and should never be used for show. During events amateur operators are often placed along the road to assist the medical staff of the event. If they, the volunteers, cannot be seen by the person that needs help, drivers (of obvious safety reasons), or the medical staff then why are they there?
My advice to new amateur radio operators, join Skywarn and the local ARES group. Learn the part of the hobby that is known for, helping people. I do agree that this does not give any amateur operator the authority to help out emergency personnel, that is why ARES states “ARES consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered …” But I also say to the new operators, be safe and wear a safety vest if the situation warrants it.
Now a note about the cranky, rude style of writing from your post. Just because you do not like the fact that other amateur radio operators are volunteering their time and equipment to assist organizations, does not mean they are embarrassing, smiting, or hurting the hobby in any way. Many groups, people, and agencies are very appreciative of the volunteers and services of the amateur radio operators. Calling these operators names is not right and shows an embarrassment, by you, to other amateur radio operators that enjoy the hobby in all its facets. By the way, World Radio Magazine is only going to be on-line and taken over by the CQ Magazine.
I do not know why you do not like to express your like of a hobby by not letting people know about the fun and interesting parts of this hobby. You do not have to impress anyone or let the world know you are an amateur operator. But just because other people get “ham plates” or collect QSO cards, does not mean they are out to prove they are better then the next operator. Kids love QSO cards and want to know more about the places and people you have talked to. So being quick to judge or narrow minded is not how you promote this great hobby of ours.
I really hope you are not the owner of this web site. I first saw the site name and started to think how this could be a great place to exchange ideas and network with other hams. But after reading your article on the “death of emcomm” why would I come back or recommend this site to other hams? I will sign this post to let you and all the other readers know who I am and why I like this hobby.
C. Phil Brunson, N7YBH