TO: ALL ARES OPERATORS IN DISTRICT 3 (OFFICIAL)
ALL AMATEURS IN WEST VIRGINIA (INFORMATION)
FROM: WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED AND WOOD
COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICES (ARES)
ARES DISTRICT 3 BULLETIN NR 07.21 DATE: May 27, 2007
SUBJECT: A RADIO IS NOT ALL THAT'S NEEDED
A radio is simply a tool for accomplishing a job. Not all radios are the same, meaning they all have different capabilities. Further, anyone's personal favorite, or what works in their area, may be totally inadequate for another purpose, or another area.
Even more important than the radio (GMRS, FRS, Amateur Radio, or Commercial Radio (VHF/UHF/800 MHz, etc)), is that the user has the knowledge, skill, and experience to effectively use it to solve the problem at hand. Any tool in the hands of someone who is untrained in its use can cause more problems than it solves. For the untrained operator, the first radio instructions should often be "Release to Listen", instead of "Push to Talk".
Just because you buy a guitar, doesn't mean you're a musician. At the same time, if the only tool you have is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail.
First, define the communications problem or need, and then identify the tools which may solve it, and finally choose the best solution based on the available resources. The finest tool does little good if the person who needs it, cannot afford to obtain it.
(Information is from Jerry Reimer, Northwood Park Community Emergency Response Team, Harris County, Texas)
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
WV ARES Assistant Section Coordinator
WV ARES District 3 Emergency Coordinator