TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY ARES MEMBERS (OFFICIAL)
ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE (INFORMATION)
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM ARRL DISTRICT 3
EMERGENCY COORDINATOR WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INC.
WOOD COUNTY ARES BULLETIN NR 18.33 DATE: August 19, 2018
SUBJECT: ELIMINATE THE MIDDLE MAN
Any time you can eliminate the middle man the job will be easier and have fewer mistakes.
If you are participating in an event that has the possibility of needing to report some kind of an emergency, try to do it direct. An example would be an event that could involve injuries, it's best to report any injuries directly to an emergency dispatch center, such as 911.
If the dispatch center has any additional information they would like, or need, to get the assistance that's needed, they can ask you direct. If they need to relay their request for additional information through someone else, it will take longer to get the help on the way, and the information may get messed up in the relay.
The person on the scene of some kind of injury is in a best position to answer any questions the emergency dispatch center might need.
But, as usual, always report the incident to the event communications coordinator so there will be a record of what was done. By reporting directly to an emergency dispatch center for the emergency assistance you may need, doesn't mean you are bypassing your event communications, it means you are being a good communicator.
(Idea for the bulletin from Bill Davidson, N8JXO)
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV