One of the things I like about this job is that we potentially can be dispatched to expedite relief to a disaster area to help many people. At any time we also could potentially be one of the first on scene at a random problem situation along the highway or elsewhere. Finally, we could just happen to hear something that is a need for assistance as the following illustrates.
The following is one of the reasons ham radio appeals to me. I hope I'm never involved in such a situation because I'd rather nobody had such a problem however I like knowing I'm equipped to assist if need be.
====>NEVADA HAM PLAYS ROLE IN RADIO RESCUE (from the ARRL)
ARRL member Eric Christianson, KE7DZZ, of Reno, Nevada, was just listening to the repeater for background noise May 26, but an emergency call made him sit up and take notice.
"I immediately grabbed the mic and asked 'What's the nature of the
emergency?' The guy said that he was in a remote area with a downed
motorcycle rider who appeared to have a serious neck injury. He said the injured man couldn't sit up without feeling dizzy."
On the other end of the circuit was Dave Kersting, KF6QQO, of Redondo Beach, California, who'd been out riding his motorcycle with friends that day. Before he left, Kersting grabbed his 2 meter handheld radio, programmed with some repeater frequencies along their route, and his handheld GPS unit.
"Dave gave me the GPS coordinates of their location, so I called my local 911 dispatch, Washoe County," Christianson said. He relayed the coordinates to the 911 dispatcher, who asked him to remain on in contact with Kersting until EMS arrived at the scene.
"Washoe County couldn't find these guys," Christianson recounted. "It seems Dave's GPS had given the wrong coordinates, but another guy in the group had a GPS, and he got different coordinates. I gave dispatch the new coordinates, and by using them, they found the group."
The new coordinates placed the group inside Mono County, California. Washoe County then called Mono County. About 7:15 PM, a helicopter ambulance, called Christianson on the phone to let him know their pilot was in flight near the area and asked if he had any more details for them. The chopper landed just a few minutes later and transported the injured biker to a local hospital.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
The following is one of the reasons ham radio appeals to me. I hope I'm never involved in such a situation because I'd rather nobody had such a problem however I like knowing I'm equipped to assist if need be.
====>NEVADA HAM PLAYS ROLE IN RADIO RESCUE (from the ARRL)
ARRL member Eric Christianson, KE7DZZ, of Reno, Nevada, was just listening to the repeater for background noise May 26, but an emergency call made him sit up and take notice.
"I immediately grabbed the mic and asked 'What's the nature of the
emergency?' The guy said that he was in a remote area with a downed
motorcycle rider who appeared to have a serious neck injury. He said the injured man couldn't sit up without feeling dizzy."
On the other end of the circuit was Dave Kersting, KF6QQO, of Redondo Beach, California, who'd been out riding his motorcycle with friends that day. Before he left, Kersting grabbed his 2 meter handheld radio, programmed with some repeater frequencies along their route, and his handheld GPS unit.
"Dave gave me the GPS coordinates of their location, so I called my local 911 dispatch, Washoe County," Christianson said. He relayed the coordinates to the 911 dispatcher, who asked him to remain on in contact with Kersting until EMS arrived at the scene.
"Washoe County couldn't find these guys," Christianson recounted. "It seems Dave's GPS had given the wrong coordinates, but another guy in the group had a GPS, and he got different coordinates. I gave dispatch the new coordinates, and by using them, they found the group."
The new coordinates placed the group inside Mono County, California. Washoe County then called Mono County. About 7:15 PM, a helicopter ambulance, called Christianson on the phone to let him know their pilot was in flight near the area and asked if he had any more details for them. The chopper landed just a few minutes later and transported the injured biker to a local hospital.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
