Hams prepare for Swine Flu pandemic

Ham radio operators involved in emergency communications are making ready in case they are needed if the Swine Flu hits their area. This report from Amateur Radio Newsline:

During the past year, the Health Department in Nevada has discovered the power of amateur radio. This, according to Newsline's Don Carlson, KQ6FM, who says that Nevada hams involved in emergency communications have worked
2 major, statewide drills for pandemic point of dispensing of emergency supplies.

The hams passed traffic on how many citizens could be vaccinated over a given period of time. They also supplied information on how much vaccine was available.

Don says that officials were quite impressed with what hams did for them. Especially after their Satellite Phones failed and were unreliable. Simply said, ham radio had the ability to continue communications when the conventional methods of communicating shut down.

During the drills, the point of dispensing, better known by the acronym POD's were real, and open to the public, giving free flu shots.

Don says that it was quite amazing how the Nevada ham community did this only last year. Now, the real deal seems to be knocking on our door.

Carlson says that Nevada hams have already been asked to be on standby in case their services are needed should there be a major Swine Flu outbreak. He tells Newsline that they are well trained and prepared..

In addition to reporting for Newsline, Don Carlson, KQ6FM, also serves as the Nevada Section Emergency Coordinator and RACES Officer. The reason he is not here doing this report himself is that ironically, he is involved in this weekend’s Emcommwest Pacificon gathering in Reno. Needless to say that preparing for the Swine Flu pandemic will be a hot button topic to be discussed at this year’s gathering.

Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF
Amateur Radio Newsline