This need is magnified where an emergency is such
that it occurs in isolation, or exists over a widespread, area.

In many cases the nature of an emergency is such that the
usual communications systems either break down or are non-existent.
Examples of these are bushfires, earthquakes and cyclones.

It can be shown that in almost any event the use of radio,
particularly intended for portable operation,
provides the most convenient and effective mode of communication.

This is where the application of Amateur Radio for emergency purposes comes into its own.
Amateur Radio stations are also located in many places throughout the countryside
and this fact adds to the flexibility of a network.

The amateur radio channels available allow the choice of a wide range of equipment,
usually multi-band type, which allows a much greater capability than
the equipment generally used by most civil and commercial services.

The Amateur Radio equipment generally is more powerful and flexible in operation.
It is operated by people who are skilled in electronics on a technical basis
as well as being knowledgeable regarding such matters as antenna location,
radio propagation matters and operating methods.

These organisations provide a pool of skilled and trained operators and technicians second to none.

It is not just coincidence that wherever a major emergency on a large scale exists
you often find radio amateurs assisting the authorities in augmenting the communications channels.

The amateur operator as a responsible citizen is always willing to provide use of his equipment
at no cost to the community. He is in fact precluded by regulation from accepting any financial reward.

Many examples exist of work done by amateur operators along these lines.

The first word of Cyclone Tracy was provided by an Amateur Radio operator.
It was an amateur operator who maintained a link to the outside world from Casuarina College
in Darwin for 3 days whilst the other services were urgently preparing their systems.

Other instances in recent times include the major bushfires in each state and the
disastrous Newcastle earthquake. Following each of these occasions the authorities who eventually
took charge paid tribute to the unselfish and excellent work done by Amateur Radio operators.

Other examples exist of amateur operators carrying out emergency work.
It is little known that during a Space Shuttle flight
communications were lost between the Shuttle and the official ground stations.

It was through AUSTRALIAN Amateur radio operators that the Space Shuttle crew
were able to communicate during this emergency condition.

Another case exists where an Australian Amateur Radio station located in Adelaide
South Australia provided communications assistance to the United States Air Force
when one of their aircraft crashed in mountains in California.

Amateur Radio operators have played many a part in providing communications
from the various Pacific Islands when cyclones have created devastation and in many other ways
and will continue to play a part wherever their skills and capabilities can be used to benefit mankind.

Service of this nature stems from the fact that Amateur Radio is a hobby conducted by
dedicated enthusiasts who are knowledgeable and practical in their approach to radio communications.

WIA WA - AR Guide - Amateur Radio & Emergencies
With thanks to the original writer

Page 3 index - Page 7 - Page 8 - Page 9

The WIA exists for all Radio Amateurs, Does it speak for you.
Amateurs Unite and Conquer, United we stand, Divided we fall.

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