The material in this section comes from ARECC EC003, Learning Unit 19.
One of the realities of emergency communication is that the pool of trained operators is almost always smaller than the need. While we would like to see more advance education and preparation, the reality is that a majority of operators offering to help will be under-trained.
As a result, essential and expedient basic training must be done on the spot. Knowing this, the emergency communication management staff needs to plan ahead. The results won't be perfect, but this is largely beyond our control.
If the operation is large enough to need one, assign a trained, experienced person to handle new volunteer evaluation, and provide some quick orientation and training. This person is often called an "intake coordinator". Based on the evaluation, this person can also make recommendations for potential assignments to the EC or human resources person. For smaller operations various individuals may share this function on as "as-needed" basis, or a single person may act as a general "resource" coordinator.
Publish a short handout in advance for on the spot training, and keep a supply in your group's jump kit. Give one to each walk- in to orient them to your organizational structure and standard procedures. It should include:
Walk-in volunteers without adequate training present both a challenge and an opportunity. We can almost always use more radio operators, but unless they can function well within the pre-established structure of your operation they can become a liability as well. Choose an assignment for each volunteer based on known skills, personality, and available equipment. In general, think about using the walk- in for less critical communications job assignments to free up better-trained operators.
If the walk- in doesn't have a valid ID, police, fire, or National Guard units may not allow them into the operational area. You may have to route the volunteer to another assignment outside the secured perimeter. Alternatively, during disaster operations there are often provisions for identifying walk- in volunteers, and perhaps a special "communications walk- in" bracelet, tag or other identifying mark can be devised by officials on-the- fly. Another solution is to plan ahead by creating a supply of temporary ID cards to be issued to new volunteers. These should have an expiration date slightly past the anticipated end of operations, or contain the name of the event and date of issue with language such as "Good for above event only." In any event, be prepared to confront difficulties in this area.
Check for local or state emergency regulations dealing with a volunteer driving either their own or another vehicle during an emergency. If there is damage to the vehicle or if the volunteer is hurt in the process, will your local or state government provide coverage? In some jurisdictions, there are provisions for certifying the volunteer as a temporary state emergency worker so that they can be covered by state Worker's Compensation insurance while engaged in the emergency response.
It is best to have the walk-in operate alongside a more experienced person. Shadowing a trained operator is a good way to orient a new volunteer to a particular job. After learning the basics they can act as a relief operator or free up a better-trained individual for a more critical task.
If a disaster involves community evacuation, the walk-in can report with his or her family to the nearest community evacuation shelter and either begin operations or act as relief for existing operators.
The walk-in can monitor frequencies for activity, handle logging in high traffic spots and act as a liaison between nets.
Those who are familiar with the area can provide transportation services while maintaining radio contact. If the volunteer is equipped with an HT or if they are using their own vehicle equipped with a mobile installation, then it can be used when arriving at a location to find key people in the receiving area.
If all other needs are met, or if the individual is not suited for more demanding work, they may be utilized for general assignments. Their radio would be used primarily to keep in touch with the head of operations. These jobs might include: