Communications Resource Typing
What Is Resource Typing
Resource typing allows requests for resources (RACES communicators) to be made according to capability and training; this allows assignment of resources in a scalable and distributed way. It provides a common language by which the requesting agency can ask for exactly what it needs and the supplying organization can match the need to the resources on hand in the most optimal way. Resource Typing is defined by FEMA and is used by emergency responders to request a specific resources with known capabilities. That resource can be equipment or people.
Within Santa Clara County, Resource Typing is also used for Amateur Radio communicators to match the resource (people) with the needs of the served agency. A Credential is earned and denotes the operators experience, skill and equipment that they bring to an assignment.
More information can be found about Credentials and Resource Typing on the Credentials Program page.
Resource categories are defined with several types of capability:
- Type V - Any licensed amateur radio operator with the proper DSW registration.
- Type IV (Basic) - Communicator Type IV, has the basic skills which meet the Performance Standards.
- Type III (Independent) - Capable of fully independent operation, without coaching or assistance, in the qualified skill area. Capable of basic troubleshooting.
- Type II (Advanced) - Capable of more difficult assignments, requiring more equipment and more complicated configurations, operations and troubleshooting. Also capable of coordinating emergency communications for smaller events or incidents.
- Type I (Specialist) - Capable of the most critical and complicated assignments. Capable of planning, designing, deploying and operating complex multi-radio, multi-antenna equipment configurations for larger events or incidents. Capable of functioning as the primary resource and liaison for planning communications for large events. Also capable of extended duration and out of county operations.
Last Updated: November 9, 2019