Subj : ARRL Learning Center Features Two New Emergency Communication Training Courses
To   : QST
From : ARRL de WD1CKS
Date : Fri May 10 2024 04:40 pm

05/10/2024

ARRL has released two new courses[1] to train emergency communications (EmComm)
operators for volunteering within the Amateur Radio Emergency Service�
(ARES�)[2]. Both courses are within the ARRL Learning Center.

The Basic EmComm course is designed to get a new volunteer started. It provides
basic knowledge and tools for any emergency communications volunteer and
contains three modules and 11 topics, including required prerequisites. It's
expected to take approximately 10 - 20 hours to complete.

The Intermediate EmComm course builds on the lessons learned in the first
course and equips volunteer radio amateurs with the tools needed to thrive in
the fast-paced environment of public service communications and to understand
the legal rights and responsibilities of working with a served agency, as well
as teach them and how ham radio fits into the broader incident command (IC)
structure. �

The new courses replace the previous EC-001 and EC-016 programs, however,
certificates of completion earned for the previous courses are still valid.
"Training is not a one-and-done thing. Throughout my firefighting and emergency
management career, we were constantly taking new courses to reinforce existing
knowledge and introduce new concepts," said ARRL Director of Emergency
Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV. "Engaged volunteers should want to stay up to
date on advances in the science of emergency communications. I'd even encourage
veteran operators to take the new courses." �

In 2023, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) revised the Guide for
National Emergency Preparedness[3] to specifically include amateur radio. ARRL
and FEMA entered into a new Memoranda of Understanding in May 2023 that
outlined the importance of trained radio amateurs within the response
ecosystem. �

"Amateur radio is as important as ever in emergency management," said Johnston.
"The new courses will keep hams trained to serve effectively." �

The ARRL Learning Center at learn.arrl.org[4] is a member benefit and features
many ways to get the most out of your amateur radio license. The Basic and
Intermediate EmComm courses are available to anyone with a free www.arrl.org[5]
account. Users must log in to the ARRL Learning Center with this account, and
functionality of the site relies on cookies being enabled.


[1] https://learn.arrl.org/learning-paths/emergency-communications/
[2] https://www.arrl.org/ares
[3] https://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-included-in-fema-guide-for-national-emergency-preparedness
[4] https://learn.arrl.org/
[5] http://www.arrl.org/

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