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 Operator Training
(Page Rev:
11/13/07)
Want to become an ECRV operator? Read the following and complete the application.
What is expected of an ECRV operator?
The ECRV (Emergency Communication Response Vehicle) is a 2000 Ford Excursion that has been retrofitted with a satellite system, all kinds of radios, computers and cell phones. The training requires knowledge of Windows, computers and cell phones. The basic operators course is 40 hours. Previous class have also been taught Mondy-Friday 8am-5pm and Friday to Sunday on two weekends.
The ECRV program consist of 9 strategically stationed ECRVs throughout the US and volunteer base of trained drivers and operators. The Sacramento/Sierra chapter is responsible for maintaining ECRV 4712 in a ready state. This includes having two certified crew members ready to respond with in four hours of an activation of the ECRV. The minimum term commitment of the crew for its initial deployment is one week. At the end of that week the crew will be rotated if they have not been requested to stay on the operation. As a back-up crew member you would be expected to be available for a one-three week period.
Although it is not a requirement to be an amateur radio operator to be an ECRV Operator, the ECRV carries an assortment of radios that a licensed ham operator can use. A crew member without a Amateur Radio license can still function, as most communications will be on Red Cross owned frequencies. Depending on the infrastructure an ECRV Crew may need to work with the local amateur radio group to staff the ECRV with a licensed operator if that is the primary form of communications. The other thing to keep in mind is that not only will you operate the equipment, it is often the case that you must work on the equipment in the field. Experience tells us the Amateur Radio operators and others from the communications/technical fields are best suited for this type of work.
ECRV operators will be climbing on top of the vehicle, kneeling down to look under it, moving heavy boxes of communications equipment among other physically demanding duties. Anytime the ECRV is in service, an operator will remain with it. This means if the ECRV is supporting a shelter or Emergency Operations Center 24-hours a day, the crew will be staying at the facility or very close to it so that it is supported 24 hours.
In some cases the ECRV Crew will be responding to an area that that has been just hit with a disaster, they may, and in most cases, be the first and only Red Cross personnel on site. They will need to assist in gathering preliminary information and assisting in providing information on the Red Cross efforts in the area. Sometimes there may not be a location to setup at and the crew will need to work with the Red Cross personnel to establish a site.
The ECRV is considered a tool box and the crews need to be able to assist in a wide range of support roles. Those roles may be within or even outside the primary use of the ECRV. Crew members should help in any role that may need support this may include assisting in distributing information, emotional support, case work and training.
The ECRV qualifications/requirements are:
* A DSHR member in good standing with local chapter.
* Must designate one of the DST activities (RCM, RCO, RNT, or RCS) as your primary activity in the DSHR system.
* Completion of ECRV Operators Class.
* Obtain a defensive driving course certificate or an Emergency Vehicle Operating Certificate (EVOC) or equivalent. This is often completed from either the Red Cross or AARP. It is also available on-line.
Register for On Line Defensive Driving Training
Frequently Asked Questions for Students
* Current First Aid and CPR certificates.
* Attend the one week DST class, or a refresher course, if you have not previously completed the full course in the last 4 years.
* On call a minimum of one month out of every 12 months.
* Commit to deploying a minimum of one week when deployed.
* If assigned as the primary operator, commit to travel within four hours of being notified (two hours if placed on standby).
* Acknowledge that some deployments will be proactive, i.e. a crew may be deployed but may not necessarily be assigned to a disaster relief operation.
* Must be able to accept all hardship assignments.
* Must be able to lift 50 pounds and repeatedly move equipment cases.
* Re-certify every year by demonstrating proficiency on the ECRV.
| Scheduled Classes |
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If you have any questions, feel free to call one of the Coordinator/Instructors.
Dan Hardesty (408) 489-8951 dan@danhardesty.com
Bill Yoder (916) 652-7113 byoder@vfr.net |
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Site Updated: 9/19/08 Web Design
This website does not reflect any policy, statements, or positions of the American Red Cross Incorporated.
In addition, no material on this website should be quoted as speaking for the American Red Cross policy or operation.
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