All ARES operators should periodically review their training and qualifications. Now, is a good time to do so as we look ahead to the start of hurricane season just a few months away.
First and foremost, ARES operators should take Level One of the ARRL Emergency Communications courses, progressing to Levels Two and Three when possible. Here are some links to find out more about the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Courses:
- Frequently Asked Questions <http://www.arrl.org/cce/faq.html>
- CCE Course Syllabi <http://www.arrl.org/cce/syllabus.html>
- Registration for Online Courses <https://www.arrl.org/forms/cce/>
- Listing of Classroom Courses and Exams
<http://www.arrl.org/cce/activity-list.php3>
- CI/CE Search Page <http://www.arrl.org/cce/cice-search.php3>
- Discussion Forum (Members Only)
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/forums/w-agora.php3>
- CCE Student Page (Members Only)
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/cce/>
- Course Listing <http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html>

In addition to the ARRL Emergency Communications Courses, field operators should also complete certain formal training courses:
-- Red Cross combined course in Adult CPR/First Aid Basics
-- Red Cross online Introduction to Disaster Services
<http://www.redcross.org/flash/course01_v01/>
-- FEMA IS-100 (Introduction to Incident Command System)
-- FEMA IS-200 (ICS for Single Resource and Initial Action Incidents)
-- FEMA IS-700 (National Incident Management System)
<http://training.fema.gov/IS/>

Except for the first two, all courses are free of charge, and CPR/First Aid may be free to members of the Red Cross. CPR/First Aid is the only course that requires periodic refreshers and the only course that must be taken in person rather than on the Internet. The American Heart Association (AHA) also offers Basic Life Support (BLS) courses. Where FEMA courses exist in more than one current version--aimed at somewhat different audiences - any of the currently-available versions will suffice.
Rick Palm K1CE , ARES Newsletter Editor

   
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