01/08/2005
The recent mine disaster where 12 were reported to be alive and only one dead was a double tragedy. First the cave in was a disaster, and then reporting the numbers backwards (there were actually 1 alive and 12 dead), added tragedy on top of tragedy.
In ham radio emergency communications, we often are asked to receive and send information that is crucial to disaster cleanup and rescue operations. Here is one rule to live by above all others: WRITE IT DOWN! If you aren't sure of what was said, ask them to repeat it or read it back to them and request verification.
If you do not write it down, you may get confused and report incorrect information. Worse yet, what happens when your relief shows up and you leave that post? If the information is not written down, you may forget to pass it along at all!
People depend on us for accurate information, the key to that accuracy is a written record.
-73 de N7OZH-
No comments:
Post a Comment