This manual is intended to serve as a quick trainer and reference for amateurs deployed in the field for
emergency services work, primarily through the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). It provides
basic program information, forms and operating aids. A number of templates can be customized for the
local area to include reference information such as important phone numbers, emergency frequencies, maps,
organizational details and so forth.
This work is based on the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Manual, an excellent effort by
Darlene LaMont, KD6GCK. It is also based on several other existing efforts, most notably the Alameda County
Instant Trainer edited by David Hunt, KB6JAW and Syd Furman, W6QWK, and the Santa Clara Section Net
Control Manual. Thanks go to Maryland/DC Section Emergency Coordinator Mike Carr, WA1QAA, and
Assistant Section Manager Al Nollmeyer, W3YVQ, for their expertise and invaluable assistance. Thanks to
David W. Hansen, N7AUA, for tips on “ready” kits, and William Wornham, NZ1D, Emergency Management
Director, and ARRL Emergency Coordinator, for his treatise on hazardous materials incidents. Thanks also
go to the members of the former ARRL Public Service Advisory Committee, and its chairman, Steve Wilson,
KA6S, for their valuable input and to Rick Palm, K1CE, the original editor of this manual.
Click here to access the complete manual
Steve Ewald, WV1X
ARRL Public Service Specialist
Newington, Connecticut
August 2005
ARES® and Amateur Radio Emergency Service® are registered servicemarks of the
American Radio Relay League, Incorporated.