Emergency Management

From EMCOMM MONTHLY http://www.emcomm.org/

The following is from an excellent and well written monthly newsletter.

The EM PHILOSOPHY

Cactus 1549

"For 42 years, I had made small, regular, deposits of education, training and experience. And the experience bank was sufficient that on January 15, I could make a sudden large withdrawal." - Capt. Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger

Unless you have been living in a cave, you have heard the story of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, "Cactus 1549," that struck birds shortly after takeoff from New York City's LaGuardia Airport, lost power in both engines and "splash landed" in the Hudson River. The cool, calm, and disciplined actions of Capt. Sullenberger, the other four crew members, the air traffic controllers, and the first responders (both professional and volunteer) who assisted in the rescue resulted in 155 lives saved with only a few injuries.

The Airbus 320 is a complex, state-of-the-art aircraft. Much of it is controlled by onboard computers. Immediately after the loss of power, the computers failed, and Capt. Sully disengaged the automated systems and took control of the aircraft.

The voice recordings of the air radio traffic* is an example of proper procedures** for emergency communications by voice radio. E.g. - they used SAY AGAIN as opposed to in the improper "please repeat". There were a few "breaches" in proper procedure, but considering the critical nature of the emergency, they performed well.

Radio amateurs who are serious about public service and emergency communications make regular deposits to their "experience bank" whenever they pick up a mic or put their hand on a key. They practice and use proper operating procedures every time they are on-the-air. Not just during nets or actual emergency incidents. In other words, they make "small, regular, deposits of education, training and experience." Then, when an actual emergency occurs, they are PREPARED, and ready to make "a sudden large withdrawal" if needed.

Well done Capt. Sullenberger...and also to your entire crew! You are an example for all of us to follow. - Editor

* Audio file at: http://www.emcomm.org/audio/



** Review proper 'phone OPERATING PROCEDURES at: http://www.wrrl.org/operating

"Make small, regular, deposits of education, training and experience," and...
"Keep yer batteries charged, yer hubs locked, and yer powder dry!"
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