The USC Center for Public Health Preparedness (USC-CPHP) continues to advocate for the support of the South Carolina Healthcare Emergency Amateur Radio Team (SCHEART).  As of Aug 2007, we have provided training and support for approximately 400 individuals and licensed apprpximatedly 300 new ham radio operators.

In partnership with the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES), and the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA), this year the USC-CPHP provides training and backup communication assessments for healthcare facilities to support a state-wide communications network that will link all hospitals.  Unfortunately, we do not have the staff to support these facilities.  Therefore, we are soliciting new operators to increase our response capability.  The new SCHEART members will serve as volunteers and support a hospital, shelter, healthcare facility, and other ESF-8 responders during an emergency incident.

To become a part of this initiative each participant must sign a volunteer letter of intent at an agency of their choosing.  These individuals will receive priority assistance at all trainings supported by the USC-CPHP to include training materials as funding permits.  To become a part of the SCHEARTS Radio Response Team, you must meet the following criteria:

• Must be 18 years of age and in the process of becoming a licensed ham radio operator.
• Sign an agreement with a healthcare facility to serve as a volunteer.
• Conduct exercise training and assist hospital personnel with weekly radio checks.
• Participate in HIPAA and other trainings conducted by the healthcare facility.
• BE FLEXIBLE- respond to distress calls day and night (weekdays & weekends).
• Attend meetings and participate in tabletops drills and full-scale exercises.

At this time, the USC-CPHP is making every attempt to identify ham radio operators to serve at each hospital/healthcare facility. These hams will be responsible for coordinating training for the facility, receiving training determined to be necessary by the hospital, and participating in monthly communication nets. In addition, SCHEART will be coordinating Radio Response Teams (RRTs) to support the facilities during drills, exercises, and real-life incidents.  The RRT teams will consist of the following members:

1. A minimum of one primary operator and two alternates from each facility.
2. A minimum of one primary operator and two alternates from the local community that will support your facility.