I am now seven months into the Emergency Coordinator position. A major objective has been to increase our training, both at the meetings as well as off site. Recently, the National Association of Emergency Room Physicians held their yearly conference in Denver. Ten members of Arapahoe County ARES participated in the Operation AirSmack exercise on November 9th, a culmination of this conference. The event was held in Denver's City Park with the scenario of two small aircraft colliding over the park with injures to plane passengers as well as people in the park. Simulated injuries were given to volunteers so the physicians could treat them. The event coordinator was delighted with the ability of ARES to communicate to the five stations around Ferrell lake as well as to communicate with the headquarters. This exercise ranks as one of the best training events I have attended in many years. We will continue to look for other opportunities to practice our radio skills as well continuing to work with our ARES neighbors as opportunities arise.

Within the next several weeks, we will publish a training schedule for our monthly meetings thru June of next year. I anticipate the training will include out of class room experiences. In order to be prepared for emergency communication we must continue to educate ourselves as well as practice our radio skills.

I have advised the Denver and Adams County ARES groups that they will be welcomed at our training sessions. This serves to further unite area metro ARES districts and increase our ability to work together as a team.

Respectfully,

Peter Meer, KCØVAQ
Emergency Coordinator
Arapahoe County Amateur Radio Emergency Service