Survival Information For Field Operations

Every field operation, from a 2-hour drill, to a full blown multi-day support effort will require some Hams to go 'into the field'. When most of us think about a field assignment, we think first about our radios and accessories, our 'Grab-and-Go' packs, or 'Fly Away' radio kits. After all, we're communicators, right?

We must also remember, however, that there are three things that will affect everyone in the field, regardless of the job that they are doing. These three are; heat, cold, and dehydration. If you are positioned at an EOC, these may not affect you as much. But, there is always a chance that you will be assigned to a spot in the field. You must be prepared to care for yourself! While you may think that your supported agencies have planned ahead for taking care of the Hams, you cannot count on good intentions. Even the best laid plans may be derailed, causing delays in delivering planned supplies, if not making it impossible to deliver them.

You must also consider that any plans your agencies may have are going to be 'bare minimum' or 'supplemental', and some of you may consider this inadequate for your needs. You cannot expect the agencies to be prepared to make you comfortable. That job is left up to you.

To this end, you should have a number of non-radio items stored with your emergency radio gear, so that it isn't something you need to think about during an emergency. Either in a second bag, or bundled in a smaller bag within your radio kit. If you think about this ahead of time, you will likely be better prepared than if you try to put something together at the last minute.

If you have a kit like this already, you should still take a minute to go over this list, and see how yours compares. Consider your own comfort while comparing the differences between the list and the contents of your own kit.

Protection from Heat

Heat is a problem in two ways. First, it will cause your body to lose moisture to sweating, as part of the body's process to cool you. Second, elevated body temperatures can cause temporary mental problems, as well as possible long-term damage. To prevent this, you should take care to drink plenty of water at all times. (When your body is dehydrating, your body will actually turn off your thirst...if you're hot, but not thirsty, you should be concerned and drink!) If you don't feel the need to urinate, you probably are not drinking enough.

The sun's light (both direct and reflected) can cause sunburn damage, placing more stress on your body's systems. To prevent this, you should wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen on exposed skin. Light colored clothing will be cooler, since it will reflect the heat, but beware of sunburn from the reflected light!

Your head should be a major concern, since that is one of your body's best radiators for heat. Unfortunately, it's also usually exposed to sunlight, which can heat your head quite quickly. It is a better idea to wear come kind of protective covering, such as a hat with a brim. A full brim (all the way around) will help protect your neck from sunburn. Another good idea is a light-colored baseball cap (preferably with solid panels, not mesh or web).

Protection from Cold

The cold can also be a killer. Over a long period of time, your body's 'core temperature' can drop, and this cooling can impair the brain functions, just like high temperatures. Care should be taken to cover exposed skin in the wind, to help contain moisture, and prevent core cooling or frostbite. This can include long pants, long-sleeve shirts, gloves or mittens, and scarf. A turtleneck sweater or thermal underwear can be a real comfort during a cold assignment. If you may be taking a position that leaves you outside, a poncho or collapsable umbrella may be needed during some seasons.

Cover your head in the cold, since it can dissipate heat so well. Any hat will help keep the heat in, but some are better than others. We recommend a cotton knit cap, or a baseball cap (solid panels, not mesh or web). Depending on your situation, a ski-mask may be appropriate, if covering your face will not cause concern to others.

It's also a good idea to dress in layers, so you can add or remove layers to be more comfortable. Anything from a long-sleeve, light-colored T-shirt to a light jacket, to a heavy jacket. Add your gloves and caps, and you're ready for any climate.

Protection from Dehydration

Pack Water! (1-3 liters, or more, daily for multi-day events) Sodas and juices are not as good for you, since your body will need to process the sugars involved. Water will quench your thirst, and help you cool yourself. Alcoholic beverages are BAD, and should not be used during an event, because they will make it easier for your body to lose heat, and as a diuretic it will promote your body to expel precious fluid.

Alcohol is prohibited at Baker-to-Vegas, by the race committee! If anyone in our group is found with alcohol, time penalties will be assesed against one (or more) of the teams we are supporting. We don't want to be responsible for any team getting a penalty!

Professional Needs

If you are going to be in a Shuttle Van or Follow Van, you will only have a small amount of space in the van for your personal gear. (Probably only the space under your van seat.) Please don't try to bring a big backpack or duffle bag with your supplies, because they just won't fit.

You will need radios, and batteries, and antennas of course. But you should also be carrying antenna adapters, power adapters and power cables (to attach to 12V sources), and at least an earphone or headphones for noisy environments, to allow you to hear better, and to keep your radio from disturbing others nearby. A speaker-mic or headset is also a Good Idea, but a voice-operated microphone is a Bad Idea!

You should also have a notepad, and a mechanical pencil or two, with plenty of lead, and a good eraser. (Wooden pencils need sharpeners, and pens can leak, or dry up.) You can also add Post-It notes, and colored highlighter markers, if you like.

Remember your personal needs too!

When you are out on assignment, you may not be able to run home, or to the store for supplies. (You may not even be able to get back to your vehicle easily.) As a result, you should always have a small kit with you that includes any prescribed medications you may need for allergies, asthma, etc. If you have a preference between aspirin or ibuprofen, you should bring a number of those, as well as your favorite decongestant, and any other over-the-counter drugs you use regularly.

If you are on an extended assignment (for example after an earthquake, or dispatched away from home), you may appreciate a toothbrush, and a razor. You (and the people with you) may appreciate it if you bring along some deodorant. The job seems a bit easier if you are comfortable, so consider packing some comfort items as well.

Remember to pack some food, and snacks. Even if you expect that food will be provided, bring something you know you can eat, to ensure that you have enough to eat. Candy should be something that won't melt, and is better if it is individually wrapped, to facilitate sharing with others. And don't forget bottled water as well! Your body will need water to digest your food, and if you don't drink when you eat, your stomach will draw from your body's reserves.

Created by David K. Z. Harris (Copyright 1996). You can email me at: N6UOW@Tio.Net