Emergency communicators must handle several key organizations simultaneously and may become the primary means of inter-agency communications. Emergency communicators are often dealing with several nets simultaneously to pass messages within a limited timeframe. Stations must be portable and must be setup and operational in a matter of minutes or at most a few of hours. Emergency communicators are looking for specific stations to contact NOW to pass traffic. Teamwork, not competition between stations , is imperative.
Emergency operations are likely to continue for several days or weeks.
Unlike general amateur radio activities, emergency operations happen in real-time. Things can not be delayed. Emergency communications involves both amateurs and non-amateurs alike. Emergency communicators must have the equipment, skill and knowledge to improvise additional communications capacity in very short order. Simply put, amateur radio emergency communications offers a very rich, challenging and rewarding environment to apply amateur radio knowledge and skills in unique situations where no one else has a viable solution.