Volunteers in the National Capital Area Complete Red Cross ECRV Training

(Source: ecrv4703.org)

Congratulations to the 11 volunteers who
recently completed ECRV Operator Training.
They join others who have completed
the 40 hour hands-on training program.

The American Red Cross Emergency Communications Response Vehicle (ECRV) is "... among the first to arrive at a disaster area, and, without benefit of ANY local infrastructure (power, landline phones, cell phones, radio towers, etc.) deploy laptops and Internet Protocol (IP) phones, all connected to the American Red Cross network (by satellite), thus providing critical email, disaster applications access, and voice communications capabilities to those who are providing the initial disaster response.

In addition, the truck contains fourteen radios, all designed to fill specific communications gaps that are likely to occur in a large disaster. The truck also carries 10 cell phones that can be issued if cell service is available, and ten handheld radios to further facilitate communications between disaster workers." (ecrv4703.org) There are currently 12 ECRVs located across the United States.

If you are interested in learning more about the ECRVs and how you can train to deploy, in the Washington DC area,visit ecrv4703.org

For other locations and additional information visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECRV