North Olympic Discovery Marathon
June 7, 2015
ARES Ham Radio Involvement
This page provides information about Clallam County ARES
participation in in providing communications support for the NODM event.
Visit the
North Olympic
Discovery Marathon (NODM) website to read about
the details on the race.
This event covers the Olympic Discovery trail,
the Old Olympic Highway, and local streets. Because of this, ARES volunteers provide
emergency communications for safety. ARES
volunteers are stationed along the route, mostly at one of the water
stations (which may or may not coincide with an Aid Station.)
On the day of the event, the ARES
participants check in with the marathon "Finish" operator once
they arrive at
their assigned station.
Summary of Radio Needs:
- Provide one or two radio operators at each staffed
position
- Communicate information from your assigned
position to Finish to relay to race officials
- The function
of "Finish" operators will be to communicate:
- Any medical or other emergency to
staff and medical team
- Inform other ham radio team members
of any developments that would be of interest
- Communicate with the Fire District
personnel in the Incident Command Vehicle
Radio
Frequencies in use on race day
Function |
Frequency |
PL Tone |
Comments |
Primary Communications |
146.760 |
100.0 |
Channel 17 - Stripped Peak repeater |
Backup frequency |
145.290 |
167.9 |
Channel 6 - Mt. Douglas BC |
Supporting information, FAQ
Medical issues
The vast majority of medical problems
are muscle cramps and related ailments. Often they may resemble
a "charlie horse" type pain and some may have never experienced
one before. Not a pleasant feeling! The person may or may not be
able to move on his or her own. The usual guidence is to direct
them to the nearest AID station where some comfort can be
provided. Massage usually eases the pain but thats not your
job. Notify "finish" of their "bib" number and
nature of compliant. If possible,
have them stay with you until you get further instructions so
staff can verify what is the best
plan. They usually recover enough to
gain mobility on their own. These are usually not serious and
require no further assistance.
At least one ham station can expect to be approached by someone
with this medical condition. Know where to
direct them and how to handle it. You
will look much more professional if you think these out
beforehand.
Spot danger, save a life
- Signs of heatstroke vary — but they may include:
Skin that is red, hot and dry — but not sweaty
Rapid pulse
Dizziness
Labored breathing
Confusion, hallucination or seizures
Unconsciousness
It's an emergency!
If you think someone has heatstroke, call 911. While you wait
for help to arrive, move the person to the shade. Take off any
of his or her unneeded or tight clothing. And if possible, place
cold compresses — or cool, wet towels or sheets — against the
skin. Start with these hot spots: the head, neck, groin and
armpits. Or fan — while lightly spraying or sponging the person
with water.
If a
serious condition
is suggested, call 911 for immediate help or call on the radio. A medical
team will be ready to help. Be sure and
give "bib" number, nature of problem
and your location. Medical problems of this nature have highest
priority. Also, notify any
others in your vicinity that might have medical training. Stay
close to the radio/racer and offer help and comfort but only
to the limits of your medical
training. Keep "Finish" informed of status until professional
help arrives. The sports doctor tells
us that a race of this nature will
average one serious medical condition in about four races.
Statistically, maybe one in 5,000
racers.
What if a runner wants to leave the course?
If you are
approached by someone with this request, they should be directed
to the nearest water station which may be co-located
with our radio assignments. Follow
reporting directions above as for minor medical conditions. A course marshal will
make any decisions regarding the runner.
Too often a runner says they are going to
drop out but then decides to return when he/she feels better.
Ask them to notify you if they
change their mind because people could be looking for them. We
need you to radio Finish with the bib number and gender of
anyone dropping out of the race.
What else do we do?
Relay racer status information to Finish:
1st male, 1st
female, for both full and half-marathon. Full marathon runners
have yellow bib backgrounds, half's have
green backgrounds. Encourage runners: cheer & clap, or whatever moves you.
Present a professional demeanor of the organization, wear your
ARES vest, be friendly to the event staff. Have fun!
What do we use for call signs?
Use tactical call signs for frequent
communications but be sure to ID periodically per FCC
requirements.
2015 Position
Assignments
Tactical Name |
Position |
Name / Callsign |
Start Time |
Comments |
Start |
#1 |
Lee KE7TTY |
0700 |
Agnew Soccer fields
Relocates to WS 7/8 |
|
#2 |
|
|
|
WS 6 |
#1 |
Bill W6JEQ |
0800 |
|
|
#2 |
|
|
|
WS 7/8 |
#1 |
Lee KE7TTY |
0845 |
Matson & Finn Hall or |
|
#2 |
|
|
Monterra & Finn Hall |
WS 9 |
#1 |
Steve N1SB |
0815 |
External antenna required |
|
#2 |
Larry KE7KWA |
|
Seibert Creek & Old
Olympic Hwy |
Bagley Crk Rd |
#1 |
Janet WA7JEP |
0815 |
Bagley Creek Rd. & ODT |
|
#2 |
|
|
|
WS 11 |
#1 |
Kathleen N1ERT |
0730 |
Buchanan Dr. &
ODT |
|
#2 |
|
|
|
Morse Crk |
#1 |
Bruce KD7WBM |
0730 |
External antenna required |
|
#2 |
|
|
|
WS 13 |
#1 |
Valerie KF7VAL |
0830 |
Rayonier & Ennis Bridge |
|
#2 |
Sheldon N7XEI |
|
|
Finish |
#1 |
Rik WX7RIK |
0700 |
External antenna required |
|
#2 |
David KE7TTT |
|
|
Click on the thumbnails
to see photos |
WX7RIK & KE7TTT
Finish
|
KF7VAL & N7XEI
Water Station 13 |
N1ERT
Water Station 11 |
N1SB & KE7KWA
Water Station 9 |
W6JEQ
Water Station 6 |
KD7WBM
Morse Creek |
Thanks to all the volunteers who worked this
event!
Page Updated:
12/15/21