Norwich, Conn. —
In an effort to keep the lines of communication open, The William W. Backus Hospital is going old-school.The Radio Amateur Society of Norwich, or RASON, recently completed plans to provide backup emergency communications to the hospital, giving emergency personnel another way to stay up to date and on the air.The amateur radio system, better known as ham radio, is scheduled to be operational by the beginning of the year, said Nicholas Senuta, hospital director of emergency preparedness. He said the upgrade would cost approximately $2,000 and include a ham radio set and computer.Since it does not rely on cellular towers, telephone lines, commercial power or the Internet, the ham radio system is able to function during hurricanes and other natural disasters, he said.“We know from history that the only communications that are reliable during a disaster is ham radio,” Senuta said. “We’re always looking for ways to supplement existing communications here.”Dr. Wayne Rosenfield, information officer for RASON and a psychologist at the hospital, said the system will provide a voice and digital link to other Eastern Connecticut hospitals.“The system will be capable of reaching amateur radio systems that can connect to the Internet, if necessary,” Rosenfield said in an e-mail.RASON members will maintain the hospital link and come to the hospital monthly for training, Senuta said.
In an effort to keep the lines of communication open, The William W. Backus Hospital is going old-school.The Radio Amateur Society of Norwich, or RASON, recently completed plans to provide backup emergency communications to the hospital, giving emergency personnel another way to stay up to date and on the air.The amateur radio system, better known as ham radio, is scheduled to be operational by the beginning of the year, said Nicholas Senuta, hospital director of emergency preparedness. He said the upgrade would cost approximately $2,000 and include a ham radio set and computer.Since it does not rely on cellular towers, telephone lines, commercial power or the Internet, the ham radio system is able to function during hurricanes and other natural disasters, he said.“We know from history that the only communications that are reliable during a disaster is ham radio,” Senuta said. “We’re always looking for ways to supplement existing communications here.”Dr. Wayne Rosenfield, information officer for RASON and a psychologist at the hospital, said the system will provide a voice and digital link to other Eastern Connecticut hospitals.“The system will be capable of reaching amateur radio systems that can connect to the Internet, if necessary,” Rosenfield said in an e-mail.RASON members will maintain the hospital link and come to the hospital monthly for training, Senuta said.
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