RAC Auxiliary Communications (AUX-C) Communicator Course

[Richard VE3OZW]

RAC Auxiliary Communications (AUX-C) Communicator Course
https://www.rac.ca/rac-auxiliary-communications-communicator-course/
For immediate release: September 17, 2024
Jason Tremblay, VE3JXTRAC Community Services Officer
community@rac.ca
Update: We have added two new RAC Auxiliary Communications (Aux-C) Communicator Courses this September. The courses will be held in York Region and in the Niagara Region. The details are listed below and space is still available.
Radio Amateurs of Canada continues to actively engage in discussions with various Emergency Management agencies and non-governmental organizations to facilitate training programs in Canadian provinces and territories. These initiatives have the potential to significantly enhance our emergency communication capabilities.
As a result of these discussions, RAC is excited to introduce a new Auxiliary Communications (Aux-Comm) Training Program, designed to enhance our communication capabilities during emergencies.
As a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Radio Amateurs of Canada understands the importance of effective coordination and communication during crises. The training is based on the All-Hazards Risk Assessment methodology, ensuring we can effectively mitigate communication failures and collaborate with other organizations during a disaster.
In partnership with Emergency Management Ontario, Radio Amateurs of Canada initiated a successful pilot program in Sudbury, Ontario on September 7 and September 8 and has now added two new locations in York Region and in the Niagara Region. Please see the information below for dates and time.
 
Course Overview
 
Target Audience:
The course is designed for experienced Amateur Radio volunteers who provide communication support during planned events and incidents, as well as communication personnel from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and government Emergency Management services.
Goal:
The Aux-Comm Training Program aims to improve interoperability among Non-Governmental Organizations and Emergency Management workforces, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective disaster response. 
The goal of this 20-hour course is to provide instruction to Auxiliary Communications volunteers so that their individual and organizational efforts/expertise are appropriately integrated into the public safety/service communications support environment.
Auxiliary Communicators provide alternate communications by supporting communications with other organizations:

• in cases where local services have failed:
  
• at emergency incidents/planned events/training exercises
  
• within the emergency management structure (Emergency Operations Centre (EOCs), etc.)
  

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Course Outline
The RAC-ACS Communicator Course will cover the following topics:

• The Communications Unit and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)
  
• AuxCommRoles and Responsibilities
  
• Interoperable Communications
  
• Incident Communications
  
• Incident Radio Communications Plan
  
• Incident Communications Centre
  
• Team Management and Accountability
  
• Resources, Safety and Deployment
  
• Best Practices
  
• Interoperability and Radio Networks
  

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Group Exercise Scenarios:

• SOP Exercise
  
• Power Outage
  
• Train Derailment
  
• Wild Land Fire
  
• Severe Storm/Flood
  

Upcoming Courses: York and Niagara Regions in Ontario
York Region
Date: September 21–22
Time: 9 am to 5 pm each day
Place:
Room G031AB
York Region Operations Centre
17150 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
Niagara Region
Date: September 28-29
Time: 9 am to 5 pm each day
Place:
Room CE101
Niagara Regional Headquarters
1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way
Thorold, Ontario
Future Courses
RAC will provide information about future courses on the RAC website and in our other communication vehicles including RAC bulletins and social media. 

Registration:
For more information and to register for the course, please contact RAC Community Services Officer Jason Tremblay, VE3JXT, at community@rac.ca
 
 
Alan Griffin
RAC MarCom Director