All GDAHA hospitals have agreed to have a radio for use during mass casualty incidents or events of significance.  HSR3-MCI is the region 3 MCI talk group.  During the regional Quarterly Triage Day Drills, we learned that not all EMS public safety radios throughout the region have the HSR3 MCI talk group programmed in them.  Also, some that do have the talk group may have it labeled incorrectly, which means crews were unable to find it. This only applies to agencies using the Ohio MARCS radio system, although the number of agencies on MARCS is growing all the time.

To be able to identify the issues and the actions needed to correct them, we need to look into the programming of the radios.  We are asking if each agency would provide a copy of the codeplug (electronic programming) and/or the template for their radios so that we can help identify corrections or trainings, and to help ensure the ability for each of our agencies to be able to communicate during significant events or incidents.

Please send your information to Lt. David Andes at david.andes@daytonohio.gov.

Signed,

Lt. David Andes, Miami Valley Fire/EMS Alliance Communications Committee Chairperson

Chief Brian Garver, Greater Miami Valley EMS Council Communications Committee Chairperson

Thomas Gross, Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association Communications Committee Chairperson

Captain Stephens, Homeland Security Region 3 SIEC Communications Chair