Training and Operations
Here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 safety when attending a National MS Society gathering:
Stay home if you’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Masks are optional. If you need a mask, we’ve got you covered—just ask a National MS Society staff member.
While vaccinations are not required to attend most National MS Society events, we strongly encourage everyone get vaccinated. This is important not only to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 across all our communities, but for the safety of those who are immunocompromised—including many people with MS—who may receive less protection from COVID-19 vaccines. The National MS Society also has a mandatory vaccination policy for all Society employees.
Society events are planned to allow for physical distance between staff, volunteers and participants whenever possible.
We follow CDC guidelines for routine cleaning and sanitizing of restrooms, shared spaces, and high-touch surfaces, as well as ensure adequate handwashing supplies and/or hand sanitizer.
There may be additional safety protocol for some events due to special circumstances, venue requirements or local mandates. Stay tuned to all communication about your event so you can be prepared.
We look forward to gathering safely with you! To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines visit CDC.gov, or for information about vaccines and people with MS, nationalMSsociety.org. Please note: This information will be updated as we move through our 2022 Bike MS event season. Stay tuned for additional details!
Training Aids for Public Service Volunteers
It is encouraged that each volunteer take the time to view the many tools available to the public service volunteer. This site links to a number of these tools and each operator is encouraged to print the documentation and keep a copy in their event binders to be used in each event they participate in.
Public Service Information Page
Overview
Each volunteer should begin by familiarizing themselves with the Amateur Radio Resource or ARR. By reviewing and positioning yourself inline with this guide, it will aid you in becoming prepared for the function that you will be performing. It will better you as an operator and instill confidence in the leader of that function that you are coming prepared to perform that function.
The Basics
Each operator should be self sufficient.
Water/refreshments
Medications
Money for vendors/pit stops
Appropriate attire
Chilly and cold in the mornings
Hot and sunny in the afternoon/evening
Rain and Wind
Comfortable shoes
Conveniences/ Suggested
Bug spray
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen
Shelter
Table and chairs
Communication signage for vehicle and rest stop shelter
High visibility vest (green or orange) to help identify you
Equipment
Properly tested and maintained radio equipment correct for your ARR
Understand your radio functionality for radio diversity
Pre-programmed frequencies
Backup if possible
Safety
The safety of our operators is of utmost importance.
If a Net Controller or Comm1 becomes aware of a situation that could potentially threaten the safety of any Amateur related operation, they will exercise their authority to suspend a specific activity at a moments notice and direct Operators to take appropriate actions to insure their safety. The Net Controller, their representative or Comm 1 will notify the MS staff that such action has or will be taking place.
Please remember that our primary reason for being at this event is to improve the safety for the bicyclists. Please be very careful when driving and providing communications support.
The MS 150 Emergency Guidelines are available in the documents/files area of this site.
General Safety:
It is expected that our volunteers understand the risks associated with any function that they perform while supporting the event to, during and from and have the ability to use their best judgment should a situation arise that may compromise their safety.
WX
If the threat of strong to severe weather is to impact the function or safety of the event, Hams on the course and at the Water Stops will be requested to notify and perform the task of aiding the participants and volunteers to seek shelter due to the incoming or occurring threat of weather. The MS safety guidelines regarding weather can be found in the Emergency Guidelines documentation in the Documents/Files section. Forecasts and pertinent WX information can be found on the WEATHER page.
The Use of Pro-Words
In an effort to increase Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity (ABC's), the use of Pro-Words is encouraged. Each word can help identify what you have.
The Use of H.A.N.D in an Emergency
H -- what do you HAVE I have a _____________________________
A -- where ARE you At __________________________________
N -- what is NEEDED I need _______________________________
D -- DETAILS as needed ____________________________________
TIP: ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR LOCATION
Always use the correct phonics
Use common words
Remember your ABCs: Accuracy Brevity Clarity
Bib Numbers
When relaying information regarding a rider, only the bib number is to be provided. We do not transmit names over the radio. If information other than the bib number needs to be relayed, the use of passing the information shall be done by cell phone or in person.
Tactical Calls
To aid in quickly passing traffic and reducing confusion, Tactical Calls will be used during Net operations. For example if you are at Water Stop 1, your Tactical would be "Stop 1". If you were a SAG operator, you might be "SAG 10".
Radio example:
"Net Control, this is SAG 10." or "SAG 10" (remembering to key and pause a moment)
"SAG 10, go ahead."
"I have..."
"Thank you for the information."
"KF5QRR" - Using your call completes your traffic
"N5TIM, Net Control." - Tells the rest of the Net that other traffic may proceed