Message Authoring

One of the age-old questions is who authors the ECOM message; them or us. There is no question about who authors service messages about net operations, frequencies, relief operators, etc.

Very few ECOM operators will have the authority or knowledge to prepare formal messages for a served agency. The ECOM operator may be able to offer suggestions to improve the clarity or minimize the number of words in the message. The ECOM operator shall never change the wording without the approval of the originator of the message. Don’t forget that every formal message must include the signature and title of the originator so who ever receives the message can determine the validity of the message. Where messages must handled by a number of people before reaching the recipient, formal written messages are almost the only way of getting the message through correctly.

Tactical communications is a little different in that it typically involves informal and unwritten messages. The messages may be time critical such as when EMS is needed for an injured individual. The message, like formal messages, should contain as much of the five W’s as practical.

•  WHO – Who is originating the request, a ham or a nurse who is treating a victim?
•  WHAT – What is needed, EMS, a fire truck, ?
•  WHERE – Where is it needed, address, or location, directions ..?
•  WHEN – How urgent? A marathon runner needs picked up or an ambulance?
•  WHY – Bad cut which is squirting blood, fell down bleacher steps,..?

Remember, the ECOM operator should never change the message on their own.

zeke, AB8OU