Activity Report. Prepared and Circulated by NSET on behalf of Organizing Partners. 1. Introduction

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Bennett Hubbard
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1 Activity Report Prepared and Circulated by NSET on behalf of Organizing Partners 1. Introduction In the post disaster situations where the existing communications systems may not be available either due to physical damage or system overloads, Emergency Communication Systems are pivotal in responding in these situations and Ham radio can be one such option even for the last resort. Amateur Radios also known as Ham Radios are the best option to work in such adversities available and adopted globally. Nepal can also benefit from this no operation cost technology particularly in case of emergencies not only due to earthquakes but in all types of disaster situations. Nepal s first Ham operator was an American missionary, Father Marshall Moran (9N1MM). In contrary to its long history, today, Nepal still has only a handful of licensed amateur operators. Mr. Satish Krishna Kharel (9N1AA) and four more licensed operators have been Nepali first generation. To add up in the list of five dozen operators, 21 persons have recently passed exams for Operator s License conducted by MOIC (5 persons are NSET Staffs!). NSET has in fact mainstreamed ham radio into its plans for strengthening the emergency communications network in the Kathmandu Valley and countrywide. To begin with, Nepal Amateur Relay League (NARL), Computer Association of Nepal USA Chapter (CAN USA) and National Society for Earthquake Technology Nepal (NSET) in association with Institute of Medicine (IOM), Institute of Engineering (IOE), Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) & Integrated Disaster Communication Consortium (IDCC) jointly organized a Training Practicum on How to use Ham Radio in Disaster Circumstances? for the Licensed & potential Operators and also made useful to key actors from Emergency Communication Systems in Hospitals and other critical facilities as well as policy makers, DRR activists and emergency service providers during April 6 & 8, 2012 at NSET premises, Bhainsepati, Lalitpur, Nepal. Practical session and Hospital exercise was held on different locations of the valley. This a brief report of the training practicum on HAM RADIO conducted at NSET. Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 1 of 17

2 2. Objective The main objective of the training practicum was to train and familiarize the participants on the operating procedures of the HAM Radio. To advance the Amateur Radio in Nepal and in addition to advance the Hospital Network were its broader objectives. 3. Methodology The methodology used was basically a presentation on the concept and importance of HAM Radio in emergencies followed by demonstration and practical exercises on the use of the HAM Radios. 4. Participation There were altogether 26 participants including the recent license holders from NSET and Institute of Engineering (IOE), representatives from CAN USA, NARL, IDCC and the potential HAM Radio Operators. 5. The Training The two days training practicum had the following elements namely; Session 1: Conceptual Brainstorm Session 2: Practical Class Session 3: Field Work Session 4: Review and Sharing, followed by Way forward and Closing. The practicum classes were facilitated by Mr. Rob Rowlands, a world class expert on Ham Radio technologies and techniques and a senior member of CAN USA and Mr. Satish Krishna Kharel, professionally a lawyer and also a passionate user cum lobbyist of Amateur radio promotion in Nepal. Mr. Rob Rowland briefed the participants on the importance of HAM Radio during emergencies and its operating procedures during the training. Through the practical demonstrations the participants were instructed step by step on using the HAM Radio in disaster circumstances. Further on the second day of the training the first ever exercise of "Hospital Network" was conducted. The participants were divided into five groups and were located at selected five hospitals namely; Teaching Hospital, Army Hospital, Civil Hospital, Bir Hospital and the Chhetrapati Free Clinic. They then transmitted the vital statistics of the hospital to the NET Control (Command System) at NSET Building exclusively using Ham Radio. This field exercise was followed by the review and sharing of what was experienced at each hospital during the emergency communication exercise. Mr. Suresh Ojha, Chairman, Disaster Preparedness Committee, CAN USA based in California, USA also joined the debriefing via Skype and put forward his comments/suggestions and presented as well CAN USA s Immediate Goals towards enhancing Disaster Preparedness in Nepal. Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 2 of 17

3 6. Way Forward and Conclusion Amidst the curious and enthusiastic heads, the training practicum on HAM Radio was conducted successfully. The training was very effective in advancing the HAM Radio network in Nepal. With support from CAN USA, a functional cross band repeater was installed at NSET building along with nine functional Handheld Radio sets for the five license holders at NSET and four at IOE. The split band UHF/VHF repeater successfully installed by Mr. Rob Rowlands atop the NSET building is now fully functional and available for use by anyone in Nepal having the appropriate amateur radio license. This repeater provides coverage throughout the Kathmandu Valley. Experience has repeatedly shown that Amateur Radio saves lives following disasters. Especially now, it becomes imperative that those of us involved in disaster communications in Nepal begin to adopt this powerful technology by becoming licensed and utilizing this system that is now freely available for everyone to use. For those who were not able to participate in the practicum at NSET, Mr. Rowlands will be giving another presentation and brief demonstration of this system at the Tribhuban University, Institute of Engineering (IOE). This presentation has been tentatively planned to take place in the late April/ early May timeframe says Mr. Ojha from CAN USA. Way Forward: NSET will be a primary information center for Emergency Communication in Nepal particularly in case major earthquakes or other disasters hit Kathmandu. NSET will be Net Control for ham radio communications during disasters Seek for the possibility of secondary information center redundancy! Hospital Network will be further advanced, doctors to be encouraged to get the license Hospital Network Exercise using HAM Radio only, on August 2012 via HF transmission from NSET to Pacific Endeavors Work towards institutionalization and formalization of the HAM Radio network in Nepal In their closing remarks Representative from CAN USA, Mr. Suresh Ojha, Mr. Satish Krishna Kharel from NARL, Dr. Sanjeep Pandey from IOE, Dr. Pradip Vaidya from Teaching Hospital representing IDCC and Mr. Amod Mani Dixit from NSET expressed their commitments to work together to further strengthen the HAM Radio and the Emergency Communication in Nepal. Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 3 of 17

4 Annex I: Glimpses of the Training Practicum Day 1 Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 4 of 17

5 Practical Exercise Day 1 Repeater and HH Set Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 5 of 17

6 Erection of Repeater Day 1 Field Exercise in Key Hospitals Day 2 Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 6 of 17

7 Final Drills Day 2 Concluding Session Day 2 Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 7 of 17

8 Concluding Session Day 2 Miscellaneous Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 8 of 17

9 Annex II : Training Practicum Agendas & Schedule Friday April 6, 2012 Session 1: Conceptual Brainstorm 9:00 13:00 Operating Ham Radio in Nepal Shree Meeting Classroom introduction to Amateur Radio Hall, NSET Demonstration of the equipment and hands on use of the equipment in "Simplex" mode 13:00 14:00 Lunch (NSET Cafeteria) Session 2: Practical class 14:00 17:00 Classroom introduction to repeaters, including a practical NSET building and demonstration of the radios in repeater mode around NSET. its vicinity (The donated HT radios can be taken home by licensed operators for experimentation.) Saturday April 7, 2012 Off Sunday April 8, :00 12:00 Different Hospitals in Kathmandu Session 3: Field Work Participants will be divided into 3 or 4 mobile groups, together with a net control group at NSET. Each mobile group should travel directly to a nominated hospital in the Kathmandu Valley (Bir, Patan, Military etc) by 10am and establish communications through net control at NSET. 13:00 14:00 Lunch (NSET Cafeteria) 14:00 17:00 Session 4: Review and Sharing Shree Meeting Discussion on what participants found out at the hospital sites, Hall, NSET and how operating skills can be improved. Closing Session: Way forward Facilitator(s) Mr. Satish Krishna Kharel Mr. Rob Rowlands Mr. Rob Rowlands/ Mr. Satish Krishna Kharel Mr. Rob Rowlands/ Mr. Satish Krishna Kharel Mr. Rob Rowlands/ Mr. Satish Krishna Kharel Mr. Rob Rowlands/ Mr. Satish Krishna Kharel Mr. Satish Krishna Kharel Dr. Pradeep Vaidya Mr. Amod Mani Dixit About the facilitators: Mr. Rob Rowlands from the United States (originally from Christchurch, New Zeland) who is a world class expert on Ham Radio technologies and techniques has kindly consented to facilitate the session. He is a senior member of CAN USA and is also the technical lead of the CAN USA Amateur Radio Program. Mr. Rowlands and his wife have dedicated twenty five years of their lives towards medical clinics, schools and other efforts in the Kanchanjunga region, Nepal. The devastating earthquake in the September of last year destroyed nearly all of their work. Mr. Satish Krishna Kharel is professionally a lawyer and also a passionate user cum lobbyist of Amateur radio promotion in Nepal. Mr. Kharel was always interested in electronics and even before he knew about ham radio he was tinkering with his shortwave set trying to tune into distant broadcasts. Mr. Kharel had got his radio amateur license in 1993 and since then he has been flying the Nepali flag, as it were, on the radio waves. He is the member of the Nepal chapter of International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 9 of 17

10 Annex III Hospital Status Sheet 1. Hospital: Bir Hospital, RatnaPark, Kathmandu, Nepal Team Members: Ms. Nisha Shrestha (9N1NS), Mr. Prajesh Shrestha, Ms. Maritess Tandingan, Mr. Chayan Hada Location: At the rooftop ITEM NUMBERS A b c D E 1. NO. OF BEDS No. of Medical Beds No. of Surgical Beds No. of Pediatrics Beds No. of ICU Beds 2. CRITICAL SUPPLIES 3. STAFF 4. STAFF CONTINUED 5. HOSPITAL PLANT Blood Supply IV Fluids Antibiotic Supply Anesthetic Machines Ketamine 10 for each group in blood bank No. of Medical Additional Comment: Paramedics: for each category 100 vials Affirmative in each OT Affirmative in each OT No. of Surgical No. of Anesthesia No. of ob/gyn No. of Pediatrics Only OPD service Data NA No. of Nursing Staff No. of lab Staff No. of Orderly Staff No. of Housekeeping Staff Water Capacity Sewage Capacity Generator Capacity Structural Assessment New Unstable Areas Open Roads Full capacity Affirmative 165KVA Data NA Affirmative 2. Hospital: Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal Team Members: Mr. Ganesh Kumar Jimee (9N1GJ), Mr. Sandeep Pandey, Location: At the rooftop ITEM NUMBERS A b c D E 1. NO. OF BEDS No. of Medical Beds No. of Surgical Beds No. of Pediatrics Beds No. of ICU Beds 2. CRITICAL SUPPLIES 3. STAFF 4. STAFF CONTINUED 5. HOSPITAL PLANT Blood Supply IV Fluids Antibiotic Supply Anesthetic Machines Ketamine Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No. of Medical No. of Surgical No. of Anesthesia No. of ob/gyn No. of Nursing Staff No. of lab Staff No. of Orderly Staff No. of Housekeeping Staff Water Capacity Sewage Capacity Generator Capacity Structural Assessment New Unstable Areas 400,000l Negative 300KVA Some structural damage No. of Pediatrics Open Roads Yes Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 10 of 17

11 3. Hospital: Civil Hospital, Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal Team Members: Ms. Niva Upreti (9N1NU), Mr. John Healey(N97SR), Mr. Tara Neupane( 9N1TN) Location: At the rooftop ITEM NUMBERS A b c D E 1. NO. OF BEDS No. of Medical Beds No. of Surgical Beds No. of Pediatrics Beds No. of ICU Beds 2. CRITICAL SUPPLIES 3. STAFF 4. STAFF CONTINUED 5. HOSPITAL PLANT Blood Supply IV Fluids Antibiotic Supply Anesthetic Machines Ketamine Central Blood Bank Adequate IV Fluids Adequate 3 Available No. of Medical No. of Surgical No. of Anesthesia No. of ob/gyn No. of Pediatrics No. of Nursing Staff No. of lab Staff No. of Orderly Staff No. of Housekeeping Staff No housekeeping staff Water Capacity Sewage Capacity Generator Capacity Structural Assessment New Unstable Areas Open Roads 300,000l Not available 400KVA Not available Not available 4. Hospital: Chhetrapati Free Clinic, Chhetrapati, Kathmandu, Nepal Team Members: Dr. Sanjeeb Pandey (9N1SP), Mr. Prabin Shrestha Location: At the rooftop ITEM NUMBERS A b c D E 1. NO. OF BEDS No. of Medical Beds No. of Surgical Beds No. of Pediatrics Beds No. of ICU Beds 2. CRITICAL SUPPLIES 3. STAFF Blood Supply IV Fluids Antibiotic Supply Anesthetic Machines Ketamine Blood Bank Affirmative Affirmative Affirmative Affirmative No. of Medical No. of Surgical No. of Anesthesia No. of ob/gyn No. of Pediatrics 4. STAFF CONTINUED 5. HOSPITAL PLANT No. of Nursing Staff No. of lab Staff No. of Orderly Staff No. of Housekeeping Staff 7 6 No data 10 Water Capacity Sewage Capacity Generator Capacity Structural Assessment New Unstable Areas Open Roads 18,000 l KMC 100KVA No data Affirmative Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 11 of 17

12 5. Hospital: Army Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal Team Members: Mr. Khadga Sen Oli (9N1KS), Ms. Manisha Panth Location: At the rooftop, At the Emergency Room, at the Hospital premises ground level ITEM NUMBERS A b c D E 1. NO. OF BEDS No. of Medical Beds No. of Surgical Beds No. of Pediatrics Beds No. of ICU Beds 2. CRITICAL SUPPLIES 3. STAFF 4. STAFF CONTINUED 5. HOSPITAL PLANT Blood Supply IV Fluids Antibiotic Supply Anesthetic Machines Ketamine 60packet of blood, 250 reserve No. of Medical 2500 bottles Capsules/tablet 50,000, Injectables 1500 No. of Surgical No. of Anesthesia 5, Ventilator 6 50 Pharmacy 20 OT No. of ob/gyn No. of Pediatrics No. of Nursing Staff No. of lab Staff No. of Orderly Staff No. of Housekeeping Staff support staff 180 test/hr lab capacity 6 staff standby for disaster situation NA Water Capacity Sewage Capacity Generator Capacity Structural Assessment New Unstable Areas 200,000 l 100,000lts 2 Genset No data 625KVA OPD /Ward/Mess 400KVA Canteen Open Roads 2 Gates Road Blacktopped Back gates At Net Control: Mr. Rob Rowlands and Mr. Surya Narayan Shrestha (9N1SS) at NSET atop Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 12 of 17

13 Annex IV List of Participants Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 13 of 17

14 Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 14 of 17

15 Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 15 of 17

16 Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 16 of 17

17 Annex V Invitation cards Activity Report: How to use Ham in disaster circumstances? Page 17 of 17

Disaster Risk Management in Health Sector: Experiences of Nepal

GLOBAL PLATFORM ON DRR, 5-7 JUNE, GENEVA Session 4.2.1 (6 June 2007): WORKSHOP ON RISK REDUCTION IN THE HEALTH SECTOR Disaster Risk Management in Health Sector: Experiences of Nepal Amod M. Dixit Executive