A test exercise of the New Brunswick health facility radio system that took place on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 was a great success.
Net control was VE9DOH at Department of Health, Fredericton, headed by Al Thurber CG1RG contacted each health care facility. Operators at each facility reported those present and the equipment being used, and any particular comments on accessibility to the radio or the facility for the test. Over forty five (45) operators took part at twenty-one (21) facilities.
The test was a good demonstration to served agencies that amateur radio can be used as a back-up network in case of communication failures such as those experienced on August 4, 2017 when many cellular and internet connections were disrupted in the Maritimes.
The International Repeater Group maintains agreements with the Department of Health, and the Horizon and Vitalité Health Networks to assist with emergency communications. Each health care facility with an emergency room is equipped with an amateur radio as back-up.