Modern Trinidad and Tobago has access to communications technology that would have been unimaginable when REACT first developed.
Mobile networks, broadband Internet, messaging applications and digital services allow information to move almost instantly.
But capable does not mean infallible.
Power failures, flooding, severe weather, damaged infrastructure, network congestion and localized telecommunications problems can disrupt the systems we normally depend upon.
Emergency communications is about preparing additional options before they are needed.
Why Radio?
Two-way radio has several characteristics that continue to make it useful.
A radio can provide direct communication between operators without depending upon the public Internet. Radio networks can cover groups of people simultaneously, and repeaters can extend communications over greater distances and difficult terrain.
Portable equipment can also be deployed where communications are required rather than where fixed telecommunications infrastructure happens to exist.
Radio isn't magic and it isn't immune to failure.
Antennas can be damaged. Batteries eventually run down. Coverage can be obstructed by terrain and buildings. Repeaters themselves require power and maintenance.
That is precisely why emergency communications requires planning, testing, training and redundancy rather than simply owning radios.
An Additional Communications Resource
Team 6006's constitution describes two-way radio communications as an additional resource for community activities, emergencies, disasters and emergency aid. It also identifies communications assistance to community organizations, NGOs, emergency-management agencies, local government and other public authorities among the Team's objectives.
The word additional is important.
REACT is not a replacement for Trinidad and Tobago's emergency services, telecommunications providers or established emergency-management organizations.
Volunteer communications can instead provide another layer of capability where appropriate.
People Make the Network
Emergency communications involves considerably more than radios.
An effective communications network needs operators who can pass information accurately, remain disciplined on the air, understand procedures and recognize which information is important.
Poor communications can create confusion regardless of how expensive the equipment is.
Team 6006 therefore places importance on developing its members as well as its equipment.
The Team's governing documents specifically call for continued training in radio communications, first response, safety and disaster-related skills.
Prepared Before It Is Needed
Emergency capability cannot realistically be created after communications have already failed.
Equipment needs to be maintained.
Members need experience.
Coverage needs to be understood.
Procedures need to be practiced.
Relationships between organizations need to exist.
Weaknesses need to be discovered when there is still time to correct them.
That is why Team 6006's communications activities, training and community deployments all contribute to emergency preparedness.
Technology will continue to evolve, and our communications capabilities should evolve with it. But the objective remains the same:
Maintain dependable ways for people to communicate when communication matters most.
REACT Team 6006 — Public Service Through Communications.