The original HEART project was designed to provide a reliable backup communication system for hospitals and healthcare facilities during a time of crisis, unusual events, and disasters.

Supported by members of the UHCC, funded and piloted in 2005 by MUSC and a group ham radio engineers as the HEART project to support healthcare facilities.

The HEART currently exists in the low country and supports the Charleston Tri-County Area.

The SCHEART is an expansion of the original HEART project and is designed to provide state-wide coverage.

HEART vs SCHEART

SCHEART Project

Statewide initiative currently in development to support healthcare facilities with a redundant communication system that will use amateur radio during major disasters and public health emergencies.

Our long term goal will be to link all healthcare facilities through a network of "repeaters" to form the SCHEART emergency communication network.

Funding from HRSA for the SCHEART repeater network was approved and ETV engineering staff will install and maintain the repeaters. The network will be liked using the ETV digital microwave system.

Facility assessments and training/license courses are available through the the USC-CPHP in partnership with the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) Organization and the South Carolina Section Emergency Coordinator.

Mission

To strengthen the state-wide communication infrastructure for hospitals and healthcare facilities using Ham Radio as a backup to the 800 MHz radio system.

“Facilitate a system change”

Goal

To create a communication system that can be used to support hospitals, shelters, healthcare facilities, and ESF-8 responders during major disasters and public health emergencies.

Collaborators

Aiken County Emergency Management Services (EMS)

Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL)

USC, Hams Coordinating Committee (UHCC)

South Carolina Healthcare Emergency Amateur Radio Team (SCHEART)

Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)

Carolina Amateur Radio Emergency Services (CARES)

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

South Carolina Educational Television (ETV)

South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA)

South Carolina Department of Health Environmental Control (SCDHEC)

South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD)

York Technical College (YTC)

USC-CPHP In partnership with the South Carolina Section Emergency

Coordinator, convenes the UHCC to coordinate activities that need to occur in support of the SCHEART.

Coordinate the provision of facility assessments to HRSA supported hospitals to identify equipment and potential hams to support radio response teams during a disaster.

Coordinates the purchase and installation of ham radio systems at each hospital and healthcare facility in our state.

Provides trainings and licensing opportunities to facilitate proper protocols for using the SCHEART network.

Utilizes drills/exercise to increase participants’ familiarity with resources and protocols regarding a bioterrorist, mass casualty, or natural disaster.

Funding

Funding for the SCHEART infrastructure has been approved by HRSA and ETV has scheduled construction of repeaters to begin in the spring of 2007 with a completion date of August 31, 2007.

Funding for the purchase of ham radio systems for hospitals are available from HRSA funding through SCDHEC.

Funding support for Facilities Assessments and Training/License Courses can be coordinated through the USC-CPHP.

Facility Assessments

A Facility Assessment Checklist can be downloaded via the USC website to facilitate consistency and thoroughness while conducting the assessment.

Hospitals should be contacted prior to assessment to encourage facility managers or safety officers to conduct roof assessments in advance.

Hams supported by the USC-CPHP are required to submit a Liability Waiver Form prior to their visit to signify that the USC-CPHP is not liable for any actions or consequences that could occur during/following the assessment.

Formal reports are due within 5 days of the assessment unless other arrangements are made and a sample copy of the report is available as a part of the checklist.

Training Classes

All classes will be conducted in two day sessions, one day of training (9-5) and one day for testing (9-until).

Participants must be at least 18 years of age to attend USC-CPHP supported trainings. (Accountability issues)

The USC-CPHP will cover training materials, food and/or per diem. Trainees are responsible for the $14.00 testing fee on day two.

Satellite Broadcast trainings will begin in April 2007, these classes will be Instructor led using a training DVD.

Priority Seating (Hospital and DHEC employees)

Radio Response Team (RRTs)member applications will be available to identify SCHEART users and operating location.

Website

http://www.sph.sc.edu/acphp/hams_scheart.htm