so i finally got activated for a real ARES event last weekend, it was a 5k run/walk thing for a local charity and our EC asked for a few operators to handle communications for the finish line, water stations, and the start area. i've been going to the monthly nets and did the IS-100 and IS-200 courses online but man nothing really prepares you for actually doing it.

the part that threw me off was how much of it was just sitting there waiting and then suddenly everyone needs something at once. i was at the finish line checkpoint and for like 45 minutes nothing happened then we had a runner go down and the whole net got real busy real fast. ended up relaying medical info to the EOC liaison and it all worked out fine but my hands were kind of shaking after.

just wanted to share that i guess. if anyone else is on the fence about getting involved with ARES/RACES stuff in their area i'd say just do it, the training nets are good but actual activations are a completely different feel. also curious if others had a similar first experience or if i was just overthinking it

yeah that first one is always a little intense even when its something low key like a race or parade. the waiting and then everything at once thing is pretty much exactly how it goes most of the time. your brain gets trained to expect radio silence to just continue forever and then bam someone needs a medical relay and suddenly youre very awake lol

the shaky hands thing is normal, i had that too on my first real activation. after a few more events it kind of becomes second nature and you stop second guessing every transmission. the fact that you handled the medical relay correctly and it worked out is honestly the whole point of all that training so sounds like you did exactly what you were supposed to. keep showing up to those monthly nets, the EC's notice who's reliable and it matters a lot when things actually get serious.

Medical comms relay is no joke even at a small event like that. Ive been doing ARES stuff for maybe 8 years now and I still get that focused-nervous feeling when something real comes in over the net. It keeps you sharp honestly.

One thing I'd mention for anyone reading this who's thinking about joining up - make sure you actually have your ICS certifications done before your EC needs you for anything serious. Some served agencies now require IS-700 as well, not just 100 and 200. Worth checking with your local EC what they expect. Also if your group does any SET exercises - the simulated emergency test - try to make at least one of those before your first real activation if you can, it's a bit more realistic than the weekly nets.