Break
Tags
When net communication gets heavy,
someone may have a quick solution to a problem that is taking up too much
valuable airtime for discussion, but can't break into the net to share it. The
use of "Break Tags" is the way to deal with such a scenario.
There are currently seven one-word
Break Tags. They are: "answer,"
"question," "info," "priority," "medical," "emergency" and your call sign by itself. Most of
these tags have been used with great success in large public/emergency services
nets. Here is how they work: Instead of saying "break" between
transmissions during a directed net, the operator uses the word specified as a
Break Tag with a call sign. They are to be used only when the operator's
traffic will be appreciated by net control and results in more efficient
communication. They are to be used wisely, as net control is directed to stop
and query the breaking station. The message that follows a break should be as
short as possible. Make sure you know what you are going to say before using a
break tag; some people can compose the transmission in their head, others will
need to write the information down.
To be used when you
have the definitive answer to a question currently being discussed on the air.
To be used when the
answer of a question can't wait; for example, when the mayor is standing next
to you and requesting you to get information using your radio.
To be used when
information needs to be transmitted rapidly but is not related to what is being
said on the air; for example, if an event that net control needs to know about
is going to happen in the next few seconds or if waiting for the end of an
exchange will negate the value of the information.
To be used to report
an important but non-life threatening situation such as a fender-bender that
just happened.
To be used to report
a minor medical incident that affects the operator in some way; for example, having
to leave his/her post for a few minutes to walk someone with a minor cut over
to a med tent.
Only to be used to
report an ongoing life or property threatening or damaging incident.
Traditionally used as
a break tag, but when used alone does not give the net control station the same
amount of information that the other six break tags do. It should be used to
indicate that the operator has traffic that can wait and does not require the
cessation of the ongoing exchange. This tag is an expectation to be put on hold
and in queue for transmission.
Using "Break Tags" takes
little training. Its use is contagious and comes very naturally. Other
RACES/ARES groups around the country are using them with good results.
This information was compiled from the
ARRL ARES newsletter, used with permission and submitted by K8LJ.