MERT Team Training - CPR, First Aid, Oxygen, BBP, AED

MERT - Medical Emergency Response Team
Training Program	MERT Client Support Site	Equipment	Laws and Regulations	Other Information

Training Program

MERT is the term we use for top-of-the-line emergency care training for corporations and industry. The concept behind MERT is to form a dedicated group to respond to problems within a facility or company. MERT members take a one day (8 hour) program that teaches the most up to date first aid and resuscitation techniques and how to use the most high tech emergency equipment. The program has an specific emblem and product line associated with it. MERT products are available only through Less Stress Instructional Services.
What do MERT members learn ?
The MERT program include a number of sub-programs that we often do independently. While MERT sessions will vary slightly from client to client, a few of the elements are standard:

Adult CPR Training: MERT participant will learn adult CPR techniques. These are resuscitation procedures for individuals age 8 and over.

AED: MERT participants are taught to use an Automated External Defibrillator. Traditionally we train participants on the specific unit they will use. We have a large number of AED trainers from the various manufacturers that we use to ensure that MERT members are comfortable using the device.

Basic First Aid Training: Of all the skills a MERT member might use, Basic First Aid techniques are the most likely to get used. The course includes management of injuries such as bleeding control and fractures, medical emergencies such as diabetic problems and seizures, as well as environmental emergencies such as heat exhaustion and poisoning.

Oxygen Therapy: The prompt application of emergency oxygen can often significantly lessen the damage done to patient during serious injury or medical emergency. The MERT program teaches use of an emergency oxygen kit and the various components used to deliver the therapy.

Bloodborne Pathogens: This short self-protection inservice covers the possibility of disease transmission during occupational emergencies. Relevant concerns, protective equipment, and regulations are discussed.

Pediatric CPR Training (optional): Extended MERT training can include pediatric CPR techniques and procedures for children from birth to age eight. It is particularly popular when MERT members have children. This module will extend class time an additional two hours.

What makes MERT better than traditional CPR/First Aid programs?
MERT training isn't really any different than regular CPR/First Aid training - in fact, MERT program participants receive the same nationally recognized training certificates that we give out for our more traditional CPR/First Aid programs. The difference is that MERT integrates the site's specific equipment (their brand of AED or oxygen bottle for example) and supplies into the course. More than teach people how to perform CPR or First Aid, it teaches people to respond to emergencies - addressing issues like deployment, continuing education, and documentation. Your participants will not just learn to bandage a patient, they will learn to attend to the injury, document it properly, and provide a solid hand-off report to the responding ambulance. MERT also specifically integrates the site's specific equipment into all the skills (very important!). Participants will learn rescue breathing with oxygen if that is available, will work out of the specific MERT bags that the site has purchased, etc.

Equipment
A dedicated response team requires certain tools to be effective. You cannot have a MERT team working out of the same first aid kits that workers use to treat paper cuts. A MERT team is most effective when equipped with appropriate response gear. MERT has a great product line that is consistent with the course recommendations, policies, and the whole concept of bystander emergency care.
Click here to see MERT gear such as stickers, patches, and accessories		MERT apparel from CAFEPRESS.com - our merchandising affiliate
Equipment recommendation		MERT Training/Equipment Package Pricing

Laws and Regulations
The combination of MERT programs covers some important regulatory requirements for certain industries. For example:
Adult CPR & Basic First Aid		Complies with CFR 1910.151 - the 'First Aid' standard		Details
Oxygen Therapy		Emergency oxygen use by non-clinicians requires training as per FDA Chapter 24 "Devices - Emergency Oxygen"		Details
Bloodborne Pathogens		Complies with CFR 1910.1030 - the 'Bloodborne Pathogens' standard		Details
Automated External Defibrillation		Most states require some nationally accredited training program for the use of an automated external defibrillator		Details

Other Information
Who would train and maintain a MERT ?
MERTs can be used in almost any industrial and/or corporate setting. The project has several benefits, including: Regulatory Compliance for the above OSHA regulations Reducing the potential for liability during an on-site emergency Affirming the company's concern for the safety and health of employees Potential increases in morale and safety awareness The possibility of positively affecting the outcome of an employee who suddenly becomes sick and/or injured Our most successful MERT projects include: A information technology company with sites in 8 states and 2 countries A well known pharmaceutical company A retail giant with sites in 2 metro areas A corporate office for a networking company

What is involved in setting up a MERT team?
A MERT is very easy to set up! We offer complete turn-key operation for this project at Less Stress Instructional Services. The typical process includes: Planning - Deciding how your MERT will be deployed during an emergency, how much training it will require, and what equipment it will have. Recruiting - Finding volunteers/responders in your staff who will become MERT members Purchasing - Acquiring the proper supplies and equipment for your MERT Training - Providing your team with the proper skills to provide life-saving care to coworker We can help you with every phase of developing a MERT. In some industries, we've had MERT programs off the ground in a couple of weeks. Contact us for details.

What does a MERT team cost?

A typical MERT project is relatively inexpensive to implement. The standard MERT training is around $75.00 per participant. This includes the Adult CPR, Basic First Aid, Oxygen Therapy, and Bloodborne Pathogens. Other expenses might include various first aid supplies, an emergency oxygen kit, and an Automated External Defibrillator. You can obtain all of your MERT supplies though Less Stress Instructional Services as one integrated package. You can see a list of suggested program supplies and their prices by clicking here .

What retraining is required to maintain a MERT ?

The most basic retraining for a MERT involves CPR/AED retraining after 2 years, a First Aid retraining after 3 years, and a Bloodborne Pathogens retraining yearly. We always stress however that MERT skills are skills that require practice. The average occupational response team will not see enough emergencies (hopefully) to be fluent with their skills unless they are challenged periodically with drills, exercises, and lectures. Our most successful MERT teams have a monthly meeting of about one hour where we run them through some scenarios and refresh critical skills. Cost for monthly retraining is $150.00 per one hour session. We highly recommend this format. If this is too involved for your site, our standard MERT lease includes a yearly refresher session and certification training every two years. We also have simulation software available of the internet and on CD-ROM (PC only) for less formal refresher training on your computer.

I'd like to discuss the possibility of starting a MERT team - who do I speak to?

Contact us at (888) 277-3671 and ask about the MERT program. We would be happy to discuss the steps involved in beginning a MERT project in your particular setting. You can also request a specific rate quote by clicking here .