These are common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Medical
Emergency Response Team (MERT) program:
Q:
How is MERT different than the CPR/First Aid training we've previously
been doing?
A: MERT is an
integrated program that teaches more than just skills - it teaches
individuals to respond to emergencies. In a first aid class a
participant might learn bandaging, while in MERT the participant would
learn to assess the patient, provide assistance to the injury, document
the episode, and provide a solid hand-off report to the arriving EMS
responders.
Q: What
certifications are issued with MERT?
A: The certificates
are more-or-less the same as with normal CPR/First Aid training, except a
MERT site will generally have additional certificates for Bloodborne
Pathogens, Oxygen Therapy, and AED. They are the same nationally
recognized certifications that you would receive with any other
course. It's just the training and the services package that is
different.
Q: What does
a MERT program consist of?
A typical MERT
program consists of certification training, skills maintenance through
periodic drills, equipment acquisition, software for tracking and skills
maintenance, and policy and procedure writing. MERT sites with AED's
will also need medical oversight for their unit, and someone to make sure
that the team is as up to date as possible (we do that with upgrades and
other changes).
Q: What does
a MERT client receive with their training?
A: This depends on
the purchasing option. You can purchase MERT equipment and training
directly, or you can lease the program. Purchase clients will need
to work on a fee-for-service basis, while lease clients receive most
program upgrades (new software, MERT bag upgrades, and/or policy &
procedure changes) for free with their lease.
Q: What is
this MERT logo that I keep seeing?
A: That is the
proprietary logo used in the program. It adorns most of the program
elements and equipment. It is a trademark of Less Stress
Instructional Services, and MERT clients are automatically licensed to use
it for non-commercial purposes on their equipment, written policies and
materials, and around their site. There are a number of MERT program
products such as mugs and t-shirts available from the on-line store.
We find that it gives teams a great deal of pride in the program and makes
it look more sophisticated. Please contact us if you have any
questions about use of the logo at your facility.
