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Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT)

Purpose:

The purpose of a MERT is to provide a coordinated response in the event of a life threatening medical emergency for students, staff and visitors that is consistent district wide, but school specific.

Background:

There are many instances of injury and illness response requiring some level of “first aid” in the school setting. First Aid is simply the aid given initially until the situation is resolved, or another person with more training (EMT/other First Responders), takes over the situation. Many school staff provide “first aid” including teachers, administrators, office staff, school nurses and others. It is NOT the intent of the MERT to respond to all or even most illnesses and injuries, but rather only situations that are determined to be potentially life threatening, thus requiring additional support.
Life Threatening Medical Emergencies examples for MERT Activation:

This list is not all inclusive of what may be a life-threatening emergency.

  • Unconsciousness
  • Convulsions (Tonic Clonic Seizure)
  • Suspected Heart Attack or Stroke
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Severe asthma attack, choking or severe difficulty in breathing
  • Change in mental status such as confusion, agitation
  • Shock
  • Severe bleeding 
  • Severe burns
  • Compound fracture
  • Fall with neck or back pain, numbness or inability to move normally
  • Drug overdose

Trainings include:

  • CPR/AED/First Aid certified through American Heart Association
  • Epipen Administration
  • Glucagon Administration
  • Inhaler/Asthma Training
  • Narcan Administration
  • Seizure Medication Administration