Just a few years ago, there wasn’t a team or system in place to assist those in need of medical attention at Northview High School.
Now, equipped with their CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) certifications, members of the M.E.R.T. (medical emergency response team) speed through the hallways toward distressed students or staff members when needed.
Not only does having staff members ready and willing to help result in faster medical aid, it also makes the student receiving the care feel safer. Brian Schroder, a teacher of more than 20 years, has experienced the effectiveness of the M.E.R.T. firsthand.
“10 to 15 years ago I was teaching gym and if a student got severely hurt we would have to call an ambulance. Now, [M.E.R.T.] gives students and teachers a sense of health security,” Schroder said.
M.E.R.T. is made up of 13 staff members, all of whom play a critical role. Members are strategically asked to be on the team depending on their location throughout the building, ensuring quick reaction time.
“If something happens in one of the hallways, there’s someone from M.E.R.T. who would be right there,” Vice Principal Brent Dickerson said.
As soon as an announcement is made, M.E.R.T. members drop everything and go to the location as quickly as possible.
At least one person passes the office on their way to a call. They grab the M.E.R.T. bag, which is full of first aid devices and a clipboard to take notes.
Although it is most effective if the complete team goes to every call, certain circumstances can prevent that from happening. Yet, the team is prepared for this.
“It’s designed that if any one person or any two people are gone there will still be a fairly large response,” Dickerson said.
Overall, the M.E.R.T. does their best to assuage and assist in medical situations.
“I’m no doctor, but I can definitely help someone,” Schroder said.
The M.E.R.T. has helped medical situations at school to not only be handled in a more organized way, but in a way that makes the whole school feel safer. Caring staff and good student reactions go a long way.
“I’m really thankful for the team. I think it’s a great thing,” Dickerson said.
