DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICES

Every second counts in a medical emergency. That’s why each Forest Hills school building has a Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) — a group of trained staff members prepared to respond quickly and effectively if a student, staff member, or visitor experiences a medical emergency during the school day or at after-school activities and events.

What Is a MERT?

A MERT is a building-based team of staff members trained in CPR, AED use, and first aid. When a medical emergency occurs, team members are alerted immediately and respond to the scene to provide care in those critical first minutes before emergency medical services arrive.

How Our Teams Are Prepared

• Trained staff in every building. MERT members are certified every two years, keeping their CPR/AED training current and ready.
• CPR-trained bus drivers. Emergency preparedness extends beyond our buildings — all Forest Hills bus drivers are trained in CPR.
• Written emergency response plans. Each building maintains a written medical emergency response plan, as required for all Michigan K-12 schools under Public Act 12 of 2014.
• Practice drills. Teams conduct emergency response drills so that when seconds matter, our response is second nature.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are a critical, life-saving tool in a cardiac emergency. Fast access to an AED before emergency medical services arrive can make all the difference — and Forest Hills is equipped:

• An AED in every building. Every Forest Hills school building has an AED on site, and many buildings have more than one.
• Easy to find. AEDs are clearly marked with signs identifying their locations.
• Ready when needed. All units are regularly inspected and maintained.

Why It Matters

Sudden cardiac death claims the lives of approximately 250 Michigan children and young adults under the age of 40 annually, and fast-acting CPR and access to an AED are critical for the best possible outcomes. From our classrooms to our buses, our MERT teams, CPR-trained staff, and building AEDs are one more way Forest Hills works every day to keep our schools safe for everyone who walks through our doors.