Celebrating 10 years of MERIT doctors in the ambulance service

This month marked the 10th anniversary of the Medical Emergency Response Incident Team (MERIT). The team comprises a committed group of doctors who support incident commanders during major, mass casualty, and complex incidents across the region. MERIT doctors contribute to command and clinical decision-making processes. The team provides medical advice, coordinates on-scene medical assets, and helps us get the right care to patients involved in large-scale incidents.

Bringing together a diverse range of specialities, each team member offers expert knowledge and experience in their respective practice areas. Supporting our response to incidents such as uncontrolled chemical releases, large-scale road traffic collisions, fires, or civil disorders, MERIT doctors work on an on-call basis to provide medical expertise across the region at any time.

Reflecting on a decade of service, MERIT Manager Dr Craig Hooper remarked: “People may not necessarily be aware that there are doctors who work within the ambulance service. The past 10 years have showcased MERIT’s invaluable contribution in responding to complex, large-scale incidents. The dedicated team work seamlessly with our command and clinical leadership colleagues. They provide essential advice and ensure medical resources are given to those in need.”

NWAS (North West Ambulance Service) was among the first ambulance services in the nation to establish a bespoke team of doctors of this nature. Each MERIT doctor possesses a certificate of completion of training in either general practice or specialities such as emergency medicine, anaesthesia, critical care, and surgery.