Medical Emergency Response Facility (MERF) Deployment

• 2008 May 1

A step-by-step example of a MERF deployment is outlined below. This will help you better understand the MERF and the adaptability of the Charlie’s Horse equipment, which serves as the framework and superstructure in and on which most of the MERF equipment is stored, moved, positioned and used during a mission. Note: MERF has been designed to become operational within one hour of arrival within any room of opportunity. Therefore, a shelter is not included as part of MERF; it is optional. A shelter was utilized for this demonstration.

Phase 1 – Equipment & Shelter Off-Loading
As referenced earlier, the MERF storage and deployment containers provided by Charlie’s Horse are designed to be transportable by ground, air or sea. Each fiberglass container is made with cargo hooks and handles to facilitate movement and hoisting.

This sample deployment involved the use of the MERF demonstration trailer. MERF’s primary means of deployment is two 26', trailers manufactured by Charlie’s Horse. These trailers have the capability of transporting all the major components of the MERF to a scene and provide sleeping facilities for 10 people (see Photo 1). 

The MERF trailers are equipped with a winch and rear doors that double as a ramp to facilitate the rapid off-loading of MERF cargo, which is already on wheeled cargo assemblies (see Photo 2).  

The CH401M4 cart can be outfitted with four or eight wheels and extendable handles that facilitate movement of the MERF cargo containers and modules loaded with up to 750 lbs. of cargo (see Photo 3).  

Staff places a ground cover on the footprint where the shelter is to be positioned, and two additional staff members off-load the heavy shelter with ease via a special Charlie’s Horse cart (see Photo 4).

The primary shelter, which weighs 730 lbs. and normally requires a six-person deployment, has been reduced to a two-person effort by the use of the eight-wheel Charlie’s Horse bulk hauler (CH401M4BH; see Photo 5). 

The primary shelter in which the critical-care facility will be located is erected by a team of four to six personnel. This shelter is lifted into position by an air bladder that raises it with little assistance from personnel. The shelter frame is designed to easily move and lock into position (see Photos 6–8). 

Personnel erect smaller secondary shelters where treatment, X-ray, surgery and dental facilities will be located (see Photos 9–12).

Personnel then easily connect the secondary shelters to the primary shelter and secure environmental flaps designed to control the climate inside the shelter (see Photo 13).  

While the shelters are erected, the wheeled MERF component containers are removed from the trailer with the assistance of a winch (see Photo 14). 

Once outside the trailer, staff place smaller equipment containers on top of the larger containers to maximize cargo movement and reduce the manpower needed to move the MERF cargo to the shelters (see Photo 15). 

If manpower is limited during the off-loading process, one person can use a hoist to lift and move the smaller containers from a multi-container cargo transfer cart. Special cargo hooks on each corner of the containers facilitate this process. The containers can either be placed on top of a larger supply module or on a wheeled cart and moved to the shelters by one person (see Photos 16 and 17). 

Phase 2 – Equipment Staging
Multiple modules (such as supply, critical-care, stretcher, dental, surgery, oxygen and X-ray) are moved into position in front of the large shelter and staged for move-in and set-up in each shelter branch (see Photo 18).

Inside the shelter, personnel simultaneously install wiring and fluorescent lights through existing loops in the ceiling and walls of each shelter. Carabiners can be used to rapidly secure the wiring and lights to the loops (see Photo 19).

Phase 3 – Move In
Personnel move the equipment into their designated primary or secondary shelter space. Signs posted over doorways and connecting tunnel entrances help staff and visitors locate each area (see Photo 20).

Personnel begin to set up their equipment and prepare to receive patients. The easy-to-assemble platforms for each stretcher, operating table or X-ray station can be erected in minutes. (see Photos 21–25).

The five supply modules serve as stand-alone, multi-drawer supply cabinets when positioned on their ends. Each drawer locks into position and, whether in the “in” or “out” position, the clear polycarbonate drawer lids facilitate easy identification of stored supplies (see Photos 26–28).

When adjustable legs are added to the lid of each supply module, the lid can function as a table or desk for treatment or administrative functions (see Photo 29).

The free-standing Charlie’s Horse (SR701RT) stretcher stands serve as a platform for patient movement and can be easily accessorized with a backrest, IV poles, arm boards, instrument (Mayo) trays, lights, Impact ventilator holders and extra storage underneath the platform (see Photo 30).

The Charlie’s Horse multi-purpose utility table (SR901RT) can be used as a fully functioning operating table with the same accessories as shown in Photo 30, plus extra holders for suction and cardiac/respiratory monitors, as well as a fluid-collection platform suspended underneath and lined with a special absorbent liner (see Photos 31 and 32). 

When the MERF shelters are fully equipped and operational, each specialty area operates efficiently together, because they are connected by interlocking shelter components. This includes assessment and treatment areas, surgery, X-ray, respiratory, ICU and dental areas (see Photos 33–35).

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