Missouri Emergency Response Services

MERS consists of 16 highly trained professionals from the local community that bring a wide range of expertise to the organization. MERS are all volunteers that receive no compensation for their services.

Our monthly training includes Rescue Techniques for large animals trapped in various situations, to training with our Mud Rescue Kit, to Equine first aid, and many other areas relative to Technical Large Animal Rescue.  Our membership includes two Firefighter/EMT'S, four Certified Swift Water Rescue Technicians, and four Certified Scuba Dive Technicians. Several members have training and certification with FEMA which includes  NIMS Incident Comand IS-00100, IS-00200, National Incident Management IS-00700, and National Response Plan IS-00800. This background gives us the training and the background to use and understand Incident Command, particularly when working at various scenes with multiple agencies involved. Many other members have various special talents that they bring to the group. Because what we do can be inherently dangerous without the proper training and specialized equipment, all members also have certification in Advanced First Aid with CPR & AED. This is through The American Heart Association, and sponsored by The Cintas Corporation ( www.cintas.com). This Advanced First Aid training is also beneficial to have in our everyday lives to help others.

With our training, membership backgrounds, specialized equipment, including our Rescue Boat, MERS is very well trained and ready for the most difficult rescue situation.

MERS services are available 24/7 365 days a year to the entire state of Missouri and points beyond.

It is very rewarding being part of the MERS team. If you would like more information in regards to becoming a member of our organization, please contact MERS President, Roger Vincent @ vnbigbear@aol.com.

Partnerships - Click on logos to go directly to sites

Gateway Search Dogs Gateway Search Dogs provides trained canines and personnel to locate lost, missing and deceased persons. GSD will serve all city, county, state and national search and rescue agencies without prejudice, and will work in cooperation with SAR groups. There is no fee for search services.

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER) MERS consists of 15 highly trained professionals, made up of men and women from the community. MERS is on call 24 hours a day. We do not charge any fees for our services. MERS provides a very valuable and much needed service to the community, as well as the entire state of Missouri and Illinois. Our group recognized this type of resource is a unique challenge that calls for specialized training and equipment. We received extensive specialized training through Dr. Thomas and Rebecca Gimenez of Clemson University (www.tlaer.org). We were trained on how to safely prepare for and approach large animal incidents such as overturned and wrecked trailers, large animals in imminent danger, stuck in mud or ravines, and incidents where people might be trapped with animals. Our team has researched and purchased equipment specific to TLAER, as well as having access to the Anderson Sling. This equipment allows us to accomplish these missions in a safe and professional manner for both our team members and the animal.