Medical emergency response team (MERT) seeks former members

Off By Ed Hanna

A new club is seeking former members of a special team that flew helicopter emergency response missions and saved many lives.

The MERT Club is an organisation that reconnects members of the UK’s RAF Medical Emergency Response Teams that gave critical treatment to casualties while deployed in Afghanistan.

The team worked out of the back of a Chinook helicopter which was specially kitted out as a flying hospital. The crew flew thousands of missions and treated casualties with an extensive range of lifesaving equipment.

More than 2,000 personnel served on MERT during the Afghan conflict between 2006 and 2014, including aircrew, doctors, paramedics, nurses, and force protection teams.

Now the club is looking for former MERT personnel across the UK and inviting them to get in touch.

The club was set up by two former MERT members, Squadron Leader Shaun Pascoe and Sergeant Robert ‘Bob’ Shenton. Shaun served in the RAF for 16 years, while Bob is ex RAF Aircrew, having served for 11 years.

Shaun said: “The aim of The MERT Club is to provide a place where past members can re-connect with old friends, share their experiences and help to preserve the team’s unique history.

“We would love to hear from any past members who would like to join and enjoy our social events throughout the year. Membership is open to anyone who served on the MERT team, and you will be assured of a warm and friendly welcome.”

The MERT Club is a registered non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) and supported by The RAF Benevolent Fund, The Lest We Forget Association and The Armed Forces Covenant.