COMMUNITY SERVICES

First Responder Training

MERIN is committed to being the source of training for paramedic, ambulance personnel and flight nurses in Nevada. The University Medical Center Trauma center is utilizing MERIN to train first responders in such life saving techniques as placing special intravenous lines, breathing tubes and advanced procedures required for safe transport to a local medical facility.

MERIN is working with military training personnel to train medics in field treatment techniques. These are the men and women who are treating our soldiers in battle conditions. The medics are given an opportunity to practice the procedures and become proficient prior to combat situations. MERIN is seeking grant money to continue this training effort.

High School and Undergraduate College Gifted Program

MERIN will soon offer a gifted education program to encourage local students to consider medical field training.  Selected by their instructors, students will be given a chance to observe surgical procedures in the MERIN training center. 

Local Physician Access

All local Southern Nevada physicians have access to MERIN either to become more proficient at current surgical techniques or to learn new techniques that will be performed throughout the community in physician offices, urgent care facilities, outpatient surgery centers and hospitals.  This access to training will lead to improved quality of care for our patients.

Limit Surgical Mistakes or Malpractice

MERIN, at its core, is designed to make surgeons better surgeons.  In essence, surgeons are practicing and perfecting their skills in this facility.  This training will result in a decrease of the frequency of medical errors, a decrease in the severity of malpractice awards and a decrease in the cost of providing health care.

Development of New Surgical Techniques/Early Adoption of Cutting-Edge Surgical Technology  

MERIN already participates in the development of new procedures in hip and knee replacement, including minimally invasive total joint replacements.  In early, 2006, new technology from Europe in hip resurfacing will be brought to MERIN to train local, national and international surgeons. 

On July 8, 2005, six local orthopaedic surgeons were trained in a new procedure for the shoulder just released this year in the United States; In August, 2005, local physicians trained in the use of computer assisted surgery for performing hip and knee replacement.

These are just a few examples of the cutting edge technology that will be developed, trained and performed in Southern Nevada this coming year. This would not have been possible without the MERIN.  Each physician trained will perform that procedure hundreds of times in their career helping thousands of patients with each educational course.