About Merci Phoenix

Merci Phoenix is a leading provider of emergency medical services in the Southeast Missouri area. We are dedicated to providing the best care and support to our clients. Our team of experienced professionals is always ready to respond to emergencies and provide immediate care.

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Our Mission

Providing Exceptional Healthcare Staffing Support for Rural America

At MERCI (Medical Emergency Response and Care Initiative), our mission is to provide exceptional healthcare staffing services for emergency medical services and other healthcare institutions, with a focus on compassion, efficiency, and innovation. We are committed to:

  • Medical Excellence: Delivering the highest standards of clinical care and medical interventions in prehospital settings.
  • Emergency Response: Ensuring rapid and effective responses to all medical emergencies, minimizing response times, and maximizing positive outcomes.
  • Respect and Compassion: Treating every patient with dignity, empathy, and respect, recognizing the emotional and physical stresses of medical emergencies.
  • Contract Staffing and Community Support: Providing essential staffing solutions to rural and underserved areas, and engaging with our communities to enhance public health and emergency preparedness.
  • Integrity and Innovation: Upholding the highest ethical standards while continuously seeking innovative solutions to improve our services and patient care.

Through our dedicated team of healthcare professionals, advanced technology, and community partnerships, we strive to save lives and make a difference in every moment of need.

Meet the Team

With over 50+ years of combined experience in the field, we vow to have the best team, services, and support for our clients.

Jody Chaney

Team member Jody Chaney

Jody Chaney is the Managing Member at Merci Phoenix LLC, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the firm. With an impressive 28-year career in Emergency Medical Services, Jody has honed expertise in both patient care and administrative leadership. As a seasoned Paramedic and Flight Paramedic, Jody has delivered high-quality medical care in critical and high-pressure situations, ensuring the well-being of countless patients.

Beyond frontline medical services, Jody is also a retired Law Enforcement Officer, which adds a unique perspective on safety, security, and emergency response coordination. This dual background enhances Jody's ability to lead and manage complex situations effectively.

Additionally, Jody has developed a robust background in finance, with a keen understanding of budgetary needs and fiscal management. This unique combination of medical proficiency, law enforcement experience, and financial acumen allows Jody to excel in managing complex operational and budgetary challenges within the healthcare sector. Under Jody's leadership, Merci Phoenix LLC continues to thrive, setting new standards for excellence and efficiency in emergency medical services.

Kyle Brown

Team member Kyle Brown

Kyle Brown brings over 15 years of extensive experience in Emergency Medical Services to the forefront of Merci Phoenix. With a deep-seated passion for healthcare and a proven track record in clinical, operational, and leadership roles, Kyle has built a reputation as a dynamic and strategic leader in the industry. Kyle's journey in healthcare began on the front lines, where he gained invaluable clinical experience that laid the foundation for his expertise in operations and leadership. He has a commitment to excellence, integrity and safety.

Kyle's dedication to the healthcare community and his strategic approach to recruitment make him an influential figure in the industry, continually striving to elevate standards and support the ever-evolving needs of healthcare providers.

Derek Burwell

Team member Derek Burwell

Derek Burwell is a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois with an impressive educational background and extensive experience in the EMS field. He holds a Bachelor of Science in EMS Administration and a Master of Business Administration and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Healthcare Administration.

Derek began his career in 2010 as a volunteer EMT in the fire service. Over the years, he has accumulated over a decade of experience as a Paramedic, working in private ambulance services and private helicopter EMS services. His dedication to the field extends to initial EMS education, where he has played a crucial role in training new EMS professionals.

Derek's leadership experience is extensive and diverse. He has led teams in ground EMS services, air medical services, contract EMS, and EMS education. His expertise also includes federal deployments, where he has consistently taken on leadership roles. Derek's comprehensive experience and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset in the EMS staffing industry.