Monthly Archives: November 2012

A Tiered System: Volume Two

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Paramedic Intercept ASM Aetna AmbulanceWhy did the EMTs (ambulance) and Paramedics arrive separately?

EMTs are able to perform a specific set of skills that do not include such advanced treatments as IVs, EKG heart monitoring, IV medications, advanced airway techniques, nebulizers and more. Paramedics are required in the treatment of patients with chest pain, difficulty breathing, altered mental status, severe accidents and injuries and many other types of medical emergencies.

Simply put, when a 911 call is received that meets certain criteria, an EMT level ambulance (BLS) and a paramedic service (ALS) are dispatched simultaneously. Upon arrival, if the patient needs any of the treatment listed above, the paramedic will then ride Continue reading →

A Note About Aetna Ambulance’s Past

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Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.

“I was surfing the Internet and chanced upon Aetna Ambulance’s page. I was sorry to learn of the passing of Herman and Jean Grady. I knew them back in the late ’70s and early ’80s when I was employed as Communications Coordinator for the North Central Connecticut EMS Council. Of all the ambulance providers I knew and worked with, they were about the nicest and most cooperative folks you could ever have hoped to meet.” 

– Michael McMurtrey, Carrollton, TX

Learn more about Aetna’s history here…

Bolton Brownies Learn About the Role of EMS and the Ambulance

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BOLTON, CT – Brownie Troops 10635 and 10636 in Bolton (about 40 second and third graders) are currently working on earning a First Aid Badge.  One of the requirements is to speak with a First Responder and Troop Leaders expressed that the girls were really interested in seeing an ambulance.

“On behalf of Brownie Troops 10635 and 10636, I would like to thank you for your teams for their time.  The girls really enjoyed asking questions and have gained a real appreciation for the responsibilities of First Responders. Thank you again.”

– Sue, Troop Leader

NOTE: Within the Town of Bolton, ASM responds to medical emergencies in conjunction and cooperation with Bolton Fire Department (BFD). ASM provides ambulance and paramedic services for requests that come in via the 911 system. BFD is the designated First Responder and provides all rescue and fire suppression services to the Town of Bolton. In the event of an emergency, always dial 911. 

Emergency of Hunger Food Drive 2012: The Impact

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MANCHESTER —

The final total for the Manchester team:

  • Food items:             13,134
  • Turkeys:                       440
  • Cash and checks:   $4,196

The final totals for the entire Emergency of Hunger Food Drive for 2012, including Manchester, Rockville, South Windsor, Vernon and Windsor:

  • Food items:               49,044
  • Turkeys:                      1,137
  • Cash and checks:   $21,638
The Food Bank at MACC Charities: Before and After

 

‘Emergency of Hunger’ Food Drive Continues This Weekend

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Click for the latest Hartford Courant article on the Food Drive…

First Weekend Totals:

  • Food Items     14,646
  • Cash               $6656
  • Turkeys               215

To Reach the Goals, the Second Weekend Must Total:

  • Food Items     25,000
  • Cash             $28,000
  • Turkeys            1,585

The food drive will take place on the following days and in the following Stop & Shop locations:

  • Vernon  (11-17 and 18): 10a-6p, 10 Pitkin Road, Vernon
  • Rockville (11-17 and 18): 10a-6p, 50 Windsorville Road, Rockville
  • Manchester (11-17 and 11-18): 10a-6p, 286 Broad St, Manchester
  • South Windsor (11-17 and 18): 10a-6p,1739 Ellington Road, South Windsor
  • Windsor (11-17 and 18): 10a-6p, 1095 Kennedy Road, Windsor
* The second weekend adds an additional town with its two locations. Continue reading →

‘Emergency of Hunger’ Food Drive: 2012 Weekend #1

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WSDK Covers Food Drive. Listen here…

‘Emergency Of Hunger’ Food Drive Restocks Pantries At Critical Time

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Emergency of Hunger Food Drive - Ambulance Service of ManchesterBy MICHAEL WALSH, Special to The Hartford Courant
 MANCHESTER ——

The fourth annual Emergency of Hunger Food Drive, a community staple in the Manchester area since its 2009 debut, serves much more than helping the town prepare for the holiday season.

While more than 1,000 Thanksgiving turkeys are donated each year to the food drive, which is organized locally by the Ambulance Service of Manchester, those who see hunger first-hand say the food drive allows food pantries to remain stocked in the slower winter months. Continue reading →

Who Sets the Rates and Charges for the Ambulance Service?

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Paramedic Intercept ASM Aetna AmbulanceHARTFORD — A recent patient satisfaction survey received by Aetna Ambulance Service was full of praise for the crew and care received, but the patient had a question about the cost of services: Who sets the rates the ambulance service charges for transport or paramedic services? 

Aetna and ASM are licensed Connecticut ambulance services. As such, our companies are regulated by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). The rates for each individual service category are issued to us by DPH and we do not have the discretion to set our own rates or billing categories or make any changes. The bills that are issued to patients for services rendered are produced with these set rates and cannot be higher. Continue reading →

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Taylor Salva Completes Precepting Phase

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Aetna's Taylor Salva

Taylor Salva is congratulated by Hartford Hospital’s Greg Berryman

HARTFORD – As of November 1, 2012, Aetna’s Taylor Salva has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

His preceptor was Robert Velletri. The full precepting phase can take ten to 12 weeks or more as the paramedic is prepped for the realities of the field. As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Taylor’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing Taylor and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Taylor is a new, full time Paramedic who graduated from Capital Community College one year ago. He has lived in the New London/Groton area all his life, until he, his wife, daughter and step daughter recently moved to Griswold. He enjoys boating, fishing and shooting. He has worked as an EMT basic, a firefighter, and ER technician for some time now and is excited to start his paramedic career.

On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish Taylor the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Aetna Director of Operations Graham MacDonald Retires

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Graham MacDonald, Director of Operations, Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.

Graham MacDonald, Director of Operations, Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.

As I prepare to leave Aetna Ambulance Service I look back at the many wonderful people that I have had the pleasure to know and to work with. Aetna has always been known as a “family” and I have seen and experienced this first hand.  It was an honor for me to have known both Jean and Ethel Grady. This family truly loved their community and always stood ready to help anyone in need.

Aetna Ambulance has excelled over the years and today it is known as one of the best ambulance companies in the state.  It is widely respected by the hospitals and facilities that we serve. It has become the sought after place to work for EMT’s and Paramedics coming out of school. Our reputation is based not only upon the dedication and excellence in patient care but the family atmosphere that lives on today.

My time here has been a great experience and I have enjoyed coming to work every day. I will miss the many people that I have worked with both here and the Ambulance Service of Manchester.   I am proud to say that it has been an honor for me to be a part of this organization.

Sincerely,

Graham MacDonald, Director of Operations

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Josh Traber Completes Precepting Phase

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Ambulance Service of Manchester: Josh TraberMANCHESTER – As of November 1, 2012, ASM’s Josh Traber has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

His preceptors were Supervisor-Paramedics Vinnie Maston and Melissa Osborne. The full precepting phase can take ten to 12 weeks or more as the paramedic is prepped for the realities of the field. As with all precepting phases at ASM, Josh’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Josh and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Josh started at ASM in 1999 as a Communications Dispatcher. He obtained his EMT in 2000 and started Capital Community College’s Paramedic Program in 2011. 

On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Josh the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.