Monthly Archives: June 2013

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 5

Posted on by
Reply

MANCHESTER — The renovation of space once occupied by Marcus Communications continues. The basic framing of the new space is mostly complete. Electrical and plumbing is being run and the existing structural walls are being prepped for adaptation to the plan and space.

The next steps are to complete electrical and plumbing and start to hang walls. Visible in the pictures is new office space for the billing office, an additional server room, changes to what will be the main corridor including a bump out leading to restrooms with space where a water fountain may be mounted.

When completed, the renovated space will include additional training and simulation areas, a relocated locker area, new offices, a medical supply staging area, and two new restrooms although the plans remain fluid.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Mitch Karr Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on by
Reply
Mitch Karr - Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.

(L to R): Hartford Hospital’s MIke Zacchera and Mitchell Karr

HARTFORD – As of June 26, 2013, Aetna’s Mitchell Karr has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

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, Mitch’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera after shadowing he and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Mitch is originally from California but migrated east with family. He began his career in EMS by volunteering for a fire department in his home town. Realizing he was more interested in the patient care aspect of firefighting, he enrolled in Goodwin College’s Paramedic Program where he graduated in December of 2012. Mitch has said he hopes to make it back to the west coast someday and further his career in healthcare by becoming a mid-level or an MD.

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

History Competition Won with Hartford Circus Fire Project featuring Aetna Ambulance

Posted on by
Reply

HARTFORD – Up-and-coming historian Sam Porcello has won several awards with a project on the Hartford Circus Fire that incorporated the birth and early days of Aetna Ambulance Service. (Click here for more about Aetna and the Circus Fire). Attached are pictures of the exhibit during National History Day at the Museum of American History (The Circus Fire exhibit was selected to represent Connecticut).

The physical display, as shown, contains a panel on Aetna Ambulance.  The project started life at the Regional History Day competition on March 9th at Torrington High School and was visited by Grady daughter Dianne Evans and her daughters. Sam then advanced to the State Competition at Central Connecticut State University on April 27th, where the exhibit earned first place.

 On June 13, the exhibit won the silver medal at the National Competition in Maryland where the judges were fascinated by canvas squares with information from the survivors and Aetna Ambulance.  The origins of Aetna was read and appreciated by many hundreds of people.

Sam says, “During the interview at Nationals, the judges asked about what surprised me the most about the project, and I told them about the beginnings of Aetna Ambulance, including how the Grady’s tried to conceal their ownership.”

The exhibit will be at Connecticut’s Old State House in July, along with many other state entries.

Emergency ID Card Available on ASM-Aetna Website

Posted on by
Reply

File of LifeMANCHESTER and HARTFORD — On every 911 call, EMS providers have a specific set of information they must obtain in order to appropriately treat the patient and transfer care to the receiving facility. Having this information handy not only saves time, it could have a significant impact on emergency care.

In order to best serve our patients we have added an Emergency ID Card system, sometimes called a File of Life, to our website. It can be found by going to www.asm-aetna.com and clicking on Emergency ID.

This webpage allows any user to fill in a series of text boxes and provide for the fire department, police and/or EMS professionals all of the critical information that is needed for  their care.

Use this form in advance of an emergency, keep it up-to-date and post it in a conspicuous place such as on the refrigerator.

Early Praise for ASM’s Jason Bak on a Paramedic Intercept

Posted on by
Reply

ASM's Jason BakMANCHESTER — In May 2013, ASM received a Patient Satisfaction Survey related to a paramedic intercept performed by ASM Paramedic Jason Bak, while completing his precepting phase. The patient checked all of the Strongly Agree boxes and wrote in the word “Wonderful” to describe the service. Additionally he hand wrote the following:

“Jason, the [Paramedic] who came onto the ambulance was amazing. He made me feel very comfortable, that is, I felt safe and in the good hands of someone qualified. He was very reassuring and should be recognized as a very valuable person on your staff.”

– [13-32929]

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s David Noyes Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on by
Reply
(L to R): Hartford Hospital's Mike Zacchera and David Noyes

(L to R): Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera and David Noyes

HARTFORD – As of June 19, 2013, Aetna’s David (DJ) Noyes has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

David’s preceptor was Preston Ryzak. 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, DJ’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera after shadowing he and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 8

Posted on by
Reply

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC. MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.

The final question in the survey asks “Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our service?” And, “Please use one word to describe us.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

  • Excellent personnel.
  • Excellent.
  • Professional x 4.
  • Very professional.
  • The best.
  • Good.
  • Great.
  • Efficient x 2.
  • Caring.
  • Excellent. I called approximately 10 times in the past year. I believe the ambulance staff has saved my life each time. Now they know where my extra key is and they use it when I cannot get to the door. Thank you all!
  • Terrific.
  • Keep doing everything you are doing as your company seems to have the key to running a successful business down pat. Great job. (13-29357).
  • Thoughtful.
  • Reliable.
  • Fantastic.

Colorado Article on Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances References ASM

Posted on by
Reply

Insider_072512_ChipBailey_350FORT COLLINS, CO. — The Ambulance Service of Manchester was referenced in an industry article about the University of Colorado Health System’s decision to purchase Mercedes Sprinter ambulances for their fleet. The excerpt appears below and read the original article here…

“…It didn’t take long to learn that the Mercedes model was making major inroads into the American ambulance industry. Numerous U.S. ambulance services had begun using the model, including Acadian Ambulance, the nation’s largest privately held medical transportation company, and the Ambulance Service of Manchester, which serves the Hartford and Manchester region in Connecticut. The service has 48 ambulances, 33 of which are Mercedes built by American Emergency Vehicle, the manufacturer of the UCHealth ambulance.

“We couldn’t be happier with our Mercedes ambulances,” reports Wayne Wright, president and CEO of Ambulance Service of Manchester. “We’re happy in every respect. They handle well. Patients and our employees like them.”

The Hartford Circus Fire and Aetna Ambulance: Volume 1

Posted on by
7

Hartford Circus Fire - Aetna Ambulance Serviceby Sam Porcello

For the past three years, I have participated in National History Day, a nationwide historical research competition for middle and high school students.  The theme for 2013 is “Turning Points in History: People, Places and Ideas.”   I chose the Hartford Circus Fire as my topic because I have always been intrigued how every July 6th, amid the cheerful Fourth of July stories, my local news always includes a report about the 1944 fire.  I wanted to find out why a 10 minute event continues to be discussed 68 years later, and what changes it brought about.

The tragic fire occurred on July 6, 1944 on Barbour Street in Hartford during an afternoon performance of the Ringling Brothers circus.  It was one month after D-Day. Connecticut, a major defense manufacturer with its Pratt aircraft, Colt firearms and Waterbury brass foundries, had a thorough emergency plan in place in case of enemy attack.  This plan included using delivery vans from local businesses such as Aetna Florist, Colt, and Brown Thompson as ambulances to transport the injured…check back for future volumes.

ASM Accepting Applications for Third Shift Dispatch

Posted on by
Reply

Dispatcher Position - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

JOB DESCRIPTION

BUSY AMBULANCE COMPANY SEEKS FULL TIME INDIVIDUAL TO FILL THIRD SHIFT POSITION IN FAST PACED DISPATCH CENTER.

Candidates must possess a strong ability to organize and accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously.  Must demonstrate efficient performance during intense and stressful situations.

Preference will be give to candidate with prior experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) experience a plus.

Responsibilities include extensive interaction with local police departments, public safety answering points for 911 calls, EMS crew members, hospitals and medical facilities, patients and insurance companies.

Benefits include medical, dental and life insurance, short term disability, 401(k) with employer contribution, vacation, sick and personal time.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Please send resume and salary requirements to ASM, Director of Operations, PO Box 300, Manchester, CT06045. Alternately, a downloadable application is available at http://www.ambulanceservicemanchester.com/careers.php. Application or resume acceptable.

Equal Opportunity Employer.