Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 8

Posted on September 30, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER — Additions and renovations to the Ambulance Service of Manchester’s main headquarters, known to employees as “10-1,” continue. As of this writing:

Primer and in some cases paint has been applied to the main rooms.
Heavy doors have been hung in some of the offices and pass through areas.
The new main restrooms have been tiled.
Drop ceiling has been hung in all the new spaces.
Data wiring has been run and the secure space for computer servers has been prepared.
Windows and doorways have been boxed and framed with trim added.
Baseboard heating, thermostats and other HVAC equipment has been installed.

: Flooring and tile in new restroom.

: Drop ceiling partially installed in new billing office.

: Restrooms with flooring and backsplash to the roof.

: Framed and boxed windows.

: New training room progresses.

: Drop ceiling partially installed.

The next steps are to complete the drop ceiling by adding tiles, complete power control installation, touch up the paint, add flooring and add fixtures to the bathrooms. 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.

The addition and renovation are part of ASM’s continued commitment and investment in the towns it serves.

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

Posted on September 27, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC -- Matt Traber

(L to R): ASM’s Vinnie Maston and Matt Traber.

MANCHESTER – As of September 25, 2013, ASM’s Matt Traber has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Matt’s preceptors were Paramedic Supervisors Bob O’Neil and Vinnie Maston. 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, Matt’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Matt and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Matt started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2008, has been an EMT in Connecticut since 1996 and also works for the Mohegan Tribal Fire Department. Matt graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program.

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 13

Posted on September 25, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

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 x 5.
Skilled.
Quick, well informed staff. Thanks!
Conscientious.
Caring x 2.
Incredible.
Very caring and professional.
Timely.
Well suited.
Professional x 10.
Efficient.
Amazing.
Excellent!!
Professional humans.
Great x 2.
You probably saved my life. Thank you for your prompt care.
Humane.
Professional. The techs were very professional and treated the issue very serious[ly]. Listened to me and asked all the right questions. Explained all the moves they made. Very pleased (13-74038; J. Bissell, R. Bilodeau).
Very good/excellent.
Superb. The two EMTs that responded, Scott Crittenden and Brian Langan, we’re excellent. As a business owner myself, I feel these gentlemen went above and beyond and [were] so kind as well as professional (13-74442).

Congratulations to South Windsor Fire Department

Posted on September 23, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

From the South Windsor Patch:

Happy Anniversary! South Windsor at the Parade

Posted by Kaitlin Glanzer (Editor) , September 22, 2013 at 09:14 PM

400274d9363d68fa9cb1b9dcb2e0646 SOUTH WINDSOR — Hundreds of firefighters, fife and drum corps and emergency service but by far best represented were South Windsor’s finest – police, firefighters and Explorers, elected officials, veterans, ambulance… See the full gallery here.

Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC. -- South Windsor Fire Department ASM was proud and honored to participate in the parade component and congratulates South Windsor Fire Department on their 75th Anniversary.

The Hartford Circus Fire and Aetna Ambulance: Volume 4

Posted on September 20, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

by Sam Porcello

Miss earlier volumes? Click here…

Reading the 1944 Transportation Committee of the Hartford War Council report on the Circus Fire from the State archives, Aetna Florist was listed as providing a delivery van to the scene of the fire to be used to transport the injured. In fact, Lucille Grady, who was in her twenties at the time, ran her brother’s florist business while they were away at war, and drove the van to the scene of the fire. (Prior to leaving for the Navy in 1942, Herman and Howard decided to convert one of the delivery trucks into an ambulance.)

I checked the Aetna Ambulance website, read about the company’s history, and emailed members of management to find out more. Aetna management got back to me right away, answered a lot of my questions and also put me in touch with Dianne Grady Evans, daughter and niece of Howard and Herman Grady, founders of Aetna Ambulance.

Save the Date: Larry Magoon, Formerly of ASM, is Retiring

Posted on September 18, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

Date: Friday, October 11, 2013

Time: TBA, evening

Location: Maneeleys Banquet and Catering Facility, South Windsor

For tickets: Contact Mike Makulis at ASM or Dawn Sopelak at Manchester Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.

Cost: $35 per person includes a buffet dinner, cash bar and a gift for Larry.

More information to follow. Please reply to this post if you have pictures of Larry to use at the event and arrangements will be made.

Aetna Responds: Minor Mishap At Airport Fly-In

Posted on September 16, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

Note: Aetna Ambulance does NOT provide emergency services to the Town of Simsbury. Aetna’s presence was at the discretion of the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. Always dial 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.

By DAVID OWENS, dowens@courant.com

The Hartford Courant

September 16, 2013

SIMSBURY — The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating an incident at Simsbury Airport Sunday morning where an airplane veered suddenly off the runway.

The airplane was arriving at the airport about 10 a.m. as part of it 28th Annual Simsbury Fly-In. The event features airplanes and antique cars.

“The airplane seemed to have landed appropriately, and then for some reason it just veered to the left, and traveled off the runway,” said Simsbury police Capt. Nick Boulter, who was at the fly-in. The plane “traveled toward the first line of classic cars that were lined up there, the made an abrupt turn just before that line and the wing struck a classic VW bus or van. It was very close to the spectator line.”

There were no injuries to spectators or people on board the airplane, Boulter said. Simsbury firefighters, police, an Aetna ambulance crew and fly-in staff reacted immediately, Boulter said. Two Federal Aviation Administration inspectors were at the fly-in and are investigating, he said.

Read the full Courant article here…

High Praise for ASM’s Mike Levasseur

Posted on September 16, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

Mike Levasseur – Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

“I am an employee at Windham Hospital, and I have worked here for 11 years. Over this past weekend we had an emergent transfer from our Emergency Department to Hartford Hospital’s ED. The patient had a severe head injury, and your team was very quick to respond. This is not where my praise ends. The reason of my note is to thank and bring to attention to one of your medics.

“This medic was as always professional and easy to work with. What I want to point out is that the Medic took time out to speak to the patient’s parents (with consent). It wasn’t just a, “Hey, I’ll meet you in Hartford”. What he did was explain to the parents that the patient was stable and that he (the medic) [could continue to] keep him stable. Not only did he reassure the parents…he also emphasized the need for them to try to stay calm, drive safely, because the roads were less than favorable. This Medic’s name is Mike Levasseur. I would just like to extend my thanks, and observance of his nature to go above and beyond. I am proud to be associated with such upstanding EMS professionals.”

-JM, Windham Hospital staff.

ASM’s Nick Raiola Prominent on QVCC Catalog Cover

Posted on September 13, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

DANIELSON — In September 2013, Quinebaug Valley Community College released its Fall 2013 course catalog with ASM EMT Nick Raiola prominently displayed on the cover. QVCC sought out Nick as a former student now working in the field for which they received training from the college. Nick can also be seen on their homepage as linked above.

Nick Raiola - Ambulance Service of Manchester

QVCC Catalog

ASM Responds: Crash reported on I-84 in East Hartford

Posted on September 11, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

I-84 East Bound Crash EAST HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – Read the WFSB version here…

A crash was reported on Interstate 84 east in East Hartford on Wednesday morning.

According to Ambulance Service of Manchester, three ambulances were requested to the scene after eight people were reported in a van involved in the crash.

The two left lanes were closed as a result of the crash, and traffic is reported to be heavy in the area.

Minor injuries were reported.

It’s unknown if anyone was injured.

ASM Provides Medical Support at Hebron’s Florida Georgia Line Concert

Posted on September 11, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

Florida Georgia Line - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

ASM’s Vinnie Maston and Bryan Mathiau with members of Hebron Fire Department.

HEBRON — On September 8, 2013 three ambulances from the Ambulance Service of Manchester were on hand at Hebron’s 43rd Harvest Fair where country band Florida Georgia Line performed. The fair drew a record 135,000 attendees over the course of two weekends according to the Journal Inquirer.

The Hebron Lions Club contracted ASM to assist in providing medical services during the concert portion which drew over 34,000 attendees. Direction came from the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department and Windham Hospital EMS Paramedics.

ASM at Scouts’ Family Day in East Hartford

Posted on September 9, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

East Hartford Scouts Family Day - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC. EAST HARTFORD — On September 7, 2013, Ambulance Service of Manchester’s (ASM) Heather DiGirolamo and Matt Kleza presented the basics of Emergency Medical Services and gave ambulance tours at a Scouting Family Day on the East Hartford town green. (Picture appears with written troop leader permission).

ASM Responds: School Bus Accident on I-84 In East Hartford

Posted on September 6, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

By CHRISTINE DEMPSEY

The Hartford Courant

hc-east-hartford-school-bus-0907-20130906-001 7:56 a.m. EDT, September 6, 2013

EAST HARTFORD — Three ambulances have responded to a school bus accident on I-84, according to an ambulance company spokesman.

The accident happened about 7:30 a.m., on I-84 west, near the Connecticut Boulevard ramp. Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC responded, said David Skoczulek of Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.

The injuries are minor, he stated in an emailed press release. A small school bus is involved, he said. Damage to the bus is reported to be minor.

It wasn’t clear if the injured occupants are students. Read the Courant article here.

Historical Photos: Aetna Ambulance Service #4

Posted on September 5, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — Date unknown, likely early to mid 1950’s. The location is discernible from the background. Any guesses?

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. Historical Photo

Words That Describe Us: Volume 12

Posted on September 3, 2013 by ASM-Aetna