Monthly Archives: September 2014

2014 Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance Arrives at Aetna and ASM

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2014 Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance AMANCHESTER — On September 26, 2014 the first 2014 Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance arrived at Aetna’s fleet maintenance area at ASM from American Emergency Vehicles in North Carolina.

According to Car and Driver magazine, “The Sprinter’s most visible change is its front-end styling, which adopts Mercedes’ smaller, Renault-based, Euro-only Citan van’s flashier look. The grille is more upright than before, and gets Benz’s latest take on its signature three-slat design. A new pair of headlights flanks the grille, and features the same eyebrow-like (LED!) turn indicators that have proliferated throughout the Mercedes lineup. A fresh hood accommodates the new fascia and headlights, and it sits higher than before. Inside, there are new seat covers and upholstery, the steering wheel is thicker, and higher-spec models even get chrome air vent surrounds.”

The most distinctive change thus far for the 2014 ambulance model is the new style light bar.

As of April 2014, all Ford ambulances (except for the bariatric units) had been rotated out of service and replaced with Mercedes (or Dodge-marked Mercedes) Sprinter ambulances. The unmarked 2014 ambulance will soon be sent out to receive the high-visibility Battenburg markings, rear chevrons and company logos. Operating fuel-efficient, safe and modern Sprinter ambulances is part of Aetna and ASM’s continued commitment to the communities we serve.

Visiting and Accessing the Ambulance Service of Manchester’s Main Office

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As the renovation of ASM’s main office comes to a close with only a couple of details left to finish, means for accessing, visiting and conducting business at ASM’s Main Office have changed. We are a 24-hour operation and as such the building itself is always staffed. However, staff members are not always accessible and you should not expect to speak with dispatch or administrative staff after-hours. The rear billing office and dispatch center doors are locked and accessible only by employees with key fob access.

If you are coming to visit us, please read the following instructions:

  1. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
  2. Business and billing inquiries, deliveries, visitors, guests, those taking EMS or other classes or attending meetings or to drop off employment applications: Such routine business should be conducted Monday through Friday 7AM to 4PM whenever possible. Please enter under the blue awning marked Main Entrance on the south side of the building and speak with a member of the office staff. If this door is locked there are no staff members currently in the building to assist with billing or business inquiries.
  3. Field Interns and Observers: If you are doing ride time (also known as a ride along, field internship, job shadow, etc.), during regular business hours, enter under the blue awning marked Dispatch in the rear of the building and pick up the red phone in the lobby to speak with a dispatcher.
  4. After hours and on weekends or on any occasion where you find all exterior doors to be locked, please call (860) 649-8900 to speak with the dispatcher. It is more effective to make this call than to knock on or pull locked doors.
  5. We are at your service, however the safety and security of all of our employees is of the utmost importance. Please take this into consideration.

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 18

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

  • The last remaining storage ‘cage’ in the ambulance bay has been demolished and the space is being utilized for nose-in parking for the two bariatric units.
  • Signage, awnings and planters are in place for the new main entrance and the dispatch entrance as pictured.

The next steps are re-configuring the main call-taking office, finishing carpeting certain spaces, constructing the hands-on training area and adding the awning to the new entrance.

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 36

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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:

  • Caring, Professional, Skilled. (14-54303; G. Desrosier, D. Rice).
  • Very courteous – helped me to relax. This was the best service I have ever received. (14-68682; R. O’Neil, J. Rasmussen, S. Yenco).
  • Very kind to my son. Thank you!
  • Professional, caring.
  • “In good hands”
  • Excellent service.
  • Terrific!
  • Prompt and very professional. (14-69860; R. Buechele, M. Makulis).
  • Very reassuring in a stressful situation. (14-70101; J. Traber, C. Haag).
  • Excellent crew.
  • Just a great job all around. Thank you so much for your prompt and courteous care. (14-57535; R. Bilodeau, C. Masslon with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Caring.
  • Excellent.
  • Helpful, knowledgeable, and capable. (14-71133; S. Allen, S. Yenco).
  • Professional & Caring!!! Thank you so much! Both [EMS Providers] eased my fears and concerns during a very stressful and unnerving time! (14-72211; H. Mendes, R. Houser).
  • Professional x 2.
  • Very caring and professional people.
  • Great.
  • Very caring and comforting.
  • Very professional and caring. Great job! (14-71603; S. Thompson, J. Hornish).
  • Attentive to my needs. Both individuals with me in the ambulance helped me to relax and control the pain on the way to the hospital. (14-72077; R. Buechele, J. Lentini).
  • Awesome. Very professional at a very stressful time. Answered all my questions and made a smooth entry into the hospital. Wonderful group of people. (14-70347; M. Osborne, S. Parent).
  • [K. Russell] provided outstanding professional service.

Historical Photos: Aetna Ambulance Service #8

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HARTFORD — Dated from 1950 and appearing in the Price and Lee Company catalog directory, this ad declares Aetna Ambulance, “A service that’s right Day or Night.”

Interesting to note that we still operate an exchange that ends in 6792.

Aetna Ad 1950

Words That Describe Us: Volume 35

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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:

  • Very caring.
  • Good.
  • Very prompt and courteous.
  • Fantastic.
  • Well trained and very efficient.
  • Very competent.
  • Excellent.
  • Very caring.
  • Well satisfied. Good guys.
  • Excellent service.
  • Very professional. Checked [up] on me in hospital emergency room. (14-63006; T. Allbee, M. Sparks with Town of Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Very professional x 3.
  • Clean and caring.
  • Professional and efficient.
  • Calm and reassuring.
  • Appreciated.
  • Efficient.
  • Exceptional. The Talbots have been friends with my parents since 1950. Roger and Irene are my godparents and I never knew about the hearses he drove. ASM has come a long way!
  • Both very nice and polite and talked with me all the way to the hospital.
  • Professional yet casual – not stressed at all! (14-66859; D. White, S. Norton, C. Masslon).
  • Excellent – Professional and courteous!
  • Good.
  • Great service.
  • Friendly.
  • Caring!
  • Excellent!
  • [EMS Providers] had great sense of humor. (14-53772; K. Baker, K. Beaulieu with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Skilled and caring.
  • An excellent service.

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 9

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Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabHARTFORD — During August 2014, ASM Paramedic Rachel Buechele and her partner Stephanie Boutot responded to a medical call in one of the towns ASM serves. The first EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Rachel wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#14-73447)

“An incredible job by EMS with efficient recognition, treatment and early notification. St Francis Hospital and Medical Center is excited about the partnership we have with the ASM and Aetna staff. We are grateful for the teamwork displayed toward improving care for our STEMI patients, as well as others.”            – John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

Comments: Cath showed 100% Mid RCA Lesion which was opened and stented.

 

STEMI 2

 

Words That Describe Us: Volume 34

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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:

  • I can’t stress enough how great the ambulance crew was. (14-71121; A. Harkins, A. Ordway).
  • Great service.
  • Superb!
  • Efficient.
  • Caring x 2.
  • Satisfactory in all respects.
  • Skilled, efficient, kind, pleasant. (14-56850; G. Geres, K. King).
  • Careful and gentle.
  • Very professional.
  • Polite and concerned.
  • Caring and efficient. There was a student with the crew. She was introduced and I was asked if it was okay for her to participate in my care. Teaching was conducted [in a] professional manner. (14-51632; C. Chasse, N. Chasse).
  • Highly skilled.
  • Crew acted professionally.
  • Staff was very professional.
  • Professional; empathetic
  • Very good – I have had their services several times!
  • Professional & caring
  • Excellent, very caring and professional.
  • Excellent, knowledgeable, professional. Great crew, great service. (14-60309; V. Maston, N. Raiola).
  • Professional x 4.
  • Caring x 2.
  • Very good.
  • The whole crew [was] very pleasant and helpful. Thanks.
  • Excellent + Professional + knowledgeable. Very well done. (14-61341; R. Buechele, M. Holt responding with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Very professional.
  • Comforting.
  • Outstanding.
  • Kind and excellent.
  • Very good.
  • Very comforting.
  • Professional x 13.

ASM On Hand at Farm Day 2014 at Fish Family Farm

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Farm Day DBOLTON — On August 30, 2014 a crew from the Ambulance Service of Manchester was on hand at Fish Family Farm for the Lutz Children’s Museum’s Farm Day 2014. The event, which drew over 3,000 people, included animals, live music, hay rides, bounce houses, farmer’s market, games and farm fresh ice cream.

ASM performed a medical standby alongside Bolton Fire Department partners. The standby served a dual purpose as the children were able to take tours of the ambulance and fire apparatus. The ambulance crew was Heather DiGirolamo and Matt Kleza and they took pictures from the event.

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 8

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Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabHARTFORD — During August 2014, Aetna Paramedic Matthew Carter and his partner Kathryn Stewart, wirelessly transmitted a 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field.

“Another great job by your staff!! ”            – John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

Cath showed 100% LAD Lesion which was opened and stented.

STEMI Transmission 

ED Arrival 18:34 Sat
EKG Complete 18:37
Cath Lab Paged 18:17
Cath start 19:09
First PCI Time 19:17
Door to Balloon Time             43 Min
Mode of Arrival EMS Other EMS STEMI Alert Cath Lab Activated
EMS Agency Aetna Lifenet @ 18:13 Yes