Monthly Archives: January 2015

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Bryan Mathiau Completes Precepting Phase

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Bryan MathiauMANCHESTER – As of January 27, 2015, ASM’s Bryan Mathiau has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Bryan’s preceptors were Paramedic Sue Allen and Paramedic Supervisors Melissa Osborne 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, Bryan’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Bryan and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Bryan started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2011 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program.

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

Winter Storm 2015 — DESPP Update

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NWS Map 3UPDATE from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection:

At 4:45 AM the radar continues to show bands of Moderate snow sweeping from the south east to the west.

Temperatures are mostly in the teens with some sites along the coast in the low 20’s.

Winds out of the north east are gusting to near 40 MPH.

The most recent snow fall reports of 2 to (almost) 11 inches verifies the presence of the more moderate bands of snowfall in the eastern and central portions of the state.

  • Marlborough – 10.8
  • Manchester – 7.5
  • Coventry – 6.5
  • Thompson – 8.2

Three-quarter to one-quarter mile visibilities also verify the moderate snowfall.

Some drifting has been reported.

The total snowfall forecast may need to be adjusted downward.  One to two foot snowfall totals are still possible with this storm – particularly for the eastern half of the state.  The western side of the state will probably see snowfall totals between 3 and 12 inches.

External Winter Storm Update from DESPP / DEMHS

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January 26, 2015

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Watch for all of Southern Connecticut for Monday afternoon thru Tuesday night.  A long duration (36-hour) very high impact (Blizzard) Northeaster is currently expected.  Please see the attached preliminary snowfall forecast.

Here’s a detailed forecast based on the current weather models:

NWS Map 2Monday…A weak clipper system is forecast to move east off the North Carolina Coast Monday morning.  Light snow is forecast to spread into Connecticut between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.  The light snow is forecast to increase in intensity during the afternoon reaching a moderate level by 4:00 PM. The impact on the afternoon commute is currently expected to be minor to moderate with a dry powdery snow cover on most roads of around 2 inches.

Monday Night…The storm rapidly intensifies and turns due north (still 150 miles off the coast).  Snow is expected to become heavy (snowfall rates 2 – 3″ per hour) by midnight with strong NE winds gusting to 40 MPH inland and 60 MPH at the coast.  Near blizzard or blizzard conditions can be expected overnight with temperatures in the upper teens and wind chills near 0 F.  Considerable blowing and drifting of snow with a major impact on all travel.

Tuesday…Blizzard conditions thru the morning (snowfall rates up to 4″ per hour) with the snow intensity forecast to lessen to a moderate level by early afternoon.  Continued windy during the afternoon with moderate snow falling and gusts to 40 MPH inland and 60 MPH at the coast.  Considerable blowing and drifting of snow with highs only in the low 20’s.  Major impact on all travel during the day.

Tuesday Night…Snow ending by midnight with total accumulations ranging between 24″ – 36″ (locally higher amounts over 40″ are possible in Eastern CT).

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will continue to monitor this very serious storm

Gov. Malloy: Take Necessary Precautions for Possible Blizzard Conditions

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NWS MapBlizzard Warning Issued for Entire State, Coastal Flood Watch Also in Effect for Entire Shoreline

(HARTFORD, CT) – With the latest forecast calling for blizzard conditions across parts of the state, Governor Dannel P. Malloy is asking residents to be prepared and take the necessary precautions for a significant snowstorm that will impact the state Monday evening through Tuesday.

“Although storms can be unpredictable, this storm has the potential to have a significant impact on the state and we need to be prepared,” Governor Malloy said. “Just as the state is monitoring and preparing, the public should do the same.”

“The Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) is monitoring this storm very closely and is prepared to coordinate any potential state response,” Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora B. Schriro said.

DEMHS is also participating in National Weather Service conference calls to get the latest information on the storms track and is sending out regular updates to all municipalities and tribal nations.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will have its entire fleet of snow plows, including 12 loader-mounted snow blowers, prepared to deploy.  The residual road treatment from the previous weekend storm will help in the efforts to pretreat the road

Governor Malloy will be providing the state with additional updates as conditions warrant.

In order to be prepared for any type of emergency situation, the Governor encourages residents to have an emergency supply kit and follow some basic preparedness tips.

   Additional preparedness tips:

  •     In the event emergency travel is necessary, fill up your car with gas, check oil and windshield fluid levels
  •     Sign up for emergency alerts at www.ctalert.gov
  •     And always, check on your neighbor

For additional info on winter weather preparedness go to www.ct.gov/demhs or www.redcross.org.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 46

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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:

  • Outstanding! Thank you!
  • Professional, provided clear analysis of the situation. (14-98987; R. O’Neil, M. Kleza).
  • Caring professionals. May very well saved my life – provided excellent, timely care. My thanks to the team who were so considerate especially on Thanksgiving Day. (14-101886; R. O’Neil, M. Kleza, K. King).
  • Work very well together!
  • A great experience overall.
  • Excellent, very considerate.
  • In good hand[s]
  • The crew was excellent
  • Courteous, caring, treated with dignity. (14-104270; T. Oliver, S. Meckel with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Cordial + caring.
  • Courteous, kind + professional. Very serious medical workers. (14-104171; T. Cote, L. McHugh with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Professional, Personable, Empathetic. (14-103960; A. Gomme, L. Slebodnick).
  • All in all very courteous + professional.
  • As a veteran at ambulance rides – ONE OF THE BEST! (14-100555; J. Bak, N. Raiola).
  • Courteous, efficient, capable. (14-103131; E. Sheils, S. Boutot).
  • Good.
  • I would recommend your service to others.
  • Caring + calming.
  • Professional
  • Very caring.
  • They did a superb job; really professional.
  • Professional, empathetic & non-judgmental. (14-105968; M. Tuttle, R. Fross).
  • Friendly, calm, responsive. (14-106114; M. Tuttle, M. Khan).
  • Excellent service!
  • Very professional + courteous + beyond – put me at ease – even looked in on me (at ER) at end of day! (14-105672; D. Noyes, R. Dunn).
  • Professional, kind + caring.
  • Was most satisfied.
  • Very ppt. + professional.
  • Caring + professional.

Myths about organ donation, and its relation to EMS, debunked

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WFSB 3 Connecticut

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) –

Organ donation is a popular topic, however there are some myths that may keep people from joining the registry.

Organ donors can change the lives of so many people in need.

“A gift of medicine, that only a person can give,” said Caitlyn Bernabucci, of Life Choice Donor Services. “Just one donor can help more than 50 people through the gift of organs and tissues.”

She said the need is great right now, and that about 21 people die every day waiting for a transplant.

Still, more than half of Connecticut residents are not signed up for the donor registry, and Bernabucci said some damaging misconceptions are to blame.

“We want to make sure people understand the facts,” she said.

The first misconception is that organs will be taken before the person is actually dead, but that simply is not the case. Read the whole story here…

ASM’s Rory Leslie with Gizmo the Therapy Dog

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Rory Leslie and GizmoMANCHESTER — From the Facebook account of Gizmo, the Therapy Dog:

“Please say hello and thank you in the comments to Gizmo’s excellent fren Paramedic Rory. Gizmo sometimes rides on stretchers for ASM Ambulance when a patient has anxiety about transport. We were delighted to see our ASM frens while visiting Manchester Dialysis today. Thank you to Paramedic Rory and all EMS workers for your service in our communities. You are our heroes!”

Historical Photos: Aetna Ambulance Service #9

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HARTFORD —Unknown date (presumably early to mid 1960’s) and unknown location (although somewhere in Hartford). Howard Grady is visible working to move a patient with the assistance of bystanders. Many historical photos that revolve around trauma include bystander help and assembled crowds.

Aetna Ambulance Historical Photography Hartford

Words That Describe Us: Volume 45

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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:

  • Courteous and professional.
  • Kind, caring, professional.
  • Caring/kind
  • Caring, personable men.
  • Caring.
  • Caring, efficient, professional.
  • Very reliable/friendly.
  • Very good.
  • Extremely professional and attentive.
  • Very professional.
  • Professional and kind.
  • Professional/caring.
  • First time in an ambulance, and it was excellent.
  • Very pleased with service from start to finish and please thank J. for stopping by to see me later that morning in the ED. (14-100715; J. Rasmussen, J. Hornish).
  • Professional x 5.
  • The crew was great and very understanding. Made me feel comfortable. Made my ride more comfortable. And I felt care for. Thank you. (14-100716; J. Platero, J. Shapiro).
  • Caring.
  • Excellent x 2.
  • Caring.
  • Efficient/Compassionate.
  • Very professional and caring x 2.
  • Very professional and confident. Thank you.
  • Very good.
  • Caring and considerate.
  • Very professional.
  • Quick to respond.
  • Well trained; excellent service, good handoff at ER. (14-103678; K. Stock, R. Mara).