Monthly Archives: February 2017

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Five – 2017

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HARTFORD — On February 20, 2017, five EMTs were added to the Aetna team. As part of our continued growth, Aetna and ASM seek out only the best candidates. We look for employees who are focused on high-quality patient care, are team oriented and conduct themselves in a professional manner. During the orientation, employees learn about company philosophy and goals, quality assurance, and policies and procedures.

Amy Lee: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Amy Lee. I am 22 years old, and a UCONN student pursuing a B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology. Currently, I am taking some time off to work in EMS. I have been working as an EMT instructor for over a year, but I am still relatively new to working in the field. I completed my EMT course in NYC about two years ago. I plan on applying to medical school or PA school within the next two years.

 Stuart Buchanan: FULL TIME, EMT. I am 24 years old, currently living in Windsor, CT. I’ve lived in Connecticut all my life and I am proud to call it home. I enjoy going to the gym, biking, swimming, the occasional video game or two, and traveling when I can find the time. I’m currently looking to get into martial arts and I am learning the German language. I attended Capital Community College, where I enrolled in their EMT course and loved it from the start. I’ve always wanted to be a part of the support that EMS brings to a community. In addition, the job has turned out to be very rewarding and it’s nice to occasionally put a smile on someone’s face when they see you arrive. I hope someday to be able to provide even more and become a Paramedic when the time and experience comes. I’ve been volunteering at Windsor Ambulance for about 7 months, and can’t wait to get started working in the city. I look forward to my new career at Aetna Ambulance and I am happy to be a part of such an amazing team!

Ryan Jano: FULL TIME, EMT. I’m Ryan Jano, full-time EMT new hire.I am 21 years old from Simsbury, CT. I have been in my town’s volunteer fire company since I was 15. I have been in EMS since I was a senior in high school. I plan on going to the Capitol Community College Paramedic Science Program. Outside of work, I enjoy fishing, working on and modifying cars, hiking, and weight lifting.

Kate Filosi: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! My name is Kate Filosi and I am 23 years old.  I am from Killingworth, a small town down by the shoreline. I attended Michigan State University, where I majored in Kinesiology and minored in Health Promotion.  While at MSU, I competed for the Women’s Gymnastics team and absolutely loved my time as a Spartan.  Over the summer, I completed the accelerated EMT-B program at Code One Solutions in East Hartford and became nationally certified.  I am thrilled to begin learning from the Aetna team, and look forward to gaining experience in the EMS field. In the future, I hope to further my education by attending a Physician Assistant program and am especially interested in Emergency Medicine and Orthopedics.

Brandon Butler: FULL TIME, EMT. I’m 24 years old. I’m originally from Plainville, CT where I was an active firefighter from 2012 until October 2016. I then moved to East Hampton, CT with my wife and our two kids where I have been active with their fire department, as well as their EMS. I took my EMT course at Code 1 training Solutions in East Hartford. My long term goal for the future is to become a fire/medic or flight medic.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Seven – 2017

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MANCHESTER — On February 23, 2017 seven EMTs were added to the ASM team. As part of our continued growth Aetna and ASM seek out only the best candidates. We look for employees who are focused on high-quality patient care, are team oriented and conduct themselves in a professional manner. During the orientation, employees learn about company philosophy and goals, quality assurance, and policies and procedures.

William Lund:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is William Lund and I am 25 years old. I am originally from Monson, MA. I was a four year college athlete at Westfield State University (soccer), and currently I am an Active Air Force Reservist, serving as a Medical Technician. It is through the Air Force that  I received my EMT certification. My hobbies include anything outdoors but specifically fishing, camping, snowboarding, soccer, and corn hole.

Jenna Kinghorn:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jenna Kinghorn. I am twenty-one years old. My interest in EMS came about when I started school, still not knowing what I really wanted to be, or what I wanted to do with my life. I began volunteering at Manchester 8th District Fire Department and quickly realized that I was more drawn to the medical calls. Shortly after, I enrolled in Hartford Hospital’s accelerated EMT program, and I knew I made the right decision. I immediately established a strong passion for emergency medicine. I have spent the past few months working in the Emergency Department at Hartford Hospital and while I loved the fast paced work environment, I am very excited to experience the first responder side of patient care through my role at ASM. My future goal is to become a K9 Officer. I believe ASM will help me achieve this goal by the experience I will be gaining in emergent situations, and provide me with the confidence and skill set needed for public safety. I am grateful for my opportunity to work at ASM, and I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the team.

Chris Dibenedetto:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Chris Dibenedetto I am 28 yrs, old, and from Manchester. I started working in the medical field as a Medical Assistant in 2010 at a doctors office. From there I took a job at ST. Francis Hospital. I received my EMT License in the summer of 2016, and started working as an ER Tech at the hospital. What made me want to become an EMT is the fact that I like being hands on with patients, and out in the field when a patient calls for help. A few hobbies of mine are being outdoors in the summer time, hanging out with my dog, or working on my car and traveling to different states to be in shows.

Orlando Diaz:  FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Orlando Diaz I’m 22 years old. I currently live in Meriden. I’m a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT for the town of South Meriden. I’ve been there for over a year now. That’s where I received my experience so far as an EMT. I joined the South Meriden Fire Department to become a career firefighter one day, but the more EMS calls I go on, the more I fall in love with EMS. Eventually, I’m hoping to become a Paramedic. I love helping others, I’m a people person. Making people smile makes my day a lot better. I’m thankful ASM has given me a chance to get the EMT experience I need to become a Paramedic one day. I’m looking forward to learning and contributing as much as I can to ASM, and all of our communities.

Elizabeth Dowdy:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Liz Dowdy.  I am 24 years old, and originally from Wethersfield, but currently live in Rocky Hill, CT.  I have worked as a waitress for five years and have been coaching the Wethersfield High School Gymnastics team for the past two years while going to school.  During my time in college, I studied Criminal Justice for three years and decided to expand my education in Emergency Services and obtain my EMT certification.  I took my EMT class in the Fall of 2016 in East Hartford, and developed a strong interest in EMS.  I am beyond grateful to have this incredible opportunity to not only work for such a great company as ASM, but to also gain new experiences while caring for the community.

Kaitlyn Duley:  FULL TIME, EMT. I am 25 years old and a student at Capital Community College where I am working towards my nursing degree.  When I found out that my school offered an EMT-B program, I thought that it would be a great opportunity for me.  I quickly fell in love with emergency services, and I am thrilled to become a part of the ASM team!  In my free time I enjoy riding my horse Mark, and spending time with my family.  I am a lover of nature and being outdoors, and basically anything to do with animals!

Brian Silver Jr:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Brian Silver Jr.  I am 24 years old.  I was born and raised in Michigan. I moved to the East Coast in 2011 and then moved to Connecticut in 2014. I currently live in Ellington, CT.  I took my EMT class in the winter of 2015 at CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor, CT.  I graduated from my class in the spring of 2016. Once I completed the class, I went on to be certified in the state of Connecticut. After earning my certifications, I started volunteering for the Somers Fire Department. I one day hope to become a paramedic, and further my career in EMS and emergency medicine. I am looking forward to joining the team here at ASM. In my free time I enjoy going for walks, spending time with my wife, reading and anything outdoor related.

ASM Presents to East Hartford Rotary Club

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EAST HARTFORD- On February 15th, ASM employees were invited to attend East Hartford Rotary Club’s weekly meeting and present as guest speakers to the group. Recognizing the longtime service to the community of East Hartford, the club reached out and requested ASM share insight on the history and progression of the company, as well as, its continued relationship and dedication to the community.

Founded in 1905, the mission of Rotary International is to “provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.” Over 110 years later, Rotary has developed into a global network with greater than 35,000 clubs worldwide. With the motto “Service Above Self,” promoting peace, fighting disease, creating clean water and sanitation programs, and supporting education are only a few of the challenging missions Rotary members tackle on a consistent basis across the globe.

East Hartford Rotary Club was chartered on February 23, 1928. 41 year member Dan Firestone graciously introduced ASM members during the meeting demonstrating the club’s true appreciation for the Ambulance Service of Manchester. Mr. Firestone conveyed the gratitude the club holds by referring to ASM as the “all too often overlooked members of the first responder community.”

 

“Love our First Responders”

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MANCHESTER — On Valentine’s Day, the staff and residents of Arbors of Hop Brook Retirement Community graciously hosted a “Love our First Responders” breakfast demonstrating their appreciation and respect for members of The Ambulance Service of Manchester, Manchester Police Department, and Manchester Fire Department. Activity Director Laurie Robinson organized the event, and offered the following sentiment: “Thank you for your prompt, caring, professional, unselfish and noble actions. We respect and appreciate what you do for our community. Our hearts are thankful for your extraordinary efforts.” Included in the picture to your left are excited and grateful residents, members of the Arbors staff, Manchester Mayor Jay Moran, Police Chief Marc Montminy, Fire Chief David Billings, and EMT’s Sean Gregg and Elizabeth Miller from ASM.

Winter Storm Tracking

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Occasionally we will share severe weather information consequential to public health, public safety and EMS response. Below is a warning issued by CT DESPP-EMHS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINTER STORM WARNINGS ARE NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE STATE…

BLIZZARD WARNINGS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND…

HEAVY SNOWSTORM UNDERWAY ACROSS SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND…

STATUS OF THE STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER – ACTIVATED

At 7:45 AM: Moderate to heavy snow was falling across the state. Roads are quickly

becoming snow covered with lowering visibilities. Temperatures are currently in the

upper 20’s and low 30’s across the state. Northeast winds are sustained at 10 – 15

MPH, gusting to 30 MPH at times along the coast.

Rest of This Morning: Snow, heavy at times with near blizzard conditions and

snowfall rates up to 3” per hour. A major impact on travel is expected with several

inches of snow on most roads. Very slick driving conditions are expected with low

visibilities down to ¼ mile at times. Northeast winds will increase to 15 – 25 MPH,

gusting to 35 MPH at times along the coast. Temperatures will continue to fall into

the upper 20’s by noon.

This Afternoon: Snow beginning to taper off during the early afternoon and ending by

5:00 PM. Blowing and drifting of the snow is expected with north winds gusting to 20

– 35 MPH. The impact on the afternoon rush hour is expected to be at the high end of

moderate with some snow cover remaining on most roads and temperatures in the

upper 20’s.

Total accumulations are currently forecast to range from 12″ – 16″ statewide with

isolated higher amounts especially in eastern CT. The snow is expected to be dryer in

northern and central CT and somewhat wetter along the southeast coast. No icing or

significant coastal flooding is expected with this storm. The overall impact of this

event is expected to be major.

The next update will be sent out by the Department of Emergency Services and Public

Protection Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security at 10:00 AM.

 

Winter Storm “Chris” Update

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Occasionally we will share severe weather information consequential to public health, public safety and EMS response. Below is a warning issued by CT DESPP-EMHS.

WINTER STORM WARNINGS ISSUED FOR THE ENTIRE STATE…
HEAVY SNOWSTORM EXPECTED ON THURSDAY…
STATUS OF THE STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER – MONITORING

As colder air moves into our area tonight a low pressure system is forecast to form along the cold front in Virginia. This low is forecast to move quickly to the Northeast as the storm intensifies Thursday morning off the Del-Mar-Va Peninsula. The storm is forecast to generate a large area of moderate to heavy snow which will impact southern and central New England on Thursday. The following forecast is based on a blend of the GFS and NAM models and currently has a good confidence level:

Tonight: Becoming cloudy with temperatures dropping into the mid 30’s. Snow is expected to move into the state between 5:00 – 7:00 AM Thursday morning. The snow is expected to become moderate within 2 hours of starting. Temperatures continuing to fall into the low 30’s by daybreak.

Thursday Morning Rush Hour: Moderate snow becoming heavy at times with 2+ inches of snow on roads and snowfall rates of 1″ – 2″ inches per hour by 9:00 AM. The impact on the morning rush hour is expected to start as moderate and become major by the end of the rush hour. Very slick driving conditions are expected with low visibilities down to (1/4) mile at times. The snow is expected to continue heavy at times thru the morning with temperatures continuing to fall into the upper 20’s by noon.

Thursday Afternoon: Snow tapering off during the early afternoon and ending by 4:00 PM. Some blowing and drifting of the snow is expected with north winds increasing to 20 – 30 MPH. The impact on the afternoon rush hour is expected to be moderate with some snow cover remaining on most roads and temperatures in the upper 20’s.

Total accumulations are currently forecast to range from 8″ – 14″ statewide with isolated higher amounts. The snow is expected to be dryer in northern and central CT and somewhat wetter in southern CT. No icing or significant coastal flooding is expected with this storm. The overall impact of this event is expected to be moderate to major.

Updated 2-7-17 at 430PM

Aetna Appears in Local News!

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Yesterday evening long time Paramedic and Operations Supervisor Matt Martinelli represented Aetna Ambulance Service Inc. on Fox 61 news. In the interview, Martinelli provides insight on the CT “Move Over” law, and offers a few simple, yet important suggestions to the public. “It seems everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere,” he said. “We just would like to be able to get to the scene in a safe manner so we can provide proper care for a patient.

The article, posted by reporter Jim Altman, and interview can be found in its entirety by clicking the link below!

 

Emergency responders say drivers aren’t paying enough attention to the “Move Over” Law

 

 

Provider Wellness

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Below is a link to an article published in JEMS Magazine. Written by 25 year veteran paramedic Bryan Fass, the piece tackles the important, yet often overlooked topic of physical fitness within EMS. Understanding the daily challenge of balancing work, family, finances, and health/wellness, Fass introduces what he calls “The Change Equation,” offering ideas on how to get motivated, form positive habits, and produce long-lasting behavioral changes.

In addition, Fass dispels some common myths that act as barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He even offers a sample training routine with detailed steps and photos demonstrating safe and effective body mechanics.

Check It Out!