HARTFORD – As of June 12th, 2019, Cole Ashker has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Cole started at Aetna in June of 2016. His preceptor was Paramedic Michael Bouley. Cole offered the following sentiment:
“I’ve worked with Aetna Ambulance as an EMT since 2016, and I just recently graduated from the New Britain EMS Paramedic Program. I had the pleasure of precepting with Mike Bouley, someone I consider not only a phenomenal medic, but a friend. We’ve had a lot highs and lows for these past 8 weeks, and I’ve certainly made my fair share of mistakes in that time. That being said, I wouldn’t have wanted to learn from anyone else. I can confidently say my future successes as an ALS provider will largely be due to his guidance and wisdom. I look forward to working side by side with him and all of Aetna’s exceptional paramedics.”
As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Cole’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing him and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish Cole the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
HARTFORD – As of June 10th, 2019, Chris Johnston has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Chris started at Aetna in January of 2019. His preceptor was Paramedic Dan Hope. He offered the following sentiment:
“Chris began precepting in April 2019 and over a period of roughly 9 weeks, I am proud to see the incredible progress he has made leading up to earning his medical control. The precepting process for new paramedics is both challenging and tiresome but Chris kept a great attitude and willingness to learn throughout the entire process. I’m very proud of Chris and his accomplishment and I look forward to working alongside him throughout the weeks to come.”
As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Chris’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing him and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish Chris the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
On Sunday, June 9th Aetna and ASM came together to compete in the 2019 “You’re Killing Me Smalls,” softball tournament. On this beautiful sunny day, players, friends and family enjoyed food, drinks and games while the teams battled it out. Highland Park Market graciously donated ice cream for both the players and the spectators. Aetna took the lead,winning the first two games, showing that they came to play. ASM fought back,winning the next two games, setting up a winner take all final game to determine the champion. In the end ASM defeated Aetna 20 – 13 and took the trophy home. The trophy will remain with ASM until next year’s games! All proceeds from the event will be donated to Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Message from ASM’s coach: I would first like to say thank you. Without the players, fans and management this would never have been possible. We were looking for good weather, we got that for sure. We asked for two good teams and what we got was two great teams. Everyone played their hearts out. I truly appreciate all the thanks received from everyone. A coach is nothing without great players so, I thank you again and I look forward to coaching in the future.
In January of 2019, the Ambulance Service of Manchester collaborated with Manchester Fire Department and Manchester High School to inaugurate the first EMT class. The program totaled 200 hours and taught the students the basics of patient assessment, how to treat trauma/medical emergencies, and most importantly, leadership. This program had a total of 80 applicants, which was then reduced to 18 students. The students attended class three days a week for 3 hours in addition to their busy school day. At the end of the program students were qualified to take their State Practical and National Written Competency Exam. After obtaining the EMT certification, graduates will be permitted to apply for jobs or volunteer at local fire departments, ambulance services, hospital emergency rooms, and college rescue squads. The collaboration between the Ambulance Service of Manchester, Manchester Fire Department, and Manchester High School has been outstanding. Together, we are increasing the number of certified EMTs as there is a national shortage of EMS professionals.
A special thanks to Chris Myska, Sean Norton, Andrew
Hedberg, Bryan Goulet, Chuck Roode, Greg Derosier, Tim Houle, Dan Heald, Rich Fortier,
Mike Karanda and Chris Ferguson for helping with the instruction of these
classes.
SOUTH WINDSOR- On Saturday June 1st, 2019 South Windsor Police Department, Masonic Lodge #88, and the Ambulance Service of Manchester teamed up to accept food and monetary donations at Geissler’s Supermarket and Stop & Shop of South Windsor. At the end of the day, over 2460 food items went on the shelves of the South Windsor Food and Fuel Bank along with $1478.43 in the collection box beating last year’s total.
MANCHESTER- On Saturday May 11th, Ambulance Service of Manchester and Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC) worked together with the National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO) for a local charity event. Postal workers collected food donations left by mailboxes all across the town of Manchester. The collected food was brought back to the Sheldon Road Post Office where ASM employees then transported the donations to MACC food pantry on Main Street. ASM staff helped unload and sort all of the donations along with local volunteers. Over the 25 year history of this event, more than 1 Billion pounds of food have been collected nationally.
In mid may, Aetna Ambulance Service EMT, Matt Flynn and Field Supervisor Bob Mara, joined forces with the CCMC Trauma Injury Prevention Team to connect with 100 students from the CREC School in Bloomfield. The visit focused on teaching kids the value of 911 and how children can be part of the solution during a medical emergencies. Safe Kids Week, May 5-12, 2019, is a time to celebrate kids, prevent injuries and save lives.
HARTFORD- In mid may, Hartford Hospital Trauma Department, CESI and Aetna Ambulance Service teamed up to provide ‘Stop the Bleed” awareness training. As provided by the Department of Homeland Security, “Stop the Bleed is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.”
Aetna’s Matt Campbell, along with members of the CESI and Hartford Healthcare Trauma Teams spent the afternoon demonstrating how to properly apply a tourniquet. For a link to a News 8 segment outlining the event, please CLICK HERE!
HARTFORD — On May 20th, 2019, two EMTs and 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.
Humza Hashmi: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! I’m Humza
Hashmi and I graduated from UConn this spring with a degree in Physiology. I’m
especially excited to work at Aetna because I’ve been itching to live a real
life and do real healthcare after spending the last few years in classes. My
grand plan in life has me pursuing medicine or paramedicine in the vague future
but I am perfectly happy staying away from school for a few years.
Alexander Roof: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Alex Roof. I have worked as an EMT-B for the last 2 years in Danbury and Southbury. I look forward to starting my career with Aetna Ambulance and my goal is to work towards becoming a paramedic. I look forward to meeting my new work family and beginning this new adventure!
HARTFORD- On May 16th, 2019, Aetna Paramedics Jay Braman and Emma Becroft spent the morning at Naylor School for career day. Jay and Emma spoke with roughly 100 eager 7th and 8th graders about a different career possibilities in the EMS field. Hartford Fire Department and U.S. Army Recruiters also attended as students, teachers, and even parents joined in the conversation.
MANCHESTER — On May 13th, 2019 five 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.
From left to right, Kalya Katt, Kenneth Shaffer, Stephen Michna, Anthony Freitas, Danielle Kamenskiy
Kayla Katt: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Kayla Katt. I am 24 yrs old and am from New York, originally, but moved to Connecticut 6 yrs ago to get my Bachelors in Biology from the University of New Haven. I gained my love for EMS when I attended my EMT course in efforts to complete prerequisites to attend PA school. After getting a taste of EMS and serving my surrounding community, I haven’t been able to leave. I am an enlisted member in the Connecticut Air National Guard and I am in the most recent graduating class of paramedics from Capital Community College. I look forward to taking advantage of the experience being provided to me and becoming the best provider possible.
Kenneth Shaffer: FULL TIME, EMT.My name is Kenneth Shaffer, I am 26 years old. I have been an EMT going on 2 years. I fell in love with EMS after seeing parents serve the community as EMT’s as I grew up. I am currently in paramedic school looking to one day become a Firefighter Paramedic. I look forward to the experience and knowledge I will obtain here at ASM.
Stephen Michna: FULLTIME, EMT. Hi there, my name is Stephen and I have served as an EMT since 2006. I worked for a private service in the Boston area for 3 years and have been a member of Harwinton Volunteer Ambulance for 7 years. I enjoy the opportunity to serve my community, and have wanted to be an EMT since I was 8 years old. I also have a background in engineering, and spent several years living in Germany working with wind turbines. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and riding motorcycles. I look forward to joining ASM!
Anthony Freitas. FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name is Anthony Freitas, I am 22 years old from Marlborough, CT. Apart from working out and traveling, pursuing a medical career has been my dream forever. I grew up listening to hospital drama during family dinners and events. Becoming a cardiac monitor technician at St. Francis Hospital, I began to hear and learn more about the medical field, leading me to pursue a profession in healthcare. Currently I am taking classes to become a Physicians Assistant, while obtaining patient contact hours as an EMT. New to EMS, I was fortunate enough to become another team member of a proud and respected company such as ASM. I look forward to learning not only how to do things right, but to do things better than “by the book”. Through experiences and training with ASM, I will become a valued teammate and responder.
Danielle Kamenskiy: FULL TIME, EMT.My name is Danielle Kamenskiy and I am 22 years old. I grew up in Simsbury, but am now living in Vernon. I am a recent graduate of UConn with a degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology, and am hoping to become an ophthalmologist in the future. I obtained my EMT-B certification through CPR Training Professionals. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors or spending time with family and friends. I am passionate about helping others, and I look forward to working with ASM to make a positive impact on my community.
0800 Manchester Memorial Hospital and Rockville General Hospital Breakfast/Treats
Tuesday May 21st
0630-0900 CCMC EMS Breakfast
0730-1200: Hartford Hospital: Annual EMS Week Symposium, ERC 221. A multidisciplinary group if physicians deliver engaging , EMS-specific presentations. No charge, all level of providers are encouraged to attend.
1630-2030: Ambulance Service of Manchester Employee BBQ. 275 New State Rd, Manchester.
Wednesday May 22nd
0900-1200: Cardiology CME by ECHN at 275 New State Rd, Manchester
1200-1400: Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cook-out.
1730-1900 Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cool-out.
Thursday May 23rd
1100-1300: Life Star Pizza
1130-1300: First Responder’s Cookout. MFRE HQ (75 Center St, Manchester)
1700-1900: Saint Francis Hospital Food Truck Dinner
1800: Johnson Memorial Hospital BBQ. CME follows BBQ at CMEC Amphitheater (the building on the right as you enter the main hospital driveway). 201 Chestnut Hill Road, Stafford Springs.
Road Crew Raffle
Employees will be automatically entered into the process. Seven full days of raffling will occur, with two winners selected at random per day. Additionally, one Grand Prize winner will be selected at random on Saturday May 25th.
ASM Employees
$10/day for lunch, dinner, or ice cream at Dairy Queen on Hartford Road Manchester. Sunday May 19th – Saturday May 25th.
Aetna Employees
$10/day for breakfast or lunch at Chris’s Restaurant in Hartford.Sunday May 19th – Saturday May 25th.
If your organization, facility or agency is having an EMS Week event in the greater Hartford area and you do not see it listed here, please email it to a member of our management team, fill out the contact form, post it as a comment, or email it to us at info@asm-aetna.com.
MANCHESTER — On May 15th, 2019, ASM’s Gregory Derosier was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor. His remarkable dedication to both his patients and co-workers has been consistent throughout his career at ASM. Moreover, Greg has been an instrumental piece of ASM’s education and community relations programs. He has developed into a role model for health care professionals and continues to positively influence everyone he interacts with.
Greg expressed his gratitude for the well-deserved promotion by stating the following:
“I received so many text and e-mails from all of you congratulating me; thank you all so much. I have worked for ASM for nearly three decades and seen more than a few changes; one constant has been the friendship and camaraderie of my coworkers. I have been blessed to work with some of the most compassionate, devoted and brightest people. I have had the opportunity to precept employees who have continued to become physicians, PA’s, nurses and managers both here at ASM and abroad. I look forward to working with everyone at ASM and maintaining a kinship so that we may all grow. Working together we are better as individuals and as a company.”
On behalf of the ASM family we would like to congratulate Greg on his promotion and look forward to great things from him.
The “National EMS Memorial Bike Ride” is a long distance bicycle ride from Boston to Washington D.C. every May comprised mainly of EMTs and Paramedics who ride for EMS Line of Duty Deaths and Legacy. Ambulance Service of Manchester hosted approximately 130 riders and support staff on Mother’s Day, May 12th 2019. Bicyclists traveled from Sturbridge Massachusetts to ASM in cold weather rain and even hail during this leg of their journey. When they arrived at ASM, employees pulled together providing a home cooked lunch, hot coffee and blankets as a safe haven from the unsettling weather.
A special thanks to Ambulance Service of Manchester employees Briyanna Decaprio, Michael Sparks, Mike Makulis, Matt Kleeza, Josh Traber, Adam Fine, and Carolyn Edwards. All went above and beyond to provide food, fuel and encouragement to the deserving riders and supporters. We look forward to next year’s ride!
Bike Route:
Orientation (May 10) – Boston in the evening Day 1 (May 11) – Boston, MA to Sturbridge, MA Day 2 (May 12) – Sturbridge, MA to New Haven, CT Day 3 (May 13) – New Haven, CT to Yonkers, NY Day 4 (May 14) – Yonkers, NY to Princeton, NJ Day 5 (May 15) – Princeton, NJ to Wilmington, DE Day 6 (May 16) – Wilmington, DE to Annapolis, MD (join Southern) Day 7 (May 17) – Annapolis, MD to National Harbor, MD National EMS Memorial Service at National Harbor May 18, 2019
