MANCHESTER – In early January, The Ambulance Service of Manchester received a hand written thank you note addressed to Paramedic Robert Balkun and EMT Mike Sparks. The note, as depicted below, is in regards to a transport completed a few weeks prior.
The EMT team tried to make the transport as pain free as possible. They kept talking to me the entire ride to the hospital. Someone stayed with me the entire time at the hospital (I was alone) until I was put into an ER room.
Occasionally we will share severe weather information consequential to public health, public safety and EMS response. Below is a warning issued by the National Weather Service.
..WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST FRIDAY…
…WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON…
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Very cold wind chills possible.
Travel will be very difficult to impossible. Tree branches could
fall as well. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches, with
localized amounts up to 15 inches, are expected. Wind chills
could range from 5 below zero to 25 below zero.
* WHERE...Portions of northern Connecticut and central and
western Massachusetts.
* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 1 AM EST Friday.
For the Wind Chill Watch, from Friday morning through Saturday
afternoon.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Be prepared for significant reductions in
visibility at times. Cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero
will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed
skin.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are occurring. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
A Wind Chill Watch means there is the potential for a combination
of very cold air and the wind to create dangerously low wind
chill values. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for
updates on this situation.
Photo above from The Weather Channel
Manchester- In early December, Ambulance Service of Manchester employee, Laura McHugh, motivated by her experience as a road crew EMT, took it upon herself to set fourth an annual coat drive to benefit MACC and HVCC local charities. She describes her inspiration for setting things in motion in the note below.
Despite participating in “Stuff a Cruiser” and “Emergency for Hunger” for the past couple of years, I still felt there was more that I could be doing for my community. While on calls, I was constantly disheartened by seeing not only patients, but their family members, and even bystanders without seasonally appropriate clothing. It constantly left me wondering how I could help. Earlier this year while going through winter clothes, I realized I had more than I needed for my family and decided to donate what I could. With the help of Patrick Gleason, Ambulance Service of Manchester employees have begun collecting new and gently used jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves. Donating an old winter jacket could be a small gesture from us, however, this could make a world of a difference to someone in our community. Please help us “Give the Gift of Warmth.”
The 2017 Toy Drive was again a great success. Below you will find a collage of pictures from the days spent collecting toys for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The Toy Drive took place December 14th-17th at Toys R Us locations in Manchester, Newington and West Hartford and brings in cash donations and toys for children treated at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center locations through
out the year.
MANCHESTER- On Wednesday, December 13th, 2017 Ambulance Service of Manchester Director of Operations, Stephen Conley was recognized as a Patriotic Employer by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Nominated by United States Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class, and ASM EMT Charles Lodge, the award was presented by a member of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Past and present members of every military branch work here at ASM. Their level of dedication and commitment is evident on a daily basis. ASM is honored to accommodate these individuals but more importantly, proud to have such devoted professionals on staff.
Aetna Ambulance Service is happy to release the third issue of The Grady Report, the Aetna employee newsletter. Released quarterly, The Grady Report features numerous articles outlining company news and events, training opportunities, case studies (periodically), health and wellness tips, and more. Additionally, each issue will contain an Employee Spotlight article, recognizing an EMT or Paramedic that has demonstrated a commitment to patients and co-workers alike via positive attitude, work ethic, and overall inspiring demeanor. Please enjoy!
Despite the snowstorm, 2017 proved to be another great year for South Windsor’s annual Stuff-a-Truck event. 7,000 food items, 326 toys, and over $1800 in cash were collected. South Windsor Rotarians, Police and Fire Department members, along with ASM’s own Andrew Wysocki and Cheryl Everest braved the weather to help our neighbors in need. A huge thanks to all of the generous donors that made this event the success that it was!
MANCHESTER — On December 5th, 2017, ten EMT’s 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.
MATTHEW BURRELL: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Matthew Burrell, I am 32 years old and originally from Columbia, CT. I received my first emergency medical training through the Marine Corps infantry taking Combat Lifesaver and T-CCC courses. After getting out of the military in 2010, I took an EMT course in Middletown, CT. I have since used my training to act as a remote EMT in disaster response deployments to Haiti, Indonesia, Malawi and during three seasons as a Wildland Firefighter on a Hotshot crew out of Southern Oregon. In June of 2016, I attended a Wilderness EMT course at SOLO Wilderness Medicine in North Conway, NH and re-certified as a NREMT-B. In the fall of 2016, I started Paramedic school at Bunker Hill Community College in Chelsea, MA and will graduate with my A.S. in Paramedic Studies this month. I look forward to joining the ASM team and working towards my goal of serving the community as a competent and compassionate provider and instructor.
ANDREA WIMBERLY: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Andrea and I am a current resident in the town of Bloomfield, CT. I am an alumna from University of Connecticut with a liberal arts and science degree. I took my EMT course at Code One in East Hartford, CT and I completed the course this past summer 2017. My future goal is to gain medical experience and later become a nurse. I am thankful and excited to be given the opportunity to work at ASM and can’t wait to be a part of the community.
KAULMAN LENGYEL: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name is Kaulman Lengyel and I am 21 years old. I received my Associates Degree from Manchester Community College. I am a volunteer for my hometown fire department. I have been a firefighter/ first responder since 2012. I wanted to broaden my knowledge in the field of emergency medicine and received my EMT from Glastonbury EMS in 2017.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, playing basketball and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to joining the ASM team and furthering my ability to become the best provider I can be.
DANIELLE CHOWANIEC: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi! My name is Danielle Chowaniec and I am 29 years old from Middletown, CT. I completed my initial EMT course at CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor in January of 2016. I have recently received my EMT-B certification and I am very excited to begin my career with ASM! After gaining some experience, my goal is to return to school to become a Paramedic.In my free time I can be found on some hiking trail with my pup Skylar, at Crossfit, or under a log at a GORUCK Challenge.
JACOB PIERCE: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Jacob Pierce and I am 26 years old. I finished two years of undergraduate studies at Bucknell University before taking a gap year to work and travel in Australia. When I returned in 2013, I finished my third undergraduate year at UConn before deciding to get some working experience to better direct my studies. I took my EMT course at CPR Training Professionals and received my EMT-B certificate in 2016. I’ve been working at Eastern Mountain Sports since 2013, educating and outfitting people for adventure and travel, using experience I’ve gained from my own adventures hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and more. And now I look forward to being apart of the ASM team and making a difference in the lives of those who need it!
THEMALINA NISYRIOS: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! My name is Themalina Nisyrios, but everyone calls me Malina. I’m 29 years old, was raised in Wethersfield, and currently live in Vernon. I’ve been in the medical field since I graduated high school, working in many different types of doctor’s offices that were affiliated with Hartford Hospital. For the last few years, I have been a PCA in Hartford Hospital’s Emergency Room while taking the EMT course at Code One. I currently attend Goodwin College with plans to gain my nursing degree. With my free time, I enjoy being with my friends, family and my dog Zeus. I’m excited to join the ASM team and experience the pre-hospital aspect of medicine.
CONNOR COPPOLA: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Connor and I’m 22 years old. I graduated Killingly High School in 2013 and went onto basic training for the Army National Guard where I am still actively drilling. I’ve been a member of South Killingly Fire Co for 3 years and have also been volunteering at KB ambulance for almost a year, which is where I took my EMT course. I look forward to advancing my certification level in the future and becoming a paramedic.
AMIE LACASSE: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Amie Lacasse and I have been an EMT for 2 years. Over the last 2 years, I have been volunteering for North Coventry Fire Department. For the last year, I worked for Vintech at Glastonbury Ambulance. I also help teach EMT students skills at CPR Professionals. Prior to EMS, I spent 10 years as a pharmacy tech. In my free time I enjoy the outdoors. I like hiking and building on my hobby of landscape photography.
MICHAEL SANTIANA: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Michael Santiana and I grew up in Milford, CT. I’m 23 years old and a recent graduate from the University of New Haven with a Bachelors in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Medical Studies. After enrolling in an EMT class, I started volunteering at Stratford and soon realized I made the right decision in pursuing a career in healthcare. I hope, after gaining more experience in EMS, to go to PA school. I appreciate ASM for giving me the opportunity to strengthen my patient care skills and grow as a heath care provider.
JASON DESCHENE: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jason Deschene, I am a Full Time EMT, I’m 22 and from Windham CT. I volunteer with the Windham Center Fire Department and I am currently taking classes at three rivers community college.
ASM is proud to announce the winners of the first annual No Shave November competition. Please join us in congratulating Team Captain Mikhail Uddin and Alternate Charlie Lodge.
Team Captain
Runner Up
Thank you to everyone who donated to the cause and partook in this event. With all of your generous contributions, Team ASM/Aetna was able to raise $635 to support Men’s Health!
Cub Scout Pack 223 had an exciting visitor this past week to explain what it takes to be a first responder. ASM Paramedic Michael Levasseur fielded questions from 20 eager scouts and parents. The scouts gave thanks by creating some beautiful artwork!
MANCHESTER – The 9th Annual “Emergency of Hunger” Food Drive, composed of first responders, Rotary members, and others, was a great success! Their combined efforts continue to make a deep and widening impact on hunger in greater Hartford. This year volunteers from Manchester, Vernon, and South Windsor collected a staggering 31,000+ food items, 675+ turkeys, and $16,000 in gift card and monitory donations. Please click here to read Contact Reporter Jesse Leavenworth’s article in the Hartford Courant!
HARTFORD — On November 20th, 2017, six 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.
Antonina M. Miller: PART TIME, EMT. My name is Nina Miller and I am 25 years old. I received my EMT certification at Code One in New Haven. I have a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and I am currently working on a second Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science at the University of Bridgeport. I am also an NSCA certified Personal Trainer. My goal is to get quality direct patient care experience as a BLS provider. My long term plan is to apply to a PA program. I’m looking forward to becoming a contributing member of the Hartford Aetna team!
Matthew Allard: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, my name is Matt Allard. I am 36 years old and I’m from Middletown, CT, where I live with my two children. I am a UMass Lowell graduate, and I’ve been volunteering at Windsor EMS for about a year and a half. Emergency medicine has been an extremely rewarding experience for me, and I decided to transition to this career field after my years of experience in the Air Force, corporate technology, sales, marketing, and training. I plan on furthering my career by attending Paramedic school within the next year. In my downtime I enjoy photography, hiking, swimming and the beach. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the Aetna team!
Sean DiFilippo : FULL TIME, EMT. I am 23 years old and graduated from UCONN with a B.S. in Biology. My goal is to gain medical experience before becoming a PA that specializes in one of the following fields: orthopedics, emergency medicine or neurology. I grew up in Killingworth, CT and currently reside in Berlin, CT. I enjoy being outdoors and reading.
Chris Burdick: FULL TIME, EMT. My Name is Chris Burdick I am 24 years old and from East Hampton CT. I am currently a volunteer certified Firefighter /EMT for my home town, as well as a volunteer EMT for the local ambulance Association. I come from a family of first responders ranging from police, fire, and EMS. I am expanding my knowledge in the EMS field and looking into becoming a paramedic in the future. I am excited and eager to learn and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Aetna team. I look forward to serving the communities with everyone.
Shivani Patel: PART TIME, EMT. Hi! My name is Shivani Patel. I am 22 years old and recently graduated from UCONN with a BS in Biology and Psychology. I’m from the small town of Jewett City (out by the casinos). I decided to become an EMT to gain patient care experience for PA school and have been working at Wethersfield for about 8 months. I love to eat and binge watch Netflix. I also enjoy traveling, and really want to visit Europe one day!
Darrell Salley: FULL TIME, EMT: My name is Darrell Salley and I’m 37 years old. I am looking forward to starting a rewarding new career as an EMT. I attended New Britain EMS Academy and finished in June of this year. I’m currently a volunteer firefighter and I’m looking to take my experiences at work to be a bigger asset to my department and community.
The 9th Annual “Emergency of Hunger” Food Drive kicked off this past weekend with Manchester Area Conference of Churches and Hockanum Valley Community Council getting an early start. Goods were collected at Manchester, Vernon and Rockville Stop & Shops. Thus far, a total of 7,474 food items, 257 turkeys and over $5700 has been donated by community members. This weekend, South Windsor Food and Fuel Bank joins the effort with help from South Windsor Police, Fire, and Rotary Club Members.
The drive is to continue on Nov. 18th and 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at:
A special thanks to all of the participants who braved the cold this past Saturday and Sunday!
The Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC and Aetna Ambulance, Inc. would like to thank all past and present Veterans for their service to the United States of America. A special thank you to our employees that have served and continue to do so today. We are fortunate to have such patriotic individuals representing our team.
