Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Samuel Dybdahl Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on March 19, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD – As of March 18, 2015, Aetna’s Samuel Dybdahl has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Sam’s preceptor was Paramedic Matt Campbell. 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 Aetna, Sam’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing him and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Sam has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, is a nationally registered Paramedic and received training as an Army Critical Care Flight Paramedic from University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX. He is a combat medic and healthcare specialist in the military since 2008 with one deployment to Afghanistan. Sam says he enjoys helping others and furthering his knowledge within the medical field. In his spare time he often competes in Duathlon/Triathlons, road races and weight lifting.

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

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Terrence Wain Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on February 9, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD – As of February 3, 2015, Aetna’s Terrence “TJ” Wain has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

TJ’s preceptor was Paramedic Jennifer Pasquale. 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 Aetna, TJ’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing Terrence and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

TJ started at Aetna as an EMT-Basic in 2014 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. Initially from Waterbury, TJ resides in Wolcott and volunteers for the fire department there. A graduate of University of New Haven with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, he was President of the New Haven Alumni Association until attending Paramedic school at Capital Community College. TJ actively DJs events and stays fit through cross-fit and other endurance activities.

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

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Five

Posted on February 4, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

: Cheryl Everest

: Tiffany Armas

: Patrick Gleason

: Jonathan Sanchez

MANCHESTER — On February 4, 2015 five EMTs were added to the ASM team. As part of our continued growth ASM and Aetna 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.

Tiffany Armas: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Tiffany and I’m 23 years old. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela and moved here when I was ten. I graduated from UCONN in May with a B.S. in Allied Health and a minor in Biology. I currently work per diem at the UCONN Student Health Services Laboratory and I’m trained in phlebotomy. I love working in the medical field and am super excited to be involved in emergency care. In my spare time I like to cook, practice yoga, and anything involving being outdoors. I’m also trying to teach myself Portuguese and after that, hopefully another language. I love traveling and learning about different cultures and hope to one day be able to volunteer around the US as well as the rest of the world as a doctor to help communities in need.

Cheryl Everest: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Cheryl Everest I am 23 years old and currently live in Simsbury. I take great pride in helping people everyday in our community. I took my EMT course three years ago and almost instantly fell in love with EMS. I recently graduated from Tunxis Community College with my associates. In my spare time I like to hike with my dog and spend time with my horses. I also volunteer with Simsbury Ambulance. I could not be more pleased to be able to turn my EMS passion into a career with ASM. I plan to further my career in emergency medical a services and become a paramedic.

Patrick Gleason: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Patrick Gleason, I am 43 years old and l live in Manchester, CT. At age 18 I joined the Army and served four years active duty with the 25th Infantry Division. I assumed the duties of squad leader and particularly enjoyed the time I spent at Combat Life Saver School. I went on to work as a Regional Director and Project Manager in the business world but always yearned to acquire an occupation in the medical field. In 2014 I completed an EMT course at Code One in East Hartford and obtained my license. I love to learn new things and am looking forward to a more meaningful career by making a difference in the lives of those I serve as an EMT. The experience I will gain in the field as an EMT will help to prepare me for my ultimate goal of becoming a Paramedic. I spend my free time with my wife and two kids, attend and volunteer at our church and am assistant coach for basketball at the kids school. I am excited and grateful for this new opportunity.

Jonathan Sanchez: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jonathan Sanchez and I am 22 years old and from New Britain, CT. I graduated from Tunxis Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. My career goal is to become a police officer and to do the best I can to support the communities and the laws in place. In 2012 I got my first job at St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center as a transportation tech. With this job I became exposed to the hospital environment and was intrigued by the hospital environment and how much health care providers make a difference in the people they help. That’s when I decided to become an EMT. I obtained my certification last year and since July I have had the pleasure to work in the Emergency Room as an ER Technician which is basically an EMT within the ER. I have seen many different types of patients, from basic toe pain to cardiac arrests. I have done all types of different jobs and procedures within the ER and I love the fact that I get to actually help people out when they are in need and potentially help save a life. I look forward to working with the ASM crew and learning new things and incorporate what I already know on the road. I look forward to the future with the ambulance service and hope to take what I have learned and incorporate that in my career later on in life!

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

Posted on January 29, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER – 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.

Public Service Announcement on EMS Use of Lights and Siren

Posted on December 2, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

Courtesy of MONOC this Public Service Announcement (PSA) discusses the use of emergency lights and siren in EMS response and its impact on the public policy and the public’s best interest.

Aetna and ASM support the judicious use of lights and siren and industry best practices in regards to “hot” and “cold” responses.

Meet the Newest Members of the Aetna Team: Aetna Hires Eight

Posted on November 6, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

: Alex Zhakov

: Brianna Koshmerl

: Christopher Willey

: Jared Kuhne

: Laura Slebodnick

: Ryan Dunn

: Shahbaz Khan

: Terrence Wain Jr.

HARTFORD — On November 6, 2014, eight 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.

Ryan Dunn: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Ryan Dunn and I am 23 years old from Houston, Texas. I graduated from TCU in 2013 with a degree in Biology and Chemistry and the eventual goal to go to medical school. After working in the Emergency Department as a scribe for 2 years, I moved up to Tolland and got my certification at CodeOne in East Harford in July. In my free time I like to watch sports of all types, play basketball, and play video games. I am excited and grateful to be part of the Aetna team and can’t wait to work with and meet all of you!

Shahbaz Khan: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello everyone my name is Shahbaz Khan. I am 29 years old and live in Bristol, CT. I was born in Pakistan but raised in United States. I did my undergrad at Central Connecticut State University, from there I went to Atlanta, GA because I got accepted to Cambridge Allied Health for RT(T) Radiation Therapy. I took two years to complete the course and got my diploma. When I come back to CT I became an RA (Recovery Assistant) helping mentally disabled patient, not getting enough working hours I knew I needed to do something else. I was doing my independent studies to get licensed for RT(T) but I needed a profession which will help me gain knowledge, experience, and something I would love to do. My friend who works for Aetna told me “why don’t you come to Aetna and try working as an EMT”. I thought about it and gave it a shot. I was lucky enough to get a job in Naugatuck Ambulance and after getting cleared from the FTO’s I started to enjoy myself as an EMT. I learned new things every day. Every my partner and I did was exciting and I was hooked. I enjoy working in the medical field and try to stay connected as much as I can. The feeling of helping someone and being there for the patient in time of their need is the best feeling. In my spare time I love spending time with my friends. I am a people person so I like interacting with people and making new friends. I enjoy working out, going for a run and dance whenever I have spare time. I live life to fullest although sometimes life does pull you down, but you only get one life so enjoy it as much as you can. I look forward in meeting and making new friends with this company.

Brianna Koshmerl: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Brianna Koshmerl and I am 22 years old from Glastonbury Connecticut. I Grew up in Glastonbury and graduated from Glastonbury High School. I started my college career at UMass Amherst, But transferred for my sophomore year to UConn. While on campus, I participated in many extracurricular’s and philanthropy events, did research in biological sciences, and held student jobs. I graduated from UConn in May, 2014 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology. I just completed my EMT-B course this past summer, and are excited to begin gaining experience in the emergency services field. I want to attend a Physician’s Assistant program, and are using this experience as a gateway into the healthcare career with patient interactions.

Jared Kuhne: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jared Kuhne and I am 29. Originally I come from northeast Pennsylvania, and recently moved to Ellington CT with my wife. I am a veteran of the United States Air Force, and served in Afghanistan as a translator. During my four year commitment, I earned my Bachelor’s degree and went on to continue my education as a pre-med major at the Central Connecticut State University. I received my EMT training in New York City with Empress Ambulance Service, before moving to Connecticut. I enjoy being a productive member of the community I live in, and I hope that I can make a positive impact here in Hartford. It is my hope to become a knowledgeable healthcare provider, and I’m looking forward to kick starting this career as an EMT with Aetna Ambulance.

Lauren Slebodnick: FULL TIME, EMT. Originally from Manchester, NH, I now live in Suffield, CT. I am 22 years old and I just graduated from Cornell University in May 2014 with a degree in Biology & Society. I was a goalie on the Women’s Ice Hockey Team while in college and I hope to continue my hockey career to the 2018 Winter Olympics. I am also a big Bruins fan. I took an EMT class over the summer and recently obtained my certification. I also volunteer with Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association and Johnson Memorial Medical Center. In the future, I hope to further my education by attending a Physician Assistant Program. I am very excited to join Aetna’s team and I look forward to meeting and learning from my fellow colleagues.

TJ Wain: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is TJ Wain. I am twenty-six years old initially from Waterbury, CT. I currently reside in Wolcott where I volunteer for the local fire department. I graduated University of New Haven back in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, concentrating my studies in Police Administration. I was active as an undergraduate DJing various events on and off campus as well as holding several executive positions in the Sigma Chi Fraternity raising funds for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation as well as the Children’s Miracle Network. As an alumnus, I continued my work as President of the New Haven Alumni Association until attending Paramedic school at Capital Community College, Fall of 2013. After attending paramedic school, I found that I truly enjoyed the impact that I was able to have on peoples’ lives. It may not necessarily be “providing that band-aid,” but providing information, with genuine care, for a more beneficial impact. “What’s a man’s worth if he’s not making the world a better place.” In my spare time, I still actively DJ events as well as enjoy gym, cross-fit and other endurance activities. I look forward to advancing my career in paramedicine and find there is a lot of opportunity in the field for growth and education.

Chris Willey: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Chris Willey and I am originally from New Jersey. I moved to Killingworth when I was fourteen and after college moved Manchester where I have lived for the past year and a half. I went to UCONN for Psychology and Anthropology. I had originally planned to go into accounting or business but realized early on that wasn’t for me. I started to have interest in the medical field my junior year and after talking to friends who were involved in it, quickly became interested in emergency medicine and EMS. In 2012 I took my EMT course at Hartford Hospital. The following year I started volunteering as an EMT, and began working in Hartford Hospitals Emergency Department as an ER Technician. I also work as an EMT in East Windsor. Currently I’m in my final semester of Paramedic School at Goodwin College. I am looking forward to starting my career at Aetna and am counting down the days till orientation!

Alex Zhakov: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Alex Zhakov and I am 22 years old. I was born in Chelyabinsk, Russia and I moved to the United States when I was four years old. Since then, I’ve lived in different parts of Connecticut and love the area. Currently, I reside in Farmington, CT. I recently graduated from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with a Bachelor’s Degree. While attending college in Massachusetts, I completed my EMT certification and am looking forward to beginning my EMS career in Connecticut. When given the opportunity, I love to travel and experience new cultures. In my free time, I love running outdoors, working out at the gym, cooking, catching up on current events, spending time with my family, and playing with my dog. I hope to continue my medical career in the future by attending graduate school. I am particularly interested in the field of infectious disease and would love to someday have a career focused in this area. I am thrilled to be a part of the Aetna team and can’t wait to begin!

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Sean Norton Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on October 22, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER – As of October 21, 2014, ASM’s Sean Norton has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Sean’s preceptors were Paramedic Dave White and Paramedic Supervisor 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, Sean’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Sean and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Sean started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2010 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program.

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

2014 Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance Arrives at Aetna and ASM

Posted on September 29, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER — 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

Posted on September 24, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

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:

If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
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.
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.
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.
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.

: Enter here for pre-arranged field internships and ride alongs.

: Enter here for all other business during regular business hours.

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.

ASM Promotes Four to Field Training Officer (FTO)

Posted on August 24, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

: Michael Hoyt

: Brian Langan

: Daniel Hammett

: Andrew Hedburg

MANCHESTER — On August 20, 2014 the Ambulance Service of Manchester promoted four from within its EMT ranks to the post of Field Training Officer: Dan Hammett, Andrew Hedburg, Michael Hoyt and Brian Langan. FTOs are utilized primarily to train newly hired employees in the performance of their duties as EMTs.

Dan Hammett: I have been with ASM for almost three years and an EMT for just over four years. I first got involved in EMS w/ the Scotland Volunteer Fire Department and was promoted to EMS Captain this past year. Some of my duties are QA/QI and to train new members which will be a great asset to train new employees. I have been married for three years and live with my wife in Scotland. I look forward to meeting new people and to train them and represent ASM!

Andrew Hedburg: I have been a member of the ASM team for 3 1/2 years. While not at work I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife Sam our daughter Charlotte and crazy dog Otis enjoy spending much of our time out side. From sitting on the beach playing in the waves to working in our gardens. I began my career in EMS volunteering with East Haddam Ambulance. I quickly found that this job was my passion and was lucky to get hired by ASM. During my employment I have had many wonderful experiences and have found that I have a passion for teaching new EMTs. I look forward to helping to continue to build this excellent team.

Michael Hoyt: Ever since my first day of EMT class I have been impressed with the quality and caliber of the employees of ASM. Having the opportunity to work with new employees to ensure they meet the high standards of ASM is something I look forward to. I hope to instill a strong foundation of compassion, patient advocacy, as well as quality medical care that employees can build upon throughout their time at ASM.

Brian Langan: I have been an EMT for nine years and an AEMT for four years. I started at ASM while in college working every weekend and when I graduated I became full time. I began my career in the first responder field with the Glastonbury Fire Department, with which I am still very active. On September 6th I will marry my fiance Natasha Snyder and I am fortunate that she understands my work hours! I have always enjoyed helping people and am happy to be able to assist in their times of need.

Meet the Newest Members of the ASM Team: ASM Hires Five

Posted on August 12, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

: Jeffrey Hornish

: Thomas MacLean

: Tom Carey

: Keith Ringuette

MANCHESTER — On July 31, 2014, five EMTs were added to the ASM team. As part of our continued growth ASM and Aetna 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.

Tom Carey: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Thomas Carey and I am 22 years old. I lived in East Hartford until I was 11 years old and then moved to South Windsor. I have always had a passion for helping others which is what drove me to public safety in the first place. Growing up I wanted to be everything a veterinarian, a zoo keeper, and even a paleontologist. Animals are one of my biggest passions in life. When I was in high school I was in a program called Kids N’ Critters, where we brought snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards, toads, and frogs to elementary schools to teach children about the animals and what to do when they see one. I have handled all sorts of creatures, from snakes that are larger than I am to even alligators. I wanted to become a police officer for the ASPCA to protect animal rights, and that’s when I began my education into criminal justice at Manchester Community College. I also joined the South Windsor Fire Department and realized how much I enjoyed being a fireman. Since my membership I have completed Fire 1, Fire 2, and have been chosen to be a member of the departments Rescue Squad. My career choice had changed and now I want to become a Career Firefighter. So now here I am a member of ASM and I couldn’t be happier to be working in a field that I want to be in. Although the job will take up much of my time I am still looking into volunteering at an animal shelter of some kind as well as being involved in the fire service.

Jeff Hornish: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jeff Hornish. I am 55 years old and live in South Windsor. I have a daughter who is an EMT and works at St Francis Hospital’s ED as a tech, and a three year old grandson (who calls me “B”). Born and raised in South Windsor, I enjoy camping and hiking. I went through a number of jobs until I found my career in EMS. I started as an EMT with the South Windsor Ambulance Corps on 8/8/2001. Over the years I’ve had many pleasant experiences working with ASM employees on intercept calls. I am very happy to be able to continue my EMS career working with those same people. I am very impressed by the professionalism and camaraderie here at ASM. I also plan to advance my career by becoming a Paramedic at ASM.

Tom MacLean: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Tom MacLean, I’m 24 years old and live in Vernon CT. I graduated Xavier High School in Middletown CT and went on to study Business Administration at Fordham University in the Bronx, NY. I did some volunteer work in the Vernon Fire Department in High School and really enjoyed the experience as a whole. In college, I became very business-minded and stepped away from EMS for awhile, but always missed the passion I felt in providing a service that really helped people. After working in the insurance industry for a couple years after school, a great opportunity opened up for me to complete my EMT certification. I went for it, and could not be happier with my decision. Outside of work, I like hanging out with my two boxer dogs and just having a good time. I’m a big New York sports enthusiast, and have always been a life long Yankee and Jets fan. Recently, I’ve also gotten pretty big into boxing – I love the discipline and it’s a great work out. I look forward to working at ASM and can’t wait to get to know everyone.

Keith Ringuette: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name is Keith Ringuette. I am 22 years old and I am from Eastford, CT. I recently graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut in Allied Health Sciences and I’m excited to have a career in the job field I have been studying. Before UConn I attended Quinebaug Valley Community College where I graduated with Honors with my Associate’s Degree. I have lots of hobbies that include reading, playing videogames, and playing or watching any kind of sport. I obtained my EMT-B in 2012 after taking a course with Code One in East Hartford, CT. Both sides of my family have always been heavily involved in the medical field helping others, with their licensure ranging from LPN to Physician. I hope to continue my family’s legacy by getting experience as an EMT-B which will help me with my future goals of becoming a PA or nurse. If I were to get into graduate school I plan to join the military on scholarship so I can travel all over the world to open my horizons to the healthcare situations in other countries. My ultimate goal would be to become a PA in Orthopedic surgery aiding surgeons with surgical procedures.

Joey Startup: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Joey Startup and I live in East Hartford. I come from a firefighter background in the CT Air National Guard. I’ve served for about 11 years now and will retire at my 20 year mark. I’m proud to have served four tours. About five years ago I started practicing as an EMT at the professional level working for a commercial service in Meriden for about four years before making the move to ASM. I am currently attending school in MCC getting my prerequisites finished for a nursing career. I have a dog named Sasha that is my life and is spoiled to death. I am very excited to begin my career at ASM and get to know the ASM team.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Jose Platero Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on August 8, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

(L to R): Aetna’s Jose Platero, Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera

HARTFORD –As of August 4, 2014, Aetna’s Jose Platero has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Jose’s preceptor was Paramedic Matt Campbell. 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 Aetna, Jose’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing Jose and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Jose started at Aetna as an EMT-Basic in 2011 and graduated from the Bridgeport Hospital Paramedic Program.

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

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 7

Posted on August 6, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath Lab HARTFORD — During August 2014, ASM Paramedic Preceptor Dave White and his preceptee Paramedic Sean Norton, aboard Andover Fire Department ambulance, wirelessly transmitted a 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field.

“What a great job with notification and communication by your medic! He called early (19:08) to have a conversation with MD regarding an unclear EKG and provided additional information on subsequent patches. I was very impressed with his professionalism and clinical skill. Early notification and a very well presented paramedic report to the MD allowed for early activation of our cath team by 13-18 minutes.” – John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

EMS Agency: ASM

Indication: STEMI

			Time
ED Arrival			19:29
Cath Lab Paged			19:16
Cath start			20:17
First PCI Time			20:28
XXX – Total
Door to Balloon Time			0:59

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Dave Pozniak Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on July 18, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

Dave Pozniak MANCHESTER –As of July 17, 2014, ASM’s David Pozniak has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Dave’s preceptors were Paramedic Supervisors Scott Thompson and Beth Sheils and Paramedic Dave White. 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, Dave’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Dave and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Dave started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2010 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program.

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

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 17

Posted on July 7, 2014 by ASM-Aetna