Category Archives: Details of our Business Decisions

Paralyzed Man Gets Surprise Lift To Son’s Graduation

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Read the original Fox CT story here…

LOUISA MOLLER — Fox CT

A paralyzed Connecticut man was given a special gift Monday by a generous ambulance company. Frank Foster was transported from New Britain to Danbury by the Ambulance Service of Manchester to see his only son graduate from Bethel High School.

“None of us expected this. If it wasn’t for my friends at the ambulance company, it wouldn’t have happened,” Foster said.

Foster has spent most of his time in hospitals since a devastating incident a few years ago. He suffered from an aortic aneurism resulting in a spinal cord injury.

“I was in my living room and all the sudden, I dropped to the floor. Luckily my phone was next to me,” Foster said.

He had discussed his son Paul’s graduation with ASM employees but did not learn that the company was transporting him, free of charge, until a few months later.

“Surprise is an understatement,” Foster said. Read more from Fox 61 here…

Meet the Newest Members of the ASM Team: ASM Adds Four

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MANCHESTER — On June 19, 2014, four 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.

Justin Duval:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Justin Duval and I am 31 years old. I live in Ashford, CT with my wife and two awesome boys. We have a 110 pound German shepherd babysitter named Major. I am certified at the level of Firefighter II and Wildland Firefighter Type 2. I have been a volunteer firefighter with the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department for five years now. My experience there has given me a passion for the EMS field. I have been an automotive mechanic for the past twelve years and I am ready to pursue a career in something that I enjoy doing and that makes me happy. I feel honored to be chosen for this position and look forward to my new career at ASM.

Carolyn Judge:   FULL TIME, EMT. Hi I’m Carolyn and I’m from Weston, CT.  I graduated from UConn with a degree in Biological Sciences and subsequently became an EMT.  I’ve been living in Newington for about a year and volunteering with Newington Volunteer Ambulance.  In my free time I enjoy outdoor sports in particular trail running and backpacking.  I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of ASM!

Laura McHugh:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Laura McHugh and I am 23 years old.  I grew up in East Windsor, but currently reside in Vernon, CT. I graduated high school in 2008 at EWHS, then attended Ridely Lowell for Medical Assistant. The summer of 2013 I studied for my EMT-B certification at CPR Training Professionals while working at JMH in the Emergency Department. In my free time I enjoy running, hiking, reading, spending time with my family and traveling. I am also a huge New England Patriots fan. I’m excited to begin my career at ASM while serving the community.

Jovany Rosado:   FULL TIME, EMT. Well I’m a country bumpkin raised on a pig farm on a tropical island.  I’m an easy going gear-head that just loves humanity and firmly believes in that an ounce of honest heartfelt kindness will stop a tsunami of negativity and hatred. I’m a loving husband and father to a three month old baby girl and a 13 going 30 young man whom I swear wants me to get hit by a meteor.  As a gear head and an overall science enthusiast I love to tinker, modify, tear things apart and poke about it, whatever it may be.  I however am not a hopeless and unreasonable romantic.  We live in the REAL world where sometimes bad things happen to good and bad people.  Where accidents happen and people do terrible things to themselves and sadly to others.  I believe without a doubt that I can somehow in this giant equation of life, I can, with my tiny number, make a significant difference.  I’m a liver and lover of life.  I believe that life is too short as it is without negative circumstances prevailing.  As an EMT-B with his eyes on Paramedic school, I might be able to provide some time of precious life to those who I can extent of my abilities to.

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 16

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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 new main entrance on the south side of the building is open and in use, complete with a new reception area.
  • Water fountains have been installed.
  • The old storage cages have been demolished to make space for a fourth lift in the fleet maintenance area and for more ambulance and wheelchair van parking.
  • Signage, an awning and planters will be added to the new entrance soon.
  • The dispatch center is near completion with a new layout, carpet tiles, area for a kitchenette, a new crew entrance, a separate wheelchair van dispatch area and more.

The next steps are moving dispatch into its new home and re-configuring the main call-taking office.

The addition and renovation are part of ASM’s continued commitment and investment in the towns it serves.

CPR & AED Awareness Week Training a Success

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CPR WeekMANCHESTER — On June 5, 2014 some 80 local residents received training in delivering CPR and operating AEDs during an Awareness Week training. The mass event was held at Mahoney Recreation Center in Manchester. Instructors were provided by ASM, Manchester’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the town’s Health Department and Proactive Safety.

CPR Week 2Sponsored by:

  • Manchester Health Department
  • Fire-Rescue-EMS
  • Eighth Utilities District
  • CPR Program
  • Ambulance Service of Manchester
  • ProActive Safety

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Chris Nelson Completes Precepting

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(L to R): Aetna's Chris Nelson and HH's Michael Zacchera.

(L to R): Aetna’s Chris Nelson and HH’s Michael Zacchera.

HARTFORD – As of June 5, 2014 Aetna’s Chris Nelson has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Chris’s preceptor was Kevin Stock. 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, Chris’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing Chris and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Chris graduated from the New Haven Sponsor Hospital Paramedic Program. 

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.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 25

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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:

  • The EMT’s were great, but I hope I never need your services. Thank you for your prompt service, professional care, concern, kindness and humor. (14-39662; J. Pasquale, S. Whalen).
  • Excellent services and personnel.
  • Considerate.
  • Caring and knowledgeable.
  • Very caring.
  • Professional and knowledgeable.
  • Excellent service.
  • Well trained.
  • Great.
  • First class.
  • Thoughtful, efficient.
  • Quick response to 911 call.
  • Friendly, professional, caring. Thank to all of those who took care of me! (drew a heart) (14-20568; L. Mazzoni, D. Rice).
  • Excellent, professional service.
  • Everyone and everything was perfect (14-25136; M. Campbell, R. Gonska).
  • Excellent service.
  • Calm, caring.
  • R. and K. we’re both great! (14-27862; R. McConville, K. King).
  • You guys were the best!
  • Kind
  • A-O-K.
  • Prompt, excellent service.
  • Comforting, easing anxiety, courteous. [Patient] had a stroke 15 years ago and can’t talk and was very upset when he could not breathe. EMT relaxed him and helped him immediately and treated me with respect and calmed my fears. Thank you for your services. (14-31597; A. Fine, J. Rassmussen).

Meet the Newest Members of the Aetna Team: Aetna Adds Four

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HARTFORD — On May 29, 2014, four 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.

David Jackson:  My name is David Jackson and I am 22 years old. I graduated from the Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology in 2014. My goal is to go to medical school and to go into the field of emergency medicine. I took my EMT-Basic class in Bridgeport, CT in 2008 at the Bridgeport Hospital Emergency Medicine Institute. I started working in EMS at Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, however, when I moved to Boston, MA for college I began working for Boston University Emergency Medical Services. In my spare time I enjoy scuba diving and boating on the Long Island Sound and I am very excited to start to work towards my Dive Master certification this summer. I truly love emergency medicine in all its forms and I am very excited to be one of the newest additions to this amazing team and to have the opportunity to work in your community. 

Eric Marandino:  My name is Eric Marandino. After being self-employed for the past 15 years (in the dental industry) I was looking for a career change. I know many people who are, or were EMTS and they all said how much they enjoyed the job. I graduated EMT last summer through Hartford Hospital. I feel very fortunate to have been hired by Aetna Ambulance and look forward to starting my new career.

I have trained in martial arts for 30 years. After extensive training in Tae Kwon Do, Hap Ki Do, Boxing, American Kickboxing and Jeet Kune Do, I began training Brazilian Jiujitsu 10 years ago. I have been fortunate to be able to teach, train and compete a lot in the past five years. I will continue to train jiujitsu for the rest of my life. Some of my other interests include mountain biking, hiking, cooking, movies and working on my house. I am an avid reader and I try to always be reading a good book.

Andrew O’Laughlin:  My name is Andrew O’Loughlin. I am 21 years old, and I am from Hebron Connecticut. I am a senior at UMASS Amherst, where I will be graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology this December. I work UMASS EMS while at school, and I am a volunteer EMT with the Fire Department in my hometown. I have a passion for patient care, and I look forward to working with the team at Aetna.

In my spare time I’m fairly active. I spend a lot of time weightlifting, running, hiking etc. You will see me at a lot of events like the Spartan Races and Tough Mudders. I have also done a few events with GORUCK. They focus on team building, for long hours (24+ for my most recent), under heavy weights. I also recently became a certified scuba diver, and plan on diving the local area this summer.

In the future I plan on continuing my education. My plan is to return to UMASS after graduation to complete a second bachelor’s in Nursing. I’m excited to expand my role in the healthcare field, but EMS will always by my passion. I intend on staying active within the field after I begin my career as a nurse.

Tony Mazzola:  My name is Anthony Mazzola, but you can call me Tony.  I am 21 years old.  I received my EMT last summer and have been working for Newington Volunteer Ambulance for the past six months.  Even though I am relatively new to this field, I have developed a passion for it and I feel as though I have a lot to gain from it.   I have just recently graduated from Manchester Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I am going to be continuing my college career and pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU).  I love working on cars, particularly, Volkswagens. Yes, I am a Volkswagen guy!  I am very excited to be a part of the Aetna team and I look forward to meeting everyone!

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Shannon Whalen Completes Precepting Phase

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Shannon Whalen

(L to R): Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera, Shannon Whalen and Jennifer Pasquale.

HARTFORD – As of May 17, 2014 Aetna’s Shannon Whalen has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Shannon’s preceptor was 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, Shannon’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing Shannon and her preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Shannon graduated from the Goodwin College Paramedic Studies Program. 

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

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Halston Mendes Completes Precepting Phase

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Halston Mendes

(L to R): Halston Mendes, Matthew Campbell.

HARTFORD – As of May 15, 2014 Aetna’s Halston Mendes has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Halston’s preceptor was Matthew 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, Halston’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing Halston and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Halston graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. 

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

Aetna Puts New Operations Supervisor Vehicle in Service

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Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Paramedic Supervisor HARTFORD — On May 2, 2014 Aetna Ambulance Service placed in service a new Paramedic Supervisor vehicle. The 2014 Ford F-150 was outfitted with a custom shelving unit, emergency lights, high-visibility Batternburg pattern livery and reflective rear chevrons.

The non-transporting EMS vehicle will be used primarily by the Operations Supervisors to maintain the continuity of day-to-day operations, respond to mass casualty incidents and support EMS staff in the field.

 

Three Sprinter Ambulances Arrive to Replace Last Fords

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DSC_1741MANCHESTER — On April 28, 2014 three more blank Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulances arrived at Aetna’s fleet maintenance area at ASM from American Emergency Vehicles in North Carolina.

The change will mean that both Aenta Ambulance and the Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM) will be fully switched to Dodge and Mercedes Sprinters within the Type II category. This will leave only three Type III Fords for use as specialty bariatric units and none within the day-to-day fleet, a change several years in the making.

The three additional, unmarked ambulances 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. 

Aetna and ASM Upgrade Transport Ventilators

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Oxylog 3000 004HARTFORD and MANCHESTER — By the end of April 2014 Aetna Ambulance and the Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM) will upgrade to a industry leading medical device known as the Draeger Oxylog 3000 Ventilator; “the ventilator of choice for emergency and transport ventilation.” Better to have one, according  to a Draeger tag line.

Aetna and ASM are entrusted with the safe transport of long-term ventilator dependent patients from premier rehabilitation long-term acute and chronic care hospitals such as the Hospital for Special Care. ASM also provides medically appropriate Specialty Care Transport services to the areas regional hospitals, transporting ill and injured patients to tertiary care centers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Oxylog is capable of replicating complex, in-hospital ventilator settings such as IE ratios, CPAP, assist control, SIMV and more.

The use of Draeger Ventilators is part of Aetna and ASM’s long-term commitment to providing cutting edge emergency medical care and our vision of putting gold standard clinical resources and equipment at the fingertips of our skilled EMS providers.

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 15

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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 main hallway is complete.
  • The foyer is complete and the reception window is functional creating a new main entrance on the south side of the building.
  • The new training room is complete including the placement of a integrated training podium.
  • The new storage area is complete.
  • The Dispatch Center walls and ceiling have been demolished. The wall between dispatch and a defunct office space has been cut through to accommodate the placement of a new wheelchair van dispatch office.

The next steps are constructing the new Dispatch Center, installing signage and an awning over the new main entrance, re-configuring the main call-taking office, installing water fountains and demolishing the old storage cages for more ambulance and wheelchair van parking.

The addition and renovation are part of ASM’s continued commitment and investment in the towns it serves.

ASM Adds Second Type III Bariatric Ambulance

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Ambulance Service of Manchester Bariatric Ambulance Stryker Power LoadMANCHESTER — On March 21, 2014 the Ambulance Service of Manchester put in service a second Type III ambulance for the transport of morbidly obese patients as well as for use with certain flight, specialty and critical care transport teams. The ambulance is identically equipped to ASM and Aetna’s existing bariatric ambulances, complete with a Stryker Power-LOAD stretcher lift system.

Capable of lifting a maximum patient weight of 700 pounds, it is the company’s belief that the Stryker Power-LOAD is the safest overall bariatric ambulance equipment. Read more about what makes the Power-LOAD system the safest...

STRYKER Power Load Stretcher - Aetna ASM AmbulanceAdding an additional bariatric ambulance is part of ASM and Aetna’s continued commitment to the communities and clients the companies serve. 

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

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HARTFORD — On March 27, 2014, one EMT, one AEMT and one Paramedic 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.

Jason Chasse:   FULL TIME, AEMT. My name is Jason Chasse. I am 22 years old and am from Burlington, CT. I have been an EMT since 2009 and an AEMT since 2011. I began my career in EMS as a volunteer for the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department in 2008. Before my employment at Aetna Ambulance I worked as a per-diem AEMT at ambulance services in Waterbury and Bristol. I graduated in the fall of 2013 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven and plan on perusing a career as a police officer. In my free time I enjoy spending my time outdoors with my friends and my German Shepherd named Indie. I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and shooting and am also an avid Jets fan.  I am very excited for the opportunity to join the Aetna Ambulance team. 

Adam Ordway: FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Adam Ordway, recently I graduated from paramedic school through Goodwin college. I am from Middletown and very excited to take the next step in my EMS career. I’m very happy to be working for Aetna Ambulance. Hopefully I can to live up to the great reputation Aetna has throughout the state and learn from some of the best. Previously, I worked for another commercial ambulance service in the central part of the state for about two and a half years. Currently, I am in the National Guard and served two deployments to Afghanistan as an Infantryman. I also worked as an emergency vehicle technician for a few years after graduating from high school.  I’m looking forward to working with everyone. 

Collin Whalen: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Collin Whalen and I am 21 years old from Rocky Hill. I am a firefighter with the Rocky Hill Fire Department and a Volunteer with Rocky Hill Volunteer Ambulance. I started with Rocky Hill Fire Department at 14 years old as a cadet. In the summer of 2012 I took my EMT and joined Rocky Hill Ambulance. Public Service has run in my family for many generations as firefighters, EMT’s, Paramedics and police officers. I am glad to continue the tradition along with my brother Scott, who is a firefighter and who has also recently graduated from Army boot camp. I am looking forward to taking my paramedic in the future, after gaining valuable experience as an EMT. I am very excited to be apart of the Aetna team.