Category Archives: Details of our Business Decisions

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 14

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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 painting and flooring in the main hallway is complete.
  • The small conference and training room is now housing a  temporary dispatch center during the renovation.
  • The foyer flooring is complete and the reception window is functional.
  • The locker room is complete and in use.
  • The new training room is mostly complete including the placement of a integrated training podium. Installation of the drop down screen is pending.
  • The new storage area is open and medical supplies and other materials are being moved in.
  • Demolition of the old dispatch area is underway.
  • 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 renovating and expanding the new Dispatch Center, opening the new main entrance, completing the main hall drop ceiling, 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.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 20

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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:

  • Highly professional x 2.
  • Good job done. Thanks for helping me.
  • There are no words for TLC to this extent from this group except HOORAY! (13-113431; S. Allen, R. Fraley).
  • Caring and professional.
  • Superb.
  • Very impressed. Not only were they all helpful with my husband, they helped ease my anxiety and nerves. Thank you all very much and God bless. (14-1025; T. Oliver, T. Luetjen).
  • Caring and efficient.
  • Great! Unfortunately I have forgotten their names but the paramedics were fantastic! (14-594; R. Buechele, J. Traber).
  • They were wonderful.
  • Compassionate.
  • Kind and professional. Very important in my distress for friendly service. They comforted me the best possible. Helped ease my stress level with the pain I was in. They got me to Hartford ER and Hartford saved my life. Good job. I am forever grateful. (14-273; J. Platero, M. Carter).
  • Caring and excellent. My wife and I have used your services several times and have never had a complaint. You all do an excellent job and you care. (14-103; A. Hedberg, C. Rockoff).
  • Professional and caring.
  • Wonderful.
  • Professional, kind, reassuring. (13-104909; T. Lachappelle, R. Fross).

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 13

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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 drop ceiling and painting in the main hallway is nearing completion.
  • An additional small conference area has been added.
  • The small conference and training room has been emptied to accommodate a temporary dispatch center during renovations.
  • A reception window has been added in the new entrance foyer.

The next steps are renovating and expanding the new Dispatch Center, carpeting the main hallway, opening the new main entrance, adding finishes and flooring in several areas 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.

Aetna Grows Fleet by Three Ambulances

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Three New Aetna AmbulancesHARTFORD — On February 3, 2014 Aetna Ambulance will place in service three new Mercedes Sprinter ambulances for regular use and day-to-day operations.

The ambulances are not replacements. Instead they are new additions to the fleet resulting from an application to the Department of Public Health for expanded services last November. To demonstrate need in the application, Aetna cited continued, controlled growth, the need for expanded capacity and the length of time since the last application.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 19

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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:

  • Terrific.
  • Professional. The arriving EMTs were compassionate, concerned, efficient, personable and very professional (13-104014; A. Harkins, M. Carter).
  • I was unconscious but according to my daughter they provided excellent service.
  • Recently I was taken to the hospital by Aetna Ambulance. The two attendants Jeff D’Albero and Nicole Schiefferstein were excellent in their rolls as paramedic and EMT respectfully. Both were respectful and courteous and very concerned about my health. You should be proud of the fine work these two individuals do for Aetna Ambulance.
  • Professional. If I remember correctly, [the crew] was comforting and would ride with them again on any emergency I had. (13-92339; D. Noyes, K. Shapiro).
  • Good, professional services.
  • Perfectly timed execution for me, in that condition.
  • No problems.
  • Excellent service.
  • Professional x 5.
  • Timely and kind
  • Very helpful and caring.
  • Thorough.
  • Excellent.
  • Thank you!!
  • Right on.
  • Skilled, professional, comforting.
  • Excellent!
  • Excellent/Very possibly saved my life. Thanks. (13-112982; R. O’Neil, M. Sparks). 

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Ted Dombroskas Completes Precepting Phase

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Aetna Ambulance Matt Dombroskas

(L to R): Ted Dombroskas reaches for the coveted medical control letter held by Preston Ryzak

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

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

Ted graduated from the Yale New Haven Sponsor Hospital Paramedic Program. 

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 18

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Aetna Ambulance - Ambulance Service of ManchesterMANCHESTER 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:

  • Caring and effective. The EMT who rode with me was very personable and helped put me at ease. Be sure to thank him! Also, thanks to [all] for a safe trip! (13-107201; R. Leslie, T. Luetjen).
  • Very professional – Caring – Great service. My first time using this service and in a lot of pain but everyone did their best to help me get the care I needed. (13-108253; A. Fine, J. Rasmussen). 
  • Professional and reliable. It is comforting to know that this service is available. The staff we have met have been outstanding professionals. (13-108366; T. Marshall, C. Edwards). 
  • Very compassionate and professional.
  • Very professional x 2.
  • Professional and courteous.
  • Prompt, helpful.
  • Helpful.
  • Timely and caring.
  • Great when the need arises!
  • Complete.
  • Excellent patient care.
  • EMT people were fantastic! Everyone was nice, personable and professional. Thank you! (13-100824; M. Buerk, K. Caldwell).
  • On time.
  • Attentive.
  • Professional x 5.
  • Excellent! Thanks very much.
  • Great x 2.
  • Excellent. During this terrible time of stress it is so good to be treated so well and efficiently (13-105361; H. Mendes).
  • Great job! Very caring and concerned.
  • Excellent x 2.

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 12

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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:

  • A new main entrance has been cut in the brick and cinder block on the south side of the building.
  • A new main lobby area has been created with dual glass entryways and a reception area.
  • The second tier of old exterior wall has been cut through to create a new main hallway that extends from the new entrance all the way to the ambulance bay.
  • Lockers have been moved to a new locker room with staging area for medical supplies.
  • The drop ceiling for the main hallway has been installed.
  • A second hallway has been created in the rear of the building (western side) to give access from the call taking area to the office hallway. Four new offices have been constructed and completed in this area.

The next steps are moving into the new offices, completing the new main hallway and reception area, updating and moving the Dispatch-Communications offices and updating the call-taking office.

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 17

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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:

  • Great job.
  • Kind and caring.
  • Caring.
  • Professional.
  • The ambulance came on time, the staff were loving and caring people. (13-97557; G. Geres, R. Fross).
  • Professional and skilled.
  • Professional.
  • Very good.
  • Excellent service. This was my first time using the Ambulance Service and I must admit this was a time in my life that made me very nervous and the technicians made me feel very comfortable. I give the technician an A plus for their service. (13-87462; V. Maston, N. Raiola).
  • The medics were very helpful and kind.
  • Excellent.
  • Great! The student was good too.
  • Caring, professional.
  • Very compassionate.
  • Greatly appreciated.
  • Caring.
  • Very impressed. Made me feel at east and kept my mind off the pain. (13-95988; S. Crittenden, B. Langan).
  • Many helpful skilled staff people.
  • Professional.

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 11

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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 former men’s and women’s bathrooms within the billing office have been demolished as well as the notched hallway walls in order to make way for a new main lobby. The new lobby is taking shape as two glass entry doors have been added and the hallway has been framed.
  • New offices have been framed and drywall has been hung in the rear of the building where the Medicare office once stood and the wall between two of the offices has been removed to double its size.
  • Flooring has been added in the new staging area and locker room.
  • The former main entrance has had the window removed and the cut-out sealed.

The next steps are completing those items listed above as well as installing and completing the drop ceilings, moving the lockers, completing the lobby area and adding in the reception area window.

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

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

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HARTFORD — On December 12, 2013, three EMTs 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.

 

 

 

Samuel Dybdahl:   PART TIME, EMT.  My name is Samuel Dybdahl and I’m 26 years old. I am just completing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and seek to further my career in Emergency Medicine.  I have been a combat medic and healthcare specialist in the military since 2008 with one deployment to Afghanistan. I enjoy helping others and furthering my knowledge within the medical field; I would like to pursue a paramedic program in the near future. In my spare time I often compete in physical activities including Duathlon/Triathlons, road races and weight lifting.

Ryan Gonska:  FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Ryan Gonska and I am 23 years old from Torrington, CT.  I am a volunteer with Harwinton West Side Fire Dept. and Harwinton Ambulance. I started at Harwinton Ambulance as an explorer when I was 15.  I received my EMT in 2008. Shortly after, I got hired as an ER Tech at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital while I was attending classes for the AEMT. Four years later I made the decision to get my Paramedic.  I graduated from Capitol Community College in 2012 and I have been working as a paramedic for the past year. In the near future I hope to get my EMSI and start teaching. I am considering going back to school in the to pursue a degree in respiratory therapy or nursing.  In my free time, I enjoy cooking, golfing, fishing, and hiking. I am very excited to join the Aetna family.

Steve Spaderna:   PART TIME, EMT. My name is Steve Spaderna and I am a new EMT! Prior to attaining my EMT certification I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biology from CCSU.  I worked for about five years in genomic research as part of a team that was looking at human gene expression for potential drug targets. Then deciding I didn’t want to be stuck in a lab all the time, I spent about seven years working as a drug rep for large pharmaceutical companies. During my time as a drug rep I became increasingly interested in patient healthcare. I just didn’t feel fulfilled in my last occupation, so I made the decision to go back to school with the goal of eventually becoming a physician assistant. Over the last couple years I have been getting pre-requisite credits done while interning at a doctor’s office for required clinical hours. Physician Assistant programs are extremely competitive and difficult to get into, but I am hoping to eventually get accepted. Personally, I am kind of a science nerd and enjoy learning about anything and everything. I watch Discovery and The Learning Channel a lot (Untold Stories of the ER!) and I have a passion for science fiction. For an interesting combination, I also happen to be really into weightlifting. I am super excited to be part of the Aetna team and I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a patient advocate!

Kat Stewart:  FULL TIME, EMT. I’m a new EMT I finished the Hartford Hospital EMT program in July. This is something I have wanted to do since high school but I never had the chance. So after I graduated college and worked a few different jobs I finally made my chance happen and absolutely fell in love. I aspire to one day go to paramedic school. At the age of almost 26 I can finally say I’m on the right career path. I’m very excited to be part of the Aetna team and look forward to seeing you on the road.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 16

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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:

  • Concerned.
  • They were very helpful.
  • Professional.
  • Prompt
  • Professional + caring.
  • The best! Professional and caring and worked extremely well as a team. Thank you for all you do! (13-97292; S. Crittenden and B. Langan).
  • The EMTs probably unknowingly saved my life. I called 911 and I didn’t know who would come. They were very professional and caring and made sure my apartment was secure. (13-97706; T. Oliver, M. Sparks).
  • Excellent service.
  • Professional and caring.
  • Very kind and comforting. Felt very safe and knew I would be taken care of. (13-97497; S. Allen, D. Rice).
  • Caring and professional.
  • Professional, caring.
  • Professionally concerned.
  • The best.
  • Great.
  • Great!
  • Very professional.
  • Very good.
  • Outstanding service!
  • Fast and great. The East Hartford Paramedics and the 2 ambulance guys were super. I had great service by all.

Aetna and ASM Invest in New Defibrillators

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medtroniclifepak1000-2MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and the Ambulance Service of Manchester have purchased new LifePak 1000 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for use on every Basic Life Support unit in both fleets. As one of (reportedly the first) commercial ambulance service in Connecticut to equip every BLS unit with this life saving piece of equipment, it was critical to continue the capability with new technology.

Each Paramedic Unit at Aetna and ASM use LifePak 15s capable of wireless transmission of 12-lead EKGs, external pacemaking, cardioversion, CO detection, non-invasive blood pressures and end tidal CO2 monitoring (specification arrangement also known as fully configured). DSC_1580LifePak 15s are used on a daily basis whereas AEDs see use on a rare occasion but have a significant impact for those patients. Typically the CPR and defribillation performed when these AEDs are used is the first skilled services provided to a patient in a life threatening situation.

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

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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:

  • Construction of the new classroom space is complete, with kitchenette and is awaiting drop down screen and AV equipment.
  • The main restrooms are complete and in-service.
  • The Medicare and accounts payable sections of the billing office are complete and those billing agents have moved into the new space.
  • The ancillary/back hallway has flooring and new door.
  • The old men’s and women’s bathrooms have been demolished as well as the hallway walls to make way for a new main lobby.
  • The old Medicare billing office and collections area are awaiting demo and construction of a new hallway that passes through from the call-taking area.

The next steps are mainly listed above but include the construction of new offices and hallways, moving the lockers into a new area and completion of a new lobby and main entrance.

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