Words That Describe Us: Volume 15

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:

  • Professional. They did a great job.
  • Caring x 3.
  • Excellent x 6.
  • Great x 2.
  • EMTs were friendly, pleasant, professional, and handled me with skill and confidence.
  • Great!
  • Great. They were great considering I was forced to go by the police.
  • Very professional.
  • Kudos to C. Haag and A. Fine on their care, their respect and overall performance. (13-87969).
  • Professional and efficient.
  • Wonderful service.
  • Quick, professional. Nice job!
  • Dependable.
  • Reassuring, comforting, professional.
  • Good job.
  • Very prompt.
  • Perfect.
  • Very professional. Was made to feel at ease.
  • Compassionate.
  • Competent and Caring. Once I was in the ambulance under a great deal of stress, the medic who rode with me made me feel comfortable and relaxed.
  • Very professional.
  • Competent.
  • Prompt/Professional. I thought I might not make it that night and I appreciated your medical knowledge and helping me through a scary and difficult time.

Early EKG Transmission Device Resurfaces

MANCHESTER — An early communication device, used during the days when ASM was known as Manchester Ambulance, was brought out as a prop for a recent retirement party.

Shown here, the phone and EKG transmission device shows just how far technology has come but reminds us that transmitting EKGs to hospital is not a new idea. Aetna and ASM operate technology to wirelessly transmit 12 lead EKGs to a terminal in area emergency departments as well as they smartphones of the interventionalist and cardiologist.

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 9

MANCHESTER — Additions and renovations to the Ambulance Service of Manchester’s main headquarters, known to employees as “10-1,” continue. As of this writing:

  • Drop ceiling has been added in the entire new space except for the ancillary training room where the walls will extend to the deck/roof.
  • The main restrooms are nearly complete with fixtures, stalls, flooring and cabinetry in place.
  • Painting of walls and trim and staining of doors has been completed.
  • Utility room floors have been sealed.

The next steps are to complete and open for service the main restrooms so that demolition can move to the oldest restrooms and the old side entrance hallway, complete flooring, activate HVAC systems and begin phase two of demolition and construction.

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

Comfort, Safety, Space Features Added to Bariatric Ambulance Stretchers

1363718992_IMG_8412MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — The specialty bariatric stretchers operated by Aetna and ASM have now been equipped with Stryker’s Expandable Patient Surface (or XPS) system.

The XPS System consists of a new wider mattress and new side rails that fold out instead of down. The side rails are not intended to support the patient primary body weight. Instead they are intended to enhance patient comfort.

XPS_LargeAccording to the Stryker website, “XPS is adjustable with seven locking positions and includes a wider mattress that reduces transfer gap and designed with patient comfort in mind. This solution helps address growing obesity trends and supports a variety of patients and environments.”

Words That Describe Us: Volume 14

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:

  • Professional x 8.
  • Good x 4.
  • Excellent x 3.
  • Considerate x 2.
  • Compassionate x 3.
  • Efficient x 2.
  • They were helpful to me as the wife. Asked if there was someone coming to help me. (13-72584: M. Tuttle, R. Leslie, J. Bush)
  • My team was wonderful in listening to my needs in helping them do their job as effectively as possible. I would like to thank each one for their service. (13-76135: C. Chasse, A. Wysocki).
  • Kind, efficient and knowledgeable.
  • Outstanding.
  • Wonderful.
  • Caring and professional.
  • Medic was very professional.
  • Excellent, kind, came to check on me with another call.
  • Wonderful! Thank you so much.
  • I had passed out and was not fully cognizant of some of the questions that I did not answer definitively – Overall experience was satisfactory.
  • Professional. Humane.
  • Great service.
  • Very efficient. Caring with everything.

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

MANCHESTER — On October 14, 2013, 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.

Kyle Baker:    Full time, EMT. Hello my name Is Kyle Baker. I am 22 years old and live in Hebron, CT. I graduated in May of 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Politics from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. The second semester of my freshman year of college I took an EMT-Basic class and almost instantly I fell in love.  I began working Saint Anselm College EMS, a student run volunteer EMS unit that serves the campus community, shortly after finishing my class. I also began volunteering with Andover Fire Department in Andover, Connecticut. I worked with Saint Anselm EMS until graduation and I continue to actively volunteer with Andover Fire Department.  EMS has been my passion for the last four years and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to turn it into a career.  In my spare I enjoy listening to music, golfing and enjoying the outdoors. I am incredibly excited to begin my new adventure with the Ambulance Service of Manchester and I look forward to the new experiences I will have and the new people I will meet.

Evan Burgess:    Full Time, EMT. My name is Evan Burgess and I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in Manchester, CT and graduated Manchester High School in 2010. I attended the University of Connecticut for two years and then transferred to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA to study Biblical Studies. Currently I am finishing my senior year of college online via Liberty University. I came home this year to finish school and get an EMT job. This summer I completed my EMT-B certification class at Hartford Hospital. I am very much involved in my church’s activities at Trinity Covenant Church and I enjoy ministering to people there. I love to play the guitar and I am a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. My brother Colin worked for ASM for a couple years before he headed off to medical school, and he inspired me to become an EMT. I hope to gain experience working with patients and helping them and their families during tough situations. I hope to become a missionary someday, and the experience I gain and learn from this career will aid me in my future endeavors. I am very excited to begin working and learning how to care for people in need.

Polina Yakushchenko:   Full Time, EMT. My name is Polina Yakushchenko and I am 23 years old. I was born in the Ukraine and moved to the United States in 2000. I now live in Vernon, CT. I recently graduated with a Bachelor in Health Science from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania.  I have had some patient care experience in college working at the student health center along with the local hospitals. One day I hope to go to grad school and continue my education in the medical field. I love to travel and experience new places and cultures. I am very happy to begin working for ASM and I look forward to serving the community.

EMS Structured for Quality: Volume 1

specialevents4Essential Performance Results

In 2008, the American Ambulance Association issued a best practices white-paper entitled EMS Structured for Quality. The paper was intended as a guide for “those who want to achieve the balance between quality and cost factors, while earning the satisfaction of patients, taxpayers, elected officials, ambulance service managers, employees, and other customers.”

The white paper identified four Essential Performance Results for high performance emergency ambulance services:

  1. Clinical Excellence.
  2. Response-time Reliability
  3. Economic Efficiency.
  4. Customer Satisfaction.

The next four volumes will describe how Aetna and ASM match up to and use these results to succeed and thrive.

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 8

MANCHESTER — Additions and renovations to the Ambulance Service of Manchester’s main headquarters, known to employees as “10-1,” continue. As of this writing:

  • Primer and in some cases paint has been applied to the main rooms.
  • Heavy doors have been hung in some of the offices and pass through areas.
  • The new main restrooms have been tiled.
  • Drop ceiling has been hung in all the new spaces.
  • Data wiring has been run and the secure space for computer servers has been prepared.
  • Windows and doorways have been boxed and framed with trim added.
  • Baseboard heating, thermostats and other HVAC equipment has been installed.

The next steps are to complete the drop ceiling by adding tiles, complete power control installation, touch up the paint, add flooring and add fixtures to the bathrooms. When completed, the renovated space will include additional training and simulation areas, a relocated locker area, new offices, a medical supply staging area, and two new restrooms although the plans remain fluid.

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

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Matt Traber Completes Precepting Phase

Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC -- Matt Traber

(L to R): ASM’s Vinnie Maston and Matt Traber.

MANCHESTER – As of September 25, 2013, ASM’s Matt Traber has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Matt’s preceptors were Paramedic Supervisors Bob O’Neil 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, Matt’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Matt and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Matt started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2008, has been an EMT in Connecticut since 1996 and also works for the Mohegan Tribal Fire Department. Matt graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. 

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 13

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:

  • Excellent x 5.
  • Skilled.
  • Quick, well informed staff. Thanks!
  • Conscientious.
  • Caring x 2.
  • Incredible.
  • Very caring and professional.
  • Timely.
  • Well suited.
  • Professional x 10.
  • Efficient.
  • Amazing.
  • Excellent!!
  • Professional humans.
  • Great x 2.
  • You probably saved my life. Thank you for your prompt care.
  • Humane.
  • Professional. The techs were very professional and treated the issue very serious[ly]. Listened to me and asked all the right questions. Explained all the moves they made. Very pleased (13-74038; J. Bissell, R. Bilodeau).
  • Very good/excellent.
  • Superb. The two EMTs that responded, Scott Crittenden and Brian Langan, we’re excellent. As a business owner myself, I feel these gentlemen went above and beyond and [were] so kind as well as professional (13-74442).

ASM Provides Medical Support at Hebron’s Florida Georgia Line Concert

Florida Georgia Line - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

ASM’s Vinnie Maston and Bryan Mathiau with members of Hebron Fire Department.

HEBRON — On September 8, 2013 three ambulances from the Ambulance Service of Manchester were on hand at Hebron’s 43rd Harvest Fair where country band Florida Georgia Line performed. The fair drew a record 135,000 attendees over the course of two weekends according to the Journal Inquirer.

The Hebron Lions Club contracted ASM to assist in providing medical services during the concert portion which drew over 34,000 attendees. Direction came from the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department and Windham Hospital EMS Paramedics.

ASM at Scouts’ Family Day in East Hartford

East Hartford Scouts Family Day - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.EAST HARTFORD — On September 7, 2013, Ambulance Service of Manchester’s (ASM) Heather DiGirolamo and Matt Kleza presented the basics of Emergency Medical Services and gave ambulance tours at a Scouting Family Day on the East Hartford town green. (Picture appears with written troop leader permission).

Words That Describe Us: Volume 12

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 x 3.
  • You all were very kind and caring. Thank you. I thank you very much. You all helped save me from more damage to my body. (13-65513; T. Allbee, S. Parent)
  • Helpful.
  • Excellent service, thank you.
  • Good x 2.
  • Efficient x 2.
  • Comforting.
  • Professional x 6.
  • Very professional x 2.
  • Superb! Just thank you so much!
  • Exceptional!
  • Thankful.
  • Wonderful.
  • Professional. Very kind.
  • Dependable.
  • Awesome.

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 7

MANCHESTER — The renovation of space once occupied by Marcus Communications continues…

  • Primer and in some cases paint has been applied to the main rooms.
  • In the hands-on, body mechanics training room, matte black paint has been applied to the exposed roof structure and part of the deck.
  • A corner soffit was framed to accommodate a drop down screen for an AV projection system.
  • Doors were hung in one of the new offices.
  • Metal framing has been added to the door cutouts in the main hallway.
  • The dry wall was cut through a removed where the main cross-hall will go, connecting the old and new spaces.

The next steps are to complete priming and painting, hang doors and install the lighting and drop ceiling.

When completed, the renovated space will include additional training and simulation areas, a relocated locker area, new offices, a medical supply staging area, and two new restrooms although the plans remain fluid.

ASM’s Tim LaChappelle Promoted to Supervisor

MANCHESTER — On August 28, 2013 ASM’s Tim LaChappelle was promoted to the position of Supervisor.

Tim started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2006 and graduated from Capital Community College’s Paramedic Program. Tim is currently the Assistant Chief of Coventry Volunteer Fire Association, Inc in his hometown.

On behalf of the ASM Family we would like to congratulate Tim on his promotion and look forward to great things from and for him. We are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.