Category Archives: Details of our Business Decisions

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Five – 2019

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MANCHESTER — On May 13th, 2019 five EMTs were added to the ASM team. As part of our continued growth, Aetna and ASM seek out only the best candidates. We look for employees who are focused on high-quality patient care, are team oriented and conduct themselves in a professional manner. During the orientation, employees learn about company philosophy and goals, quality assurance, and policies and procedures.

From left to right, Kalya Katt, Kenneth Shaffer, Stephen Michna, Anthony Freitas, Danielle Kamenskiy

Kayla Katt: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Kayla Katt. I am 24 yrs old and am from New York, originally, but moved to Connecticut 6 yrs ago to get my Bachelors in Biology from the University of New Haven. I gained my love for EMS when I attended my EMT course in efforts to complete prerequisites to attend PA school. After getting a taste of EMS and serving my surrounding community, I haven’t been able to leave. I am an enlisted member in the Connecticut Air National Guard and I am in the most recent graduating class of paramedics from Capital Community College. I look forward to taking advantage of the experience being provided to me and becoming the best provider possible.

Kenneth Shaffer: FULL TIME, EMT.My name is Kenneth Shaffer, I am 26 years old. I have been an EMT going on 2 years. I fell in love with EMS after seeing parents serve the community as EMT’s as I grew up. I am currently in paramedic school looking to one day become a Firefighter Paramedic. I look forward to the experience and knowledge I will obtain here at ASM. 

Stephen Michna: FULLTIME, EMT. Hi there, my name is Stephen and I have served as an EMT since 2006. I worked for a private service in the Boston area for 3 years and have been a member of Harwinton Volunteer Ambulance for 7 years. I enjoy the opportunity to serve my community, and have wanted to be an EMT since I was 8 years old. I also have a background in engineering, and spent several years living in Germany working with wind turbines. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and riding motorcycles. I look forward to joining ASM!

Anthony Freitas. FULL TIME, EMT.  Hello my name is Anthony Freitas, I am 22 years old from Marlborough, CT. Apart from working out and traveling, pursuing a medical career has been my dream forever. I grew up listening to hospital drama during family dinners and events. Becoming a cardiac monitor technician at St. Francis Hospital, I began to hear and learn more about the medical field, leading me to pursue a profession in healthcare. Currently I am taking classes to become a Physicians Assistant, while obtaining patient contact hours as an EMT. New to EMS, I was fortunate enough to become another team member of a proud and respected company such as ASM. I look forward to learning not only how to do things right, but to do things better than “by the book”. Through experiences and training with ASM, I will become a valued teammate and responder.

Danielle Kamenskiy: FULL TIME, EMT.My name is Danielle Kamenskiy and I am 22 years old. I grew up in Simsbury, but am now living in Vernon. I am a recent graduate of UConn with a degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology, and am hoping to become an ophthalmologist in the future. I obtained my EMT-B certification through CPR Training Professionals. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors or spending time with family and friends. I am passionate about helping others, and I look forward to working with ASM to make a positive impact on my community.

ASM’s Greg Derosier Promoted to Field Supervisor

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MANCHESTER — On May 15th, 2019, ASM’s Gregory Derosier was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor. His remarkable dedication to both his patients and co-workers has been consistent throughout his career at ASM. Moreover, Greg has been an instrumental piece of ASM’s education and community relations programs. He has developed into a role model for health care professionals and continues to positively influence everyone he interacts with.

Greg expressed his gratitude for the well-deserved promotion by stating the following:

“I received so many text and e-mails from all of you congratulating me; thank you all so much. I have worked for ASM for nearly three decades and seen more than a few changes; one constant has been the friendship and camaraderie of my coworkers. I have been blessed to work with some of the most compassionate, devoted and brightest people. I have had the opportunity to precept employees who have continued to become physicians, PA’s, nurses and managers both here at ASM and abroad. I look forward to working with everyone at ASM and maintaining a kinship so that we may all grow. Working together we are better as individuals and as a company.”

On behalf of the ASM family we would like to congratulate Greg on his promotion and look forward to great things from him.

MHS EMT Program

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On Saturday April 27th, students from Manchester High School participated in a hands-on extrication and transport exercise as part of their EMT-Basic program. The course, taught by Ambulance Service of Manchester and Manchester Fire Rescue EMS, has 18 committed students, all of whom were able to observe the process of extrication, practice removing victims from a bus and car, and render necessary care on a simulation manikin while in a moving ambulance. The “extrication drill” day is always one of the highlights of an EMT program.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Aidan Mace Completes Precepting Phase

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HARTFORD – As of April 9th, 2019, Aidan Mace has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Aidan started at Aetna in November of 2018. His preceptor was Paramedic Dan Hope. He offered the following sentiment:

“I recently finished up my paramedic program at Capital Community College. I started as an EMT with AMR, worked at Glastonbury EMS, and am very excited that I’m a part of the Aetna Team since November. The environment at Aetna is very conducive to someone who wants to learn as much as possible. My preceptor, Dan Hope is a wealth of knowledge and I was fortunate enough to see a variety of situations with each of them during my weeks of precepting.”

As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Aidan’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing him and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish Aidan the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Five – 2019

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HARTFORD — On April 1st, 2019, two Paramedics and three EMTs and 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.

From left to right, Nicole Valente, Anthony Fazzino, Shelma Morales, Tyler Driscoll, and Frank Duncan.

Frank Duncan: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, I’m Frank Duncan. After graduating from UConn in 2015, I spent a few years working as an Office Paraprofessional at WH Public Schools. I also had a passion for firefighting so I became a volunteer with the Town of Farmington where I gained my EMT-B certification. My goals are to expand my EMS experience while strengthening my skills as an EMT. I hope to attend paramedic school in the future as I work to become a career firefighter. I look forward to joining the Aetna team and I’m very excited for the opportunity ahead! 

Nicole Valente: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. Hi, my name is Nicole. I just turned 30 and was born/raised in the south end of Hartford. I went to high school in Wethersfield and currently reside in Newington. I began my healthcare career as a volunteer EMT in Newington in 2012 and the ER at Windham Hospital as a tech while finishing my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at UConn (2016). I transferred to Hartford Hospital on the Cardiothoracic Surgery/LVAD floor (Bliss 9E) as a PCA in addition to working per diem as an EMT for AMR’s Hartford Division. I recently graduated from the Hartford Hospital (CESI) Paramedic Program. I am considering a future career in medicine as a Physician Assistant. For fun, I love to hike in the White Mountains and am always on a quest to find the hottest cuisine/chili peppers known to man. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the community I grew up in as a Paramedic. I am honored to join the team at Aetna and to continue my relationship with Hartford Hospital. 

Shelma Morales: FULLTIME, EMT. I enjoy watching horror movies, listening to music and being outdoors. I love to play sports, especially baseball and volleyball. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, currently live in New Britain. Lastly, I am a first generation college student and aspire to become a PA in the oncology/hematology specialty.

Anthony Fazzino. FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. I am a proud graduate of Hartford Hospital’s Paramedic Program and excited to begin my career in EMS. I recently moved back to Connecticut after living in Hawaii for 4 years. My goal is to continue my education in order to earn my Bachelor’s degree. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and scuba diving. I look forward to being a part of Aetna Ambulance as I continue to improve as a paramedic. 

Tyler Driscoll: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Tyler Driscoll. I am from South Windsor and currently reside in Manchester. I have been working as an EMT in East Windsor for 5 years now, and I am excited to learn the Aetna ways and grow as an EMT. I look forward to working alongside some of the best providers in the area! Stay safe out there!

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Michael Santiana Completes Precepting Phase

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MANCHESTER – As of March 29th 2019, ASM’s Michael Santiana has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. Michael was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in December 2017. He offered the following sentiment:

“I have been at ASM for a little over a year and am truly thrilled to advance towards the next chapter in my EMS career. I am eternally grateful for all the time both Tim Lachappelle and Bob O’Neil dedicated toward molding me into an advanced level provider. Their differing styles of practicing medicine helped me develop my own techniques as well as the ever-important ability to think critically while on scene. I’m excited to apply their teachings related to emergencies and high acuity transfers when I encounter them on my solo shifts. My precepting experience has been incredibly informative and I am excited that I am now cleared for independent dispatch.”

As with all precepting phases at ASM, Michael’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing him and his preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Michael the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

ASM Featured in News Article

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MANCHESTER- In another joint effort with Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS, Ambulance Service of Manchester has teamed up with the Board of Education to coordinate a free EMT class at the high school. ASM Education Supervisor, Melissa Osborne acts as the lead instructor with assistance from FD personnel. Following successful completion of the program, students involved will be eligible for certification at the EMT-Basic level. As part of the course syllabus, Melissa has organized a visit to Ambulance Service of Manchester’s Headquarters. There, the students will put their classroom knowledge to the test by utilizing ASM’s state of the art training facility. To read more about the MHS EMT Pilot Program, click here for a recent article by Journal Inquirer Reporter Emily Brindley.

Photo courtesy of Journal Inquirer

In addition to the pilot, ASM partnered with Manchester High School’s Allied Health Program in 2017, providing 20+ students with “ride-along” shadowing opportunities. This program is on-going and provides all MHS students, even those not formally enrolled in an EMT program a chance to gain real world EMS experience.

Upcoming Charity Events

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Team ASM-AETNA will be participating in two large charity events in the coming months. The first, an American Red Cross Blood Drive, will be hosted at Ambulance Service of Manchester’s headquarters on New State Road on Wednesday May 1st, 2019. Employees, friends, family and community members are all encouraged to register.

Image result for red cross blood drive

Team ASM-Aetna is also returning to Hubbard Park on June 15th, 2019 for the Purple Stride Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer. Details on how to join our team will be avaiable in the coming weeks.

Manchester “Sheroes” Project

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MANCHESTER- Ambulance Service of Manchester teams up with Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Manchester-Fire-Rescue-EMS, Manchester Police Department and Bully Breed Training for an upcoming women’s empowerment program. For more information, click here read to Hartford Courant Staff Writer Quoron Walker’s article. ASM will be hosting one of the four events at our home office on New State Road!

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Scott Harrington Completes Precepting Phase

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MANCHESTER – As of February 15th 2019, ASM’s Scott Harrington has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. Scott was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in June, 2016. He offered the following sentiment:

“I have been with ASM for just over two and a half years now and I feel that the time and experience with the department as an EMT has prepared me for the transition to my role as a Paramedic. The environment at ASM is very conducive to someone who wants to learn as much as possible. My preceptors, Scott Crittenden and Tim Lachappelle, are a wealth of knowledge and I was fortunate enough to see a variety of situations with each of them during my 12 weeks of precepting. Through their support, the support of my wife, family, friends, co-workers, and my instructors from the Greenfield Community College Paramedic Program, I feel I am as ready as I can be to take on the challenge of working as an independent Paramedic and to continue to learn each and every day.”

As with all precepting phases at ASM, Scott’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing him and his preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Scott the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Nick Caisse Completes Precepting Phase

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HARTFORD – As of February 5th, 2019, Nick Caisse has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Nick started at Aetna in June of 2017 and graduated from New Britain EMS Academy’s Paramedic Program. His preceptor was Paramedic Matthew Carter. 

As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Nick’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing him and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish Nick the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Aetna’s Sean Piscopiello Promoted to Operations Supervisor

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HARTFORD — On February 6th, 2019 Aetna’s Sean Piscopiello was promoted to the position of Operations Supervisor. His remarkable dedication to both his patients and co-workers has been consistent throughout his career at Aetna Ambulance Service. He has developed into a role model for health care professionals and continues to positively influence everyone he interacts with.

Sean is 33 years old and spent four years in the Army as a Cavalry Scout with two deployments to Iraq. He became an EMT in 2008 and a Paramedic in 2013 and has worked full time on the road since. He is a graduate of Hartford Hospital’s Paramedic Program. He expressed his gratitude for the well-deserved promotion by stating the following:

I’m very excited to be Aetna’s newest Operations Supervisor and look forward to working with everyone as we continue to grow and produce a quality service.

On behalf of the Aetna family, we would like to congratulate Sean on his promotion and look forward to great things from him.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Jonathan Robarge Completes Precepting Phase

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MANCHESTER – As of January 11th 2019, ASM’s Jonathan Robarge has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. His preceptors were Paramedic Supervisor Josh Traber and Veteran Paramedics Greg Derosier and Dave White. Jonathan was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in June, 2018. He offered the following sentiment:

“I may have only been part of ASM for the last 7 months, but during that time, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve done a lot of different calls, worked with a lot of different people and some of the best preceptors around. I graduated from Capital Community College last May and have been working towards my goal since. After 15 weeks of riding and training, I’m ready for my next step as a solo paramedic. I can confidently say I’m ready for this due to the dedication and time all of my preceptors.”

As with all precepting phases at ASM, Jonathan’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing him and his preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Jonathan the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Six – 2019

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HARTFORD — On January 7th, 2019, one Paramedic and five EMTs and 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.

Hijab Khan: PART TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Hijab Khan and I am a new EMT at Aetna Ambulance. I am 21 years old and received my EMT-B certification a little more than a year ago. I am a Junior, Allied Health major at the University of Connecticut. My goal is to go onto a graduate from a PA program and become a Physician Assistant. I chose to complete an EMT program because I thought it would be a good fit for me. I’m very excited to begin working as an EMT for Aetna Ambulance Service!

Christopher Johnston: FULL TIME, PARAMEIDC: My name is Chris Johnston. I grew up in East Windsor, and I currently live in Windsor Locks with my fiance. Since being certified as an EMT in 2002, I have volunteered in a few towns, including Broad Brook, Bloomfield and Suffield. I have spent a few years working full time in New Haven and Glastonbury. Some of my passions include being a CPR instructor and EMT skills adjunct. Outside of work, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time with our dogs. I am excited to say that I am a recent graduate of the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. I look forward to joining Aetna’s ranks and to grow as a provider, as I transition into my new role as a paramedic.

Parker McKinney: PART TIME, EMT: Hi there, my name is Parker McKinney. I recently became certified as an EMT this past fall after finishing up my second year at the University of New Haven. Since then I have been working for New Britain EMS, where I am currently employed. I am looking forward to growing as an EMT and getting as much experience as I can in order to better prepare me for paramedic school in the near future. I look forward to being a part of the AETNA team and furthering myself in the emergency medical field!

Katherine Stewart: FULLTIME, EMT: Hi, my name is Kate. I obtained my EMT-B after graduating with my Bachelor’s in 2015. I have since used my certification for volunteering and for working in the emergency department. My goal is to sharpen my practical skills while I progress through my medical career. I am excited to become a part of Aetna’s team.

David O’Brien: PART TIME, EMT. My name is David O’Brien and I became an Emergency Medical Technician 3 1/2 years ago. I was a Full Time EMT here at Aetna over 2 years ago and am very fortunate to be back. I am looking forward to continuing my education and build upon my experience base while working with some of the best EMT’s and Paramedic’s in the area.

From an EMS Perspective

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MANCHESTER- On Wednesday January 9th, 2019 Ambulance Service of Manchester will be hosting an “East of the River” networking group monthly meeting for the second consecutive year. Veteran Paramedic and Preceptor Greg Derosier will be the keynote speaker for this event. His brief presentation entitled “From an EMS Perspective” will provide the audience with an informative look at the world of pre-hospital emergency and non-emergency medicine.