Words That Describe Us: Volume 86

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 part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • The crew was caring + informative, took care of me very well + got me situated in ER. (16-47719; A. Fine, M. Uddin).
  • Skilled, caring staff. My services were exceptional. Please let the EMTs know I appreciate [it]. (16-47714; S. Gregg, M. Cedeno with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Highly professional with personalized care.
  • Thanks!
  • Friendly and professional.
  • Great EMT experience and care.
  • The crew was very thoughtful – they listened to what my needs were – very helpful – thanks to everyone who helped me. (16-49921; M. Buerk, R. Fross).
  • Very caring, professional and friendly.
  • Professional/caring.
  • Friendly.
  • Excellent.
  • Very professional.
  • Nice, young + funny.
  • Helpful.
  • Very professional.
  • Very professional, prompt & courteous.
  • They saw immediately that my child was in great pain and took steps to alleviate it. Smart + professional. (16-52868; J. Traber, D. Hammett).
  • Caring + professional.
  • Thank you for your prompt arrival at a critical time.
  • Excellent! Very professional!
  • They were able to get [patient] to get into the ambulance and get medical attention. The crew acted very professional and tended to [patient’s] needs.
  • Ambulance were very professional and courteous.
  • Timely and professional.

ASM at Manchester Motorcycle Jamboree, 2016

Motorcycle Jamboree 2016 CMANCHESTER — On July 30, 2016 ASM provided ambulance standby services to the Second Annual Manchester Motorcycle Jamboree on Broad Street. The event was to benefit New Seasons, Inc. which provides state-of-the-art care and support for persons with cognitive and physical disabilities in Hartford and Tolland counties.

Photo credit: Charles Lodge.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 85

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 part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • Very good.
  • Highly skilled + professional.
  • From the first introductions I felt I was in very capable hands. (16-43381; G. Geres, D. Hammett).
  • Very professional, caring and thorough.
  • Knowledgeable, caring + compassionate.
  • Caring, skilled, perfect teamwork and cooperation between ASM partners R and R. Great coordination with South Windsor Police. Medic inserted IV line perfectly, painlessly, enroute, every technician step was precise and thorough balanced with being personable and alleviating excess concern. It was my first 911 ambulance ride. He was excellent! EMT provided tech support in the home and before departure, drove safely and alleviated worry during transport and at hospital arrival. Great team. (16-46033; R. Bilodeau, R. Fross).
  • Reassuring! Wonderful! Kind!
  • Very nice/professional.
  • Wonderful service. No complaints.
  • Excellent service, compassionate care.
  • They were very respectful and caring – Thank you!
  • Very professional.
  • “GREAT”. The paramedics were very pleasant and respectful the entire time. (16-47910; G. Geres, T. Luetjen).
  • Very caring.
  • Ambulance crew was very professional and truly cared about how I was feeling.
  • Very caring/compassionate. I am most impressed with your service. It has been exceptional.
  • Perfection.
  • Caring.
  • Professional – compassionate.
  • Very professional and tried to keep me calm and comfortable while I was in their care. (16-46114; T. Wallace, L. Zalewski).
  • Caring.
  • Respectful.

“I am so happy to have met these two gentlemen”

Patient Satisfaction SurveyPraise for ASM’s Todd Marshall and David Tedeschi

SOUTH WINDSOR — In late July ASM received a patient satisfaction survey response for a call done by Paramedic Todd Marshall and his EMT partner Dave Tedeschi in South Windsor.

As noted in the picture, the wife of the patient checked off Strongly Agree with a check-plus to 17 check boxes related to patient satisfaction within the survey; all that applied.

In the narrative section the patient’s spouse shared some details of the care that her husband received. For the sake of privacy some of the information has been redacted in the following section.

She described the crew as “Extraordinary! Caring, Compassionate.” She went on to say, “I have always received excellent care from ASM.” She called them “very soothing and reassuring” and that their report to the hospital was beyond what she had experienced in the past and ensured the patient received a critical special accommodation.

She finished by saying, “they made a stressful situation a little bit better. They are a credit to your business. I am so happy to have met these two gentlemen.”

Praise again for Aetna’s Eric Thepsiri and Donna Achilli

Eric Thepsiri

Eric Thepsiri

WETHERSFIELD — In late July Aetna’s office received a patient satisfaction survey from a patient treated in Wethersfield in June by Eric Thepsiri and Donna Achilli. The patient had checked off every box with “Strongly Agree” to questions like, the Paramedic was highly skilled, kept you informed, relieved pain and anxiety. 15 boxes in total.

Donna Achilli

Donna Achilli

When asked to use a word or phrase to describe the crew the patient wrote, Fabulous!!.

In the narrative section the patient went on to write, “I was picked up by the Great Eric + Donna. They treated me above and beyond what I expected. We connected well. They were so professional and friendly. They stayed with my in the hospital until they had to leave and came to say goodbye! They are the absolute best!! We had some good laughs too 🙂 Tell them I say Hi!”

Note: Run #16-47131, certain information redacted for privacy.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 84

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 part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • They were great. Kind, professional and caring. (16-43478; T. LaChappelle, A. Linardo).
  • Very courteous.
  • Professional!
  • Very nice paramedics! They showed concern. Provided great care. (16-41861; J. Traber, T. Armas)
  • I was very nervous, their kindness + comfort were so appreciated. Wonderful people – Super job done. (16-44248; R. Jones, M. Pierce).
  • They showed concern, asked appropriate questions, checked on my comfort.
  • Professional. M + R did an excellent job. Thank you! (16-44752; M. Tuttle, R. Fraley).
  • Awesome.
  • Relaxed, calm, pleasant.
  • Courteous + Efficient.
  • Fantastic response.
  • They were helpful, fast, caring & professional. J Thank you for all the help. (16-44293; A. Debisschop, A. Hernandez).
  • Very courteous + highly efficient.
  • Very professional.
  • R + R were terrific. Their assessment + care were very professional. They made sure I was safe + secure right into the ER room. We were very pleased with all that R + R did. (16-45368; R. Bilodeau, R. Fross).
  • Very friendly.
  • They were very professional + caring individuals through my entire situation. (16-39950; E. Snoek, R. Bochman).
  • Professional, compassionate & well trained. The entire crew was great. They were calm and kept me calm and comforted. (16-40155; J. Rasmussen, S. Yenco with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Wonderful – Outstanding.
  • Professional, seemed very well trained.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 83

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 part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • Excellent.
  • Awesome!
  • Extremely professional, caring, calming. It was a terrible snowstorm and they got him from physician’s office to hospital safely.
  • The greatest team. Good people.
  • I was unconscious, however by son said that the ambulance came very quick and the paramedics knew what they were doing. (16-38122; K. Beaulieu, K. Ringuette with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Great especially when I was in need!
  • They made both of us (me as a rider to the hospital) and my husband very calm and comfortable. (16-38562; R. Bilodeau, P. Gleason).
  • They were great. Outstanding. Thank you. The Best. (16-39540; R. Houser, L. Adamowich).
  • Very professional.
  • Professional. Caring.
  • Very satisfied. Chris was [in back with me] – he was extremely kind and explained everything before doing it. He is excellent!!! (16-39795; patient referencing Manchester Fire Rescue EMS paramedic with ASM).
  • Excellent job!
  • Very professional.
  • Skilled. Thank you.
  • Extremely caring & knowledgeable paramedic. Thank you. (16-39265; T. Oliver).
  • Excellent!!!
  • Compassionate, caring, respectful. (16-40355; J. Rasmussen, R. Fross).
  • Very professional, efficient and caring.
  • The crew was caring, compassionate and very knowledgeable. (16-41105; C. Everest, C. Tevnan with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Professional + caring.
  • Very nice. Very professional.
  • Thank you for your skill and compassion. (16-41751; T. Armas, C. Lemire with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Efficient.
  • Excellent crew.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Four – 2016

HARTFORD — On June 22, 2016 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.

Cole Ashker:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Cole Ashker and I am 24 years old. I was born in Burbank, CA, but lived in South Windsor, CT for the majority of my life. After finishing at South Windsor High School I attended UConn for 4 years. In May of 2014 I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. During school I worked on campus, and continued to do so in a full time capacity after graduation. I never saw myself working a typical 9-5 job, and unfortunately I found that the job wasn’t meeting my desire to help my community. On the recommendation of my best friend Eric Thepsiri, I enrolled in the Hartford Hospital EMT-B course in 2015 and received my certification soon after. I didn’t know what to expect when I enrolled, but I found the material engaging and suited to my interests. When I’m not working I enjoy exercising, playing recreational sports, and finding new adventures to go on with friends. In addition, I’m hoping to start travelling the world and experiencing interesting and new things. I have been looking to enter public service for a long time, and I am extremely excited to start my career in EMS with Aetna Ambulance Service. I look forward to meeting and working the exceptional people of this company.

Chris Nelson:  FULL TIME, Paramedic. Hi my name is Chris.  I am originally from Rhode Island.  I started as an EMT in Cambridge Massachusetts and I went to Paramedic school at Yale New Haven Hospital while working at Aetna.  I have been living in Texas and working as a medic at Austin-Travis County EMS.  I missed blizzards and pumpkin spice coffee so I am moving back to Connecticut and looking forward to working at Aetna once again.

Anthony Palumbo:    PART TIME, EMT. My name is Anthony and I’m 23.  I graduated from UHART in May with a B.S. in Respiratory Therapy and I currently attend Capital for my Paramedic. I am new to the commercial ambulance service but have been a EMT for two and a half years. On my off time I volunteer as a firefighter for Farmington and EMT for Rocky Hill Ambulance. I really enjoy working in the medical field and I am excited to start at Aetna and be a part of the family. In my spare time I like grill, go to the beach, fishing and practicing archery along with doing anything else outdoors.

Anthony Valentine:   PART TIME, EMT. My name is Anthony Valentine, I am 23 years old an a 2016 graduate of Central Connecticut State University I graduated with a bachelors in Biology. I am from Bloomfield, Connecticut. I have a love for medicine and a strong desire to provide service to the world. I’ve worked  at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut since 2011 in patient transport and that opportunity reinforced my desire to work in the medical field and be of service in some way. One of my goals in life is to become an emergency surgeon. I love the anatomy of the body, its function and how everything is connected in someway.   Since a child I’ve always trying to identify new ways and new methods of doing things and medicine is a field I believe still needs innovation. I have horrible sinus allergies, hopefully I can find a long lasting cure. Outside of medicine I have an additional love; the ability to create ideas and bring them to fruition. I am a young entrepreneur I currently run a lifestyle magazine that I hope to compete with well known pop culture magazines like Fader and Complex. I enjoy speaking to youth and doing my best to influence them in a more positive direction. Becoming an EMT was something I wanted since the idea was introduced. The day I passed my cert, excitement overwhelmed my prior feelings of disappointment for having thought I failed. I’m Blessed!  I am a new EMT and received my schooling through the New Britain EMS academy. I am excited to begin this new journey with Aetna Ambulance Service, a place I am excited to call home. 

ASM Participates in Weekend Food Drive in South Windsor, 2016

SOUTH WINDSOR — On June 11, 2016 crews from ASM were on-site again this year at Stop and Shop and Geissler’s in South Windsor to participate in a food drive to benefit the South Windsor Food and Fuel Bank.

South Windsor 2016 Food Drive

Excerpts from a note from the Director of Adult and Senior Services for the Town of South Windsor:

I wanted to say a big thank you for your help this past weekend for the food drive to benefit the SW Food Bank. It was a HUGE success!

We have a TON of boxes in our hallway and our volunteers worked tirelessly to put the bags of food away today so that clients can use the food bank tomorrow.

A total of 141 boxes with an estimated 7,050 items were donated PLUS $1426 in cash!  Unbelievable! All this AND it was Strawberry Fest Day!!

Your support of this worthy cause is so greatly appreciated. I know it means using resources from your own departments, and it truly means a lot.

Team work makes the Dream work!

Words That Describe Us: Volume 82

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 part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • This was my first experience in an ambulance. Two of the nicest, professional + very caring people. So happy to have professional, experienced and caring staff. (16-31308; S. Dybdahl, M. Cafazzo).
  • Excellent.
  • Very professional.
  • My husband had a serious problem and the paramedics were very helpful. I felt relieved.
  • Courteous and well trained.
  • Professional x 3.
  • Service was good.
  • I am very satisfied.
  • Professional. Very attentive.
  • Outstanding, professional, compassionate. (16-32694; R. Leslie, R. Jones).
  • I was close to death and they got me to the hospital with care and kept me calm all the way. Thanks.
  • Professional person attending to me while riding. Caring.
  • Caring x 2.
  • Very understandable.
  • Caring, compassionate.
  • Professional and compassionate. (16-35130; R. O’Neil, M. Kleza).
  • Very caring.
  • They were very nice.
  • Excellent.
  • Very professional + caring.
  • Comforting. I did feel safe + well taken care of. Thank you.
  • T. was very comforting. Very professional crew. (16-34117; T. Oliver, M. Uddin).
  • Professional.
  • Caring and efficient.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Seven – 2016

MANCHESTER — On June 7, 2016 seven 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.

Benjamin Adamik:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Benjamin Adamik and I’m 22 years old. I currently live in Manchester where I was born and raised. As a recent graduate from the Medical Laboratory Science program at the University of Vermont, I look forward to a career in medicine. In my experiences as an EMT, I have found emergency medicine to be extremely captivating, and is where I see myself contributing within healthcare. I ultimately plan to apply to Physician Assistant programs with the goal of working in an Emergency Department. During my time at college, I was involved in tumor suppression therapy research, took a medical service trip to Lima, Peru, volunteered on a local ambulance service, and had the opportunity to ski some of Vermont’s finest peaks.  In my free time I also enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and overall being outside. I have a strong sense of adventure and am always looking to gain new experiences. I believe our experiences are fundamental for who we are as individuals, and therefore to grow and improve ourselves we must seek out the unfamiliar. Altogether I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Ambulance Service of Manchester, and for the experiences I will be granted as I learn and grow as a healthcare provider.

Michael Cedeno:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Michael Cedeno I am 27 years old and I currently live in Hartford, CT. I’ve worked at Manchester Memorial Hospital for about five years. I started off in the kitchen as their Cook and Event Caterer then worked my way to the emergency department doing Patient Access. During my time working in the ED I’ve seen quite a few interesting things that intrigued me to want to learn more about patient care and all that health providers do to help save and improve the quality of life for their patients. I enjoy helping and caring for people so I took my EMT course last fall and I’m glad to have been given an opportunity to help serve and care for the people of the community that are in need and rely on EMS.

Justin Cole:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Justin Cole. I am 31 years old. I was born, and raised in Illinois and moved to New England in July of 2012. I currently reside in South Windsor, CT. The majority of my life I have had an interest in the medical field especially since I grew up with family members working in hospitals and as nurses. I am an avid outdoorsman and was looking to combine my love for climbing and my health care interests together. In the summer of 2015 I took a Wilderness First Responder class with plans to start a career in outdoor guiding as a single pitch rock climbing instructor. However, after the first responder class my interest in emergency medicine became more important to me. Following the summer, I signed up for an EMT class in the Fall of 2015 in South Windsor and after starting class I immediately fell in love with it and have developed a passion for emergency medicine. After finishing my EMT class, and earning my certifications I have become a volunteer for the Bloomfield Volunteer Ambulance Service. I am very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the ASM family and grow as an EMT. I am also looking forward to joining such an amazing team of health care providers and serve my community.

Scott Harrington:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Scott Harrington I am 29 years old and currently live in Agawam, MA.  I graduated from Western New England College in 2009 with a degree in psychology.  After I graduated I spent six and a half years as a police dispatcher with two different departments in Massachusetts.  I first obtained my EMT certification in 2007 and I finally joined the EMS community in the fall of 2014 when I began to volunteer as an EMT with Suffield EMS.  Soon after I started with Suffield I realized I had found a new career path.  I am looking forward to learn and contribute as much as I can to ASM and the communities we serve. I am also going to be attending paramedic school this fall at Greenfield Community College.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my fiance, kayaking and target shooting.

Sean McNeff:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Sean McNeff and I am a 24 year old from Enfield.  I graduated from Central Connecticut State University (class of 2013) with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.  I worked a couple jobs in retail and insurance, but decided my desire was to work in medical field/emergency services. I recently completed EMT class at Asnuntuck Community College and got certification shortly after. I hope to one day become a paramedic and remain in EMS. I am happy to finally find a career I am excited for, and couldn’t be happier for the opportunity to begin that career at ASM.

Erind Muco:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Erind Muco and I am 22 years old. I was born in Tirana, Albania and moved to the U.S. when I was six years old. I currently live in Wethersfield, CT. I recently graduated from UConn with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and now I hope to attend medical school. At ASM, I am looking to gain invaluable medical experience which will propel me further in my medical career. When given the opportunity, I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures, as well as watching/playing soccer, football, and basketball. I am proud to be a part of such a distinguished company, and I am excited to begin working.

Karisa Welch:   FULL TIME, EMT. Full time, EMT. My name is Karisa Welch. I am 21 years old and from Somers, Connecticut.  I recently graduated from UConn with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a minor in Psychology. During my time at UConn I was dedicated to serving the community through my leadership roles in Public Health House and my honor society. My experience volunteering in the ER at Johnson Memorial first peaked my interest in health care. I explored this field more by shadowing a Physical Therapist and a Physician Assistant. This helped me discover that my ultimate goal is to become a Physician Assistant.  I currently volunteer with Somers Fire Department. I am very excited to get this valuable experience in emergency care as an EMT. I’m looking forward to learning new things and helping people each day!

Josh Traber at South Windsor’s CREC Magnet School

CREC International School Traber A CREC International School Traber BSOUTH WINDSOR — On June 2, 2016, at the invitation of the parent of a patient, Josh Traber and his partner Dan Hammett presented to the students of the Capital Region Education Council (CREC) International Magnet School for Global Citizenship in South Windsor.

Josh and Dan spoke to over 100 pre-school children in five classes, giving out EMS coloring books, offering tours of the ambulance and talking about emergency medical services and 9-1-1 in an age appropriate fashion.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Jared Krajewski Completes Precepting Phase

Jared KrajewskiMANCHESTER –  As of May 23, 2016, ASM’s Jared Krajewski 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 Bob O’Neil and Paramedic Don Hart.

Jared started at ASM in August of 2013. He graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program. Jared has volunteered for the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department and worked in the Intensive Care Unit in Manchester Memorial Hospital.

As with all precepting phases at ASM, Jared’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 Jared the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

ASM at Manchester High School Health Fair, 2016

MANCHESTER — On May 24, 2016 ASM’s Billy Schnepp and Brian Langan attended a Health Fair at Manchester High School to talk to students about about emergency medical services as a health-related career and the role of Paramedics and EMTs during medical emergencies and within the health system.

MHS Health Fair 2016