Category Archives: Company Philosophy and Thought Leadership

CPR & AED Awareness Week: Heartsaver CPR Training 2014

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CPR AEDMANCHESTER — American Heart Association Heart Saver CPR Training. CPR for Adults, Children and proper use of AED. Seats are limited-Register NOW!

Thursday, June 5, 2014: 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Mahoney Recreation Center, 110 Cedar St., Manchester

$15 for Manchester Residents  ~  $25 Non-residents. Cost includes Heartsaver Student Workbook & Certification. Must register online at https://reconline.townofmanchester.org or in person at the Community Y or by phone 860-647-3164.  Click here for more information on HEARTsafe and AED 

Sponsored by:

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 24

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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:

  • Professional, competent, respectful.
  • Prompt.
  • Excellent service and care.
  • Professional x 15.
  • Good.
  • Excellent. Thank you for your assistance.
  • Considerate and caring.
  • Thanks.
  • Mr. Pacheco was excellent!
  • Competent and caring.
  • Good job.
  • Caring and compassionate.
  • Very professional.
  • Fantastic and professional
  • Very good.
  • Excellent x 7.
  • Excellent care and concern.
  • Awesome.
  • Efficient. Offer alternative to ER; perhaps an urgent care center.
  • Caring.
  • Professional, knowledgeable and caring. All the [EMS Providers] I have dealt with have been very helpful and eased my anxiety. Great job! (14-20949; T. Luetjen, J. Traber).
  • Fantastic!!
  • Good care.
  • Professional and kind.
  • Very friendly.
  • Very professional x 4.

Schedule of EMS Week 2014 Events and Activities

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EMS Week 2013 - Aetna Ambulance Ambulance Service of ManchesterEMS Week 2014

Sunday, May 18th 

  • 0700: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.
  • 1500: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.
  • 2300: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.
Monday, May 19th
  • 0700-0900: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Breakfast to be served.
Tuesday, May 20th
  • 0800-1300:  Hartford Hospital, EMS Week Symposium, Room 221 of the Educational Resource Center.
  • 1735: EMS Night at The Rock Cats, Rock Cats Stadium in New Britain: tickets available for Aetna and ASM employees through Evalyn and 100 tickets available first come first served for all local EMS through Saint Francis Care.
Wednesday, May 21st
  • 1200-1400: Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cookout.
  • 1700-1900: Saint Francis Hospital, Emergency Department: Burrito BBQ Dinner.
  • 1730: Saint Francis Hospital EMS Champion Awards Ceremony, Emergency Department, ambulance bay area.
  • 1730-1900: Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cookout.
Thursday, May 22nd
  • 1130-1330: Saint Francis Hospital, Emergency Department: Burrito BBQ Lunch.
  • 1800: Johnson Memorial Medical Center BBQ & CME: Two CME hours for “Responding to the Cardiac Arrest – What to do when it is time to stop!” lecture that follows BBQ at CMEC Amphitheater (the building on the right as you enter the main hospital driveway).
  • 1900-2200: Hartford Hospital – Hublein Hall: EMS Goes to the Movies. An evening of fun, popcorn and movies. 
Friday, May 23rd
  • 0700-0900: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Breakfast to be served. 
Saturday, May 24th
  • 0700: Hartford Hospital EMS Room, Fresh Fruit available
  • 1500: Hartford Hospital EMS Room, Fresh Fruit available
  • 2300: Hartford Hospital EMS Room, Fresh Fruit available

If your organization, facility or agency is having an EMS Week event in the greater Hartford area and you do not see it listed here, please fill out the contact form, post it as a comment or email it to us at DavidS [at] asm-aetna.com.

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. 

Words That Describe Us: Volume 23

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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:

  • Caring and professional.
  • Amazing.
  • Excellent, caring, compassionate, professional. (14-9832; M. Hoyt, J. Bonneau).
  • Prompt and professional.
  • No improvement needed.
  • Excellent.
  • Compassionate, kept me smiling and comfortable. All the folks in the ambulance made me feel comfortable and at ease. They were highly professional and just all around nice people. (14-15936; A. Harkins, J. Benson).
  • Good.
  • Helpful.
  • Super – Keep up the good work.
  • Caring and considerate.
  • My EMT Matt was very professional. I would like to thank him for remembering to take my wedding rings off before my hand swelled so that they did not have cut them off. His attention to details was excellent (14-16315; M. Campbell, S. McDuell).
  • Thank you. Good job.
  • Friendly and caring
  • Caring x 2.
  • Professional, empathetic, caring.
  • Kind.
  • Perfect!!!
  • Professional! All I can say is that I am very grateful for their service. They listened to me and knew what I needed after I told them my problem (14-8036; A. Hedburg, C. Rockoff).

Words That Describe Us: Volume 22

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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 very best. If it were not for them my son would be in serious condition. (14-3972; R. Leslie, R. McConville).
  • Experienced and accommodating.
  • Very good!!!
  • I felt safe! The gentleman was very nice and reassuring. Thank you! (14-8438; S. Crittenden).
  • Terrific.
  • Very good care.
  • Excellent x 3.
  • Superb! The EMTs/Paramedics were so very good with me and my children. They listened to me and eased the very tense and frightening situation. (13-111854; J. Traber, B. Langan).
  • Caring, kind and professional. Recently losing my husband after 30 years I was alone and scared. Your people made me feel very safe and relaxed (14-11807; N. Toro).
  • Professional and efficient.
  • Excellent service.
  • I felt like I was very well taken care of.
  • Caring, concerned, very professional.
  • Professional, EMT was very nice.
  • Compassionate x 2.
  • Wonderful. Very professional.
  • Excellent service.
  • Extremely efficient and cordial.
  • There when you need help.
  • Very kind, compassionate and understanding. (14-2647; S. Allen, B. Langan).
  • Super.
  • Very competent.

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. 

Thank You Letter Invokes Aetna Founder Jean Grady

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Aetna Wallpaper 2Please forgive the lateness of this note, but understandably, I have been dealing with a lot on my plate. My sister passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly on January 31st. Luckily, I was with her and was able to call for an ambulance. Aetna Ambulance responded as well as the Hartford Fire Department. I can not praise your company enough. Everyone was so professional, yet caring. I was completely overwhelmed by the whole experience. They recognized this and acted accordingly.

I had a personal connection to the Jean Grady, the previous owner of Aetna, so everything came full circle. I was also born and raised in Hartford and was never prouder of my hometown on that day. My son-in-law just started his own ambulance company in South Carolina. When I recounted my experience, he was so proud to be a paramedic and company owner.

Thank you to all that you do and a special thanks to the men that responded to Franklin Avenue on that day.

Sincerely,

Sister of Patient — #14-9217

Letter appears with permission.

Campbell and Mathiau 2Crew: Matthew Campbell and Kevin Mathiau (again)

 

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.

Praise Again for Aetna’s Matt Campbell and Kevin Mathiau

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Campbell and Mathiau 2HARTFORD — On February 15, 2014 Aetna Ambulance crew members Matt Campbell and Kevin Mathiau responded to a motor vehicle accident in Wethersfield. Within two weeks the patient was randomly selected to receive a Patient Satisfaction Survey. The patient sent back a response on the care she and her family received.

Matt and Kevin received “Strongly Agree” in every response category. When asked to use a word or phrase to describe us, the patient wrote “Timely, professional, informative and caring.”

The following was handwritten in the additional feedback space provided:

“We truly appreciated the kindness that was shown to us and to our children by the EMTs and Paramedics. We were in a side rollover with our two small children and the EMTs and Paramedics helped make a very scary situation very positive. Keep up the excellent work. Everyone was very personable and we felt as if we were being cared for by good friends or family members.”

– Run #14-13714 (Information appears with permission).

Words That Describe Us: Volume 21

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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:

  • Good x 4.
  • Professional and prompt.
  • Sympathetic and professional.
  • Good team!
  • Very good x 2.
  • Caring and considerate.
  • Excellent service. The ambulance arrived shortly after being called and I felt relief right away. The attendants were very professional and informed me about all the procedures. I felt very secure in their hands. Thank you very much. (14-4436; T. Allbee, J. Lentini).
  • Polite, helpful, competent, friendly. (14-3308; E. Sheils, M. Khan).
  • Professional. Thank you. I really needed your services.
  • Excellent service.
  • Very professional.
  • Beyond my expectations!! Excellent.
  • Great x 2.
  • Great care.
  • Caring professionals.
  • A1, efficient.
  • Great job
  • Very professional and kind.
  • Very professional and caring.
  • Competent.
  • Helpful, knowledgeable.
  • Professional x 8.
  • Great that you’re around.
  • Very capable and concerned. Very soothing and kept me calm (14-6515; M. Carter, T. Webster).
  • Professional, kind, caring, non-judgmental (13-105889; R. Davenport, M. Guertin).

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).