Category Archives: Company Philosophy and Thought Leadership

East Hartford Daisy Troop Visited by ASM Crew

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EH Daisy TroopEAST HARTFORD — On February 6th, ASM’s Polina Yakushchenko and Jacob Truebig visited Girls Scout Daisy Troop 10862 during a troop meeting.

“Thanks for sending the ambulance yesterday to our Girls Scout Daisy Troop 10862. The girls enjoyed going inside the ambulance and getting the coloring books.  I asked Jacob to explain about the stethoscope and I think that was one of the favorite part for many girls. Thanks so much again for sending them I know winter is kind of crazy with emergency calls.” – Troop Leader Barbara Valdes

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.

Praise for ASM’s Stacy DeBarge

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Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC. - Stacy DeBarge

ASM’s Stacy DeBarge

I would like to bring to your attention the actions of [Manchester Fire Rescue EMS Firefighter Paramedic] and ASM EMT Stacy DeBarge of Unit 510.

On 1/XX/2014 Engine X responded to XX Lane for a Medical Alarm. The Incident turned out to be a lift assist only. The patient was an elderly women who had fallen out of bed and had been on the floor most of the night.

After determining the patient was not injured she was assisted into a chair. Patient has a home health aide on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday’s. As this was a Tuesday morning the patient would not have assistance during the day. When learning of this [MFRE Firefighter Paramedic] and Stacy assisted the patient upstairs to get dry clothes as she was wet and had soiled herself. Stacy assisted by [MFRE Firefighter Paramedic] helped the patient shower and get into dry clothes. Patient was assisted back downstairs and into her chair. Arrangements were made for the patients niece to check on her later.

Calling this incident a lift assist only barely scratches the surface as to the above and beyond care that was provided by [MFRE Firefighter Paramedic] and Stacy, who were assisted by John Bonneau, ASM EMT, and [MFRE Firefighter].

I would also like to note that ASM had been dismissed and choose to stay and help.

Thought you would like to know.

[MFRE Lieutenant]

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). 

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.

Aetna, ASM, State Police Toy Drive Pictures for 2013

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WEST HARTFORD — Attached are pictures from the Connecticut State Police ‘Stuff a Cruiser’ Toy Drive for 2013 which is a team effort with Aetna Ambulance and the Ambulance Service of Manchester.

The Toy Drive took place December 19-22 at Toys R Us locations in Manchester, Newington and West Hartford and brings in cash donations and toys for children treated at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center locations throughout the year. Photo credit to David Tedeschi.

Santa Visits Victim of Fire in Somers

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SantaSOMERS — The attached picture is of a mother and daughter who were rescued from a structure fire on December 4, 2013 in a joint effort by several local fire departments and a courageous bystander. ASM’s Johnson Medic (Alpha 5) crew, Don Hart and Ayla Sarles, delivered care with Somers Fire Department once the patients were removed from the building. Read the Patch story here…

Last week Santa arrived to bring them some cheer during a difficult holiday season, courtesy of Somers Fire Department. According to ASM’s Ray Stovall, who took part in the rescue as part of Somers Fire Department, “It was one of the best experiences of my life. The family was so thankful to all involved. Being there restored some faith in humanity. We see so much bad in our jobs that it warmed my heart to see the pure joy on this families face.”

A special note of recognition goes not only to Somers Fire Department but also to Hazardville Fire Department and their Captain Hurley in the rescue of the mother. Ray goes on to say, “As always the Alpha 5 crew did an awesome job on patient care and working with the fire departments on scene.”

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.

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.

Regional Food Drive In Manchester Considered A Success

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By JESSE LEAVENWORTH

The Hartford Courant

4:57 p.m. EST, November 25, 2013

MANCHESTER — A regional food drive in its fifth year tallied “phenomenal” results, an organizer announced Monday.

The Emergency of Hunger drive, run by emergency response agencies and Rotary Club members, gathered 38,309 food items, $24,143 in cash, checks and gift cards and 596 turkeys, event organizer Dave Skoczulek said.

Donations were gathered at supermarkets in Manchester, South Windsor, Vernon, Windsor and Enfield, the latest community to join the effort. The donations go to food pantries and shelters in each town.

“Because we keep adding towns and changing hours and tinkering with the format, it’s hard to say if it was the biggest year,” Skoczulek said. “But I would say it was the best year. We had the most fun, brought in a huge amount, had the best interactions with the public and saw the biggest desire to give.”

Over the past five years, the drive has tallied 147,000 food items, $96,186 in donations and 4,170 turkeys.

Read the Courant article by clicking here…