Three More Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulances Arrive

MANCHESTER — On August 24, 2012 three Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances arrived from American Emergency Vehicles in North Carolina.

The three additional, unmarked ambulances will be added to the two already being held on-site as ASM. Four of these will soon be sent out to receive the high-visibility Aetna/ASM Battenburg markings, rear chevrons and company logos.

The Mercedes Sprinters will replace several aging Ford models, leaving the fleet with only four Fords at ASM and seven at Aetna as of this writing.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 2

Aetna Ambulance - Ambulance Service of ManchesterMANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna 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.

Some of the answers included:

  • “One suggestion is hire more outstanding, professional, compassionate individuals like Matt and Jackie. Coming from a healthcare provider, these two were fantastic.”
  • “Continue to hire good quality people like the crew that took care of me!”
  • “You saved my life! Thank you!”
  • “[Your] service is admirable”

EMS is often a thankless field. We feel that expressions of appreciation deserve to be shared and constructive comments deserve to be acted upon. An effort is made to share positive and/or constructive comments with the field staff and with the public we serve. Some of the other responses we have received are highlighted throughout our blog and on our website.

If we have treated you and you would like to request a blank survey please call our office at (860) 647-9798 or send your comments to us at PO Box 300, Manchester, CT 06045-0300. Or, simply click the Leave a Reply link below.

Meet the Newest Members of the ASM Team

MANCHESTER– On August 15, 2012, 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.

Nicole Geier: I am 27 years old and I reside in Windsor, Connecticut with my husband Chris, our dog, Bender and our cat, Fry. I am currently enrolled in the Goodwin College Nursing Program and I will become a Registered Nurse in May 2014. With the Bachelor’s degree I already have in Criminal Justice; I hope to become an RN in a correctional facility. I spend most of my time volunteering at the Windsor Fire Department as a Firefighter/EMT as well as volunteering at the Windsor Volunteer Ambulance, where I completed my EMT certification class this past May. I enjoy listening to music, playing the guitar and piano, watching TV and hanging out with family and friends. I love Diet Coke, the Red Sox and anything related to zombies (movies, books, video games – you name it!). I am looking forward to beginning my new career within the EMS field at ASM.

Michael Hoyt: I am 36 years old and live in Bolton with my girlfriend, Stephanie. I became interested in EMS while exploring a career change to nursing. I spent ten years working with people with disabilities throughout the state. After spending too much time at a desk, I wanted something more direct, more hands-on. I missed the personal connection to those I was serving. Since my first exposure to patient care, I’ve been hooked. I received my EMT certification in January from ASM and plan to study for my Paramedic license sometime in the future. I was impressed by the caliber of people I met while studying at ASM and feel honored to join the family. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and travel. I also enjoy playing with my nephews, building with blocks, playing cars, or perhaps the most pleasurable of all life’s pursuits, Legos.

Mikhail A. Khan: Full time EMT. When I was offered a position at ASM, one of the paramedics patted me on the back and welcomed me aboard. It was then I knew I had joined a great team. Anybody can kick a football but only a focused, coordinated team can win a championship.

Having traveled extensively, I have lived on three continents and am fluent in three languages and conversant in a few more. I spent many years in South Asia and East Africa and have traveled in Europe. Listening to Pink Floyd and U2 while hiking in the Himalayas and to Led Zeppelin and Queen during safaris, I am a huge music buff. My educational background is wide ranging, studying in an American Embassy School as well as strict Catholic schools. This exposure to different cultures has taught me that there are far more similarities than differences among people. I am an avid swimmer and an outdoor enthusiast.

My interest in EMS was sparked when I was only nine years old at a swimming pool. The lifeless body of a little boy had been pulled out of the deep end of the pool. There was pandemonium; the child’s family was hysterical while onlookers watched. My father, who had been trained in first aid, immediately took action and performed CPR on the boy who started to breathe. I will never forget how quickly his skin changed from ashen-blue to pink. It was then that I realized that EMS is a field where one can make a difference.

After many years, I entered the banking industry, living my life in a metaphorical and literal cubical. Once I completed the EMT program at Hartford Hospital and started volunteering extensively at a volunteer ambulance, I was professionally and personally invigorated. I have had the opportunity to work with some very talented paramedics and EMTs and aspire to become a paramedic in the near future by furthering my education in this area. I have come to learn that perseverance commands success.

Billy Schnepp: My name is Billy Schnepp. I am 22 years old and from Suffield, CT. I’ve been an EMT since high school and have been hooked ever since. I recently graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a focus on neuroscience. In college, I volunteered as a clinical interpreter at a primary care office in Willimantic to help bridge the gap between Spanish-speaking patients and English-speaking providers. In my down-time, I enjoy swimming, reading, spending time with friends, and browsing clinical research. I am fascinated by the human body and am looking to pursue nursing school. I would ultimately like to become a physician or clinical psychologist. I’m always looking to further strengthen my skills in EMS, as well as obtain enrichment in all aspects of emergency care. I am looking forward to joining the ASM team.

Aetna Ambulance Participates in National Night Out – Hartford

Aetna Ambulance - National Night Out Hartford HARTFORD — On August 8, 2012 Aetna sent EMTs Jordan Smith and Jason Basora to represent the company at The Boys and Girls Club of Hartford’s National Night Out. According to information provided by the Asylum Hill club:

…this night allows community members, families, neighbors, young people, and Police to come together, celebrate, and promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer neighborhood and safer nation. Continue reading

Aetna and ASM attend Mercedes Sprinter Adaptive Electronic Stability Program

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — On August 7, 2012, members of Aetna and ASM’s Operations team and the Fleet Service Manager attended a training and demonstration session of the Adaptive Electronic Stability Program. ESP is standard on the Sprinter Ambulances that Aetna Ambulance and ASM operate. The training was held regionally at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Operating Mercedes Benz Sprinter Ambulances equipped with Adaptive ESP is part of Aetna and ASM’s long-term commitment to the safety of our patients and EMS crews. Aetna and ASM are in the process of transitioning to all Sprinters for the regular fleet and currently operate 33 Sprinter Ambulances.

Continue reading

Words That Describe Us: Volume 1

Aetna Ambulance - Ambulance Service of ManchesterMANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna 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 last question of the survey asks the respondent, “Please use one word to describe us.” The respondents also use the line to express how they felt about the service as well. Here are the responses we have received, in order, in the two months this question has been asked:

  • Perfect
  • Very involved
  • Awesome
  • Respectful
  • Competent
  • Efficient and thoughtful
  • Super
  • Excellent x 7
  • Great service and response
  • Wonderful x 2
  • Lifesavers
  • Satisfied
  • Good x 2
  • Effective
  • Prompt
  • Professional x 2
  • Humanitarians
  • Reassuring
  • Very Comforting
  • Outstanding x 2
  • Fantastic
  • Great x 2

EMS is often a thankless field. We feel that expressions of appreciation deserve to be shared and constructive comments deserve to be acted upon. An effort is made to share positive and/or constructive comments with the field staff and with the public we serve. Some of the other responses we have received are highlighted throughout our blog and on our website.

If we have treated you and you would like to request a blank survey please call our office at (860) 647-9798 or send your comments to us at PO Box 300, Manchester, CT 06045-0300. Or, simply click the Leave a Reply link below.

Aetna’s Leslie Prado Graduates Health Leadership Program

Aetna's Leslie Prado

Aetna’s Leslie Prado

WEST HARTFORD — On June 20, 2012, in a ceremony held at The Pond House Cafe in West Hartford, Aetna’s Leslie Prado graduated from the Connecticut Health Foundation’s 2012 Health Leadership Fellows program.

According to their website, “CT Health established the Health Leadership Fellows Program to create leaders and change agents through who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to recognize and seize opportunities to act for health equity. Every year we select up to 20 applicants who work in fields of influence such as public policy, health practice, health care administration, and other related fields.” Continue reading

The Ultimate Lifesaver? How Aetna and ASM Ambulance Stack Up – Vol. 4

ASM and Aetna were early adopters of Intraosseous (IO) infusers

ASM and Aetna were early adopters of Intraosseous (IO) infusers

A recent Wall Street Journal article described cutting edge equipment, techniques and skills in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) that are changing patient outcomes, revolutionizing care and sharpening the leading edge of the EMS industry.

Read the Wall Street Journal article here…

So how do Aetna and ASM match up against The Ultimate Lifesaver?

Volume 4: Intraosseous Infusers

Resembling a light-weight hobbyist drill, Continue reading

Required Forms for Non-Emergency Ambulance Transport in Connecticut

ASM ambulance picks up at Tac Air in Windsor Locks, CTAn updated version of the post below is available by clicking here. Some of the information below has changed.

Below is a comprehensive list of forms needed to complete a basic life support, routine inter-facility ambulance transfer in the State of Connecticut. More medical information and demographics are necessary but in regards to forms, this it…

Continue reading

ASM and Windsor Volunteer Ambulance Celebrate First Anniversary of Partnership

Windsor EMS and ASM Celebrate 1 Year

Windsor EMS and ASM Celebrate 1 Year

WINDSOR — On July 1, 2012 the Ambulance Service of Manchester and Windsor Volunteer Ambulance (WVA) will celebrate the first anniversary of a successful partnership.

In 2011 WVA selected ASM to be the supplemental emergency provider for the Town of Windsor. This arrangement has meant that ASM provides ambulance and paramedic coverage to the town when Windsor EMS’ resources have been exhausted by 911 calls. It also gives WEMS the ability to call on ASM for supplemental resources as they see fit.

Access to shared radio frequencies and a contractual billing arrangement has made most situations seamless to Windsor residents, leaving the only obvious sign of ASM’s presence being the checkered Sprinter ambulances occasionally in town.

“Since partnering with ASM last July it has been a pleasure for us to work with such a professional organization.”

-Dennis C. Guay, Chief Executive Officer Continue reading

Aetna Ambulance Hosts Turkish Firefighter on Global Exchange

Aetna Ambulance Hosts Turkish Firefighter on Global Exchange

(L to R): Mark Hannegan, Global Exchange/Turkish Firefighter Fatih Belgin, Graham MacDonald, AHEC’s Samia Hussein

HARTFORD — On June 26, 2012, Fatih Belgin from Istanbul’s Metropolitan Municipality – Istanbul Fire Department in Turkey was at Aetna Ambulance to shadow an ambulance crew, tour facilities and observe 911 calls.

Along with his hosts from the Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Inc., he met with EMTs, Paramedics, and Directors Graham MacDonald and Mark Hannegan. They explained the US EMS system and how fire, police and ambulance services work together. Continue reading

ASM Crew Makes Appearance at Washington School Fun Day

Washington School Fun Day

An unusual guest Paramedic treats an unusual patient at Washington School Fun Day

MANCHESTER — On June 11, 2012 a Paramedic crew from the Ambulance Service of Manchester attended Washington School’s Annual “Fun Day”. The Manchester elementary school and the PTA hold the event to celebrate the close of each school year.

ASM’s Vinnie Maston and Jason Bak were a hit last year, autographing ASM coloring books for the students and giving tours of the ambulance. This year Vinnie, a Supervisor and Paramedic returned with fellow Supervisor and Paramedic Mike Panciera.

Representatives from Manchester Police Department and Manchester Fire Rescue EMS were on hand to round out the public safety services in Manchester.

ASM’s Alpha Five: Volume 3: Don Hart

STAFFORD SPRINGS — Beth Van Alstyne, Director of Critical Care Services for Johnson Memorial Medical Center in Stafford Springs, wrote a complimentary endorsement for ASM’s Don Hart. Don is a seasoned paramedic and a known fixture at JMMC. He has been stationed on ASM’s Alpha 5 (also known as The Johnson Medic) for several years. Read more about The Johnson Medic here…

ASM's Don Hart at Johnson Memorial Medical Center

ASM's Don Hart at Johnson Memorial Medical Center

Here is an excerpt from Beth’s note: “Don has become an integral part of the JMH ED family!  Everyone throughout the hospital knows Don and even where “Don’s desk” is located in the ED.  He is even a stop on every ED tour!  Don is the epitome of selfless hard work and team spirit.  He is always willing to help out.  He is friendly, courteous and compassionate with all patients and will assist patients and visitors as appropriate. 

As a medic, Don is top notch.  Continue reading

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Rory Leslie Completes Precepting Phase

ASM's Rory Leslie with East Hartford Daisy Scouts

ASM's Rory Leslie with East Hartford Daisy Scouts

MANCHESTER – As of May 23, 2012, ASM’s Rory Leslie 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 Supervisors Vinnie Maston and Beth Sheils. 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, Rory’s final approval came from ECHN after shadowing Rory and his preceptor (by proxy) in the field as they responded to emergency calls. Continue reading

CPR and AED Awareness Week: Heartsaver CPR Training

MANCHESTER — Come join us and our partners on Thursday, June 7, 2012 from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. at the Mahoney Recreation Center, 110 Cedar Street, Manchester, CT. for Heartsaver CPR training course.

ASM Ambulance Heartsafe Community CPR AEDLearn CPR for adults and children, the proper use of an Automated External Difibrillator (AED), and choking management on adults and children.

  • Seats are limited so register now!
  • Call the Manchester Health Department at (860) 647-3173.
  • $10.00 registration fee payable at the door ~ cash or check only.
  • Heartsaver Student Workbook available at Mary Cheney and Whiton Libraries.

Sponsored by the Manchester Health Department, Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS, Manchester Fire Department (Eighth Utilities District) – CPR Program, the Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM) and ProActive Safety. Continue reading