Year two fundraising for Team ASM-Aetna was a great success. Through the efforts of our employees, family members, and friends, we were able to raise a total of $1,700 for Breast Cancer Research. In addition, Team ASM-Aetna returned for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk this past Sunday, at the XL Center in downtown Hartford. Thank you to everyone involved for your generous contributions and dedication to the cause.
HARTFORD- On Sunday, October 28th, 2018 Aetna Ambulance, along with numerous local business and sponsors participated in “Connecticut’s largest Halloween Trick or Treat” community event at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. Thousands of children and families attended, but Aetna was well prepared thanks to the efforts of Supervisor Bob Mara.
MANCHESTER- On Wednesday October 2nd, 2018 Team ASM-Aetna hosted its second American Red Cross Blood Drive at ASM’s headquarters. Numerous employees, friends, and family members participated in the day-long event. Aetna and ASM have committed to hosting a drive twice a year. The next event is scheduled for 5/1/2019.
A note from the Red Cross:
Thank you for helping to save lives with the American Red Cross. When you made the commitment to sponsor a blood drive, you helped save lives. Your efforts have helped boost the community blood supply and ensure hospital patients have the lifesaving blood they need.
Your Recent Blood Drive Results:Your blood drive registered 27 donors and collected 26 pints of blood. You and your team also registered 9 first time donors.
Thank you for your gifts of time and support. We truly appreciate your generosity. The patients who have benefited from the blood collected at your blood drive are beyond grateful.
No Shave November is officially here! ASM and Aetna are encouraging employees to put down their razors in an effort to raise awareness for men’s health!
Official Rules for Team ASM-Aetna
To learn more about the cause and donate to the Movember Foundation please:
HARTFORD – As of October 15th, 2018, Emma Becroft has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Emma started at Aetna in February of 2018 and graduated from New Britain EMS Academy’s Paramedic Program. Her preceptor was Paramedic Dan Hope who shared the following sentiment:
“I met Ms. Becroft as a brand new paramedic preceptor. Throughout this process, I have watched Emma shine through a process that is both physically and emotionally challenging. We had our arguments, our laughs, our frustrations and our celebrations, but nothing made me happier than to see her become the provider I knew she could be. I cannot express how honored and how proud I am of her accomplishment and I look forward to working alongside her in the days to come. Emma, my friend; you have earned every bit of the congratulations, praise and love you have received throughout this very challenging process.”
As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Emma’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing her and her preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish Emma the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
MANCHESTER – As of October 12th 2018, ASM’s Valerie Adams has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. Her preceptors were Paramedic Supervisor Timothy Lachappelle and Veteran Paramedic Don Hart. Valerie was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in August, 2015. She offered the following sentiment:
“I started at ASM just over 3 years ago as a new EMT. Shortly after finishing my probationary period, I moved into the overnight shift where my love for helping people and the EMS field began to grow. I was lucky enough to work with paramedics on a regular basis which gave me the chance to see how much more I could help people by obtaining my paramedic license. I graduated from Capital Community College’s Paramedic Program this past May and received my license in June. Over the last 15 weeks, I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from my preceptors as they worked hard to prepare me to practice on my own. I want to thank them for the time they have taken to help me grow as a provider and look forward to continuing to grow as I venture out on my own.”
As with all precepting phases at ASM, Valerie’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing her and her preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Valerie the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
MANCHESTER – As of September 23rd 2018, ASM’s Rodney Bailey 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’s Robert O’Neil and Timothy Lachappelle. Rodney was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in March, 2018. He offered the following sentiment:
“During my precepting phase, I responded to roughly 90 calls over an 11-week period. ASM, with its very large geographic coverage responsibility, has been a blessing in that I have been able to work in many team settings: from solo ambulance response to 10+ person volunteer responses which have helped develop good teamwork and direction capabilities. My talented preceptors were able to immediately identify areas that needed correction, provide guidance, as well as, provide best practices based on their combined experience. Tim and Bob were absolutely critical and professional in preparing me to operate in ASM’s sphere of EMS responsibility. I thoroughly enjoyed my time learning from and practicing alongside these two, and I am excited to be cleared for independent dispatch.”
As with all precepting phases at ASM, Rodney’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 Rodney the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
EAST HARTFORD- On Tuesday,October 2nd, 2018 Heather Roy and Allie Norton, members of the Ambulance Service of Manchester’s call taking team attended Riverside Health & Rehabilitation’s “Paint Night Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s.” In an effort to support the 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s (the Nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds), participants received instruction from local artist Scott Ginter, then created a floral design canvas honoring those affected by the disease.
BOLTON- On Tuesday September 18th, 2018 ASM received the following letter from Bolton Fire Chief Bruce Dixon and 9-11 Event Coordinator James Aldrich.
Dear Kim,
We thank you, Steve, Brian and all the folks at ASM/Aetna for supporting the 9-11 event this year in Bolton. Paramedic Chris Myska and EMT Tiffany George did an excellent job of representing your firm. On behalf of the Town of Bolton and a grateful Fire Department we also want to thank you and your team for all that you day in and day out to help the citizens of Bolton.
MANCHESTER — On Saturday September 15, 2018 Ambulance Service of Manchester employees returned to play in the 4th annual charity softball tournament against teams from Manchester Police Department and Manchester Fire Rescue EMS. Proceeds from the event benefit the Manchester Police Benevolent Association. Photos from the event can be viewed below!
BOLTON — On September 1st, 2018 EMTs Mikhail Uddin and Kylei Koehler, from the Ambulance Service of Manchester were on hand at Fish Family Farm for the Lutz Children’s Museum’s Farm Day 2018. The festival offered an animal petting zoo, live bluegrass music, hay rides, face painting and most importantly, farm fresh ice cream.
ASM performed a standby alongside Bolton Fire Department. The standby served a dual purpose as the children were able to take tours of both the ambulance and fire apparatus.
SOUTH WINDSOR- On Thursday August 16th 2018, Ambulance Service of Manchester EMT’s Spenser Shirshac and Christopher Melite spent the afternoon enjoying the food and festivities at the Journey Found Summer Picnic at Nevers Park in South Windsor. The mission of Journey Found is “to provide behavioral, residential and other support services to individuals of Connecticut with pervasive developmental disorders and intellectual disabilities.” Spencer and Chris were able to interact with members while providing standby coverage for the event.
MANCHESTER- On August 5th, 2018 ASM and Aetna’s lead in-house Mechanic, John Myles proudly attended Manchester’s 18th annual Cruisin’ on Main Street Event with our fully restored 1970 Aetna Cadillac Ambulance. With assistance from full time mechanics Haris and Greg, the vehicle was refurbished, shined and fired up to cruise down Main Street once again. The ambulance joined roughly 1000 other classic cars, trucks and street rods to help raise money for the Manchester Scholarship Foundation. Since 2001, the show has hosted over 14,000 vehicles and over 400,000 people have attended. As John explains, people of all ages enjoyed viewing the ambulance as the vehicle consistently drew a crowd.
In late July, Aetna Ambulance Service was on site at the Central CT Youth Hockey Association (CCYHA) charity golf tournament. CCYHA is a non-profit organization with the goal of assisting families in need of financial support. All proceeds from the event were donated towards the hardship fund.
