Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Valerie Adams Completes Precepting Phase

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.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Rodney Bailey Completes Precepting Phase

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.

Mercedes Bariatric Ambulances Arrive for Duty at Aetna and ASM

HARTFORD and MANCHESTER, Connecticut — Recently Aetna Ambulance Service and the Ambulance Service of Manchester took delivery of two new bariatric Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances from American Emergency Vehicles (AEV) increasing the overall bariatric fleet to four vehicles. The new ambulances have an upgraded design with a longer wheel base and larger load capacity. ASM and Aetna firmly believe that the ergonomic advancements will improve both patient care and comfort. As with our previous bariatric ambulances, each new unit is equipped with Stryker Power-LOAD stretcher lift systems capable of lifting a maximum patient weight of 700 pounds. Fitting our bariatric vehicles with the Power-LOAD stretcher lift system is part of Aetna and ASM’s long-term commitment to the safety of our patients and employees. 

ASM Office Staff Participate in Alzheimer’s Fundraiser!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Charles Lodge Completes Precepting Phase

MANCHESTER – As of September 28th, 2018, ASM’s Charles Lodge 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 veteran paramedics Greg Derosier and Dave White. Charlie was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in March, 2015. He offered the following sentiment:

“During my precepting phase I responded to roughly 100 calls over a 10-week period. ASM has a very large coverage area so this was an excellent opportunity as a new Paramedic to get familiar with many of the volunteer services we work alongside. Having two of ASM’s seasoned paramedics offer guidance as I transitioned into my new role was paramount. In conjunction to emergencies, a large part of our job is high acuity interfacility transfers between area hospitals. Greg and Dave were crucial in getting me familiar with how ASM operates in this capacity and our role as Paramedics. I thoroughly enjoyed my time practicing alongside the two of them and I am excited to be cleared for independent med control.”

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

ASM attends 9-11 event in Bolton

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.

ASM Participates in Annual Charity Softball Tournament!

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!

 

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Matthew Burrell Completes Precepting Phase

MANCHESTER – As of September 2nd, 2018, ASM’s Matthew Burrell 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 Beth Sheils and Paramedic Dave White. Matthew was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in December, 2017. He offered the following sentiment regarding his time at ASM:

“I began working at ASM last December after completing Paramedic school at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston. I was immediately impressed by the professionalism and technical proficiency of my coworkers and have been proud to be part of a company where the EMT’s and Paramedics are held in such high regard throughout the EMS community. Over the past months of precepting, I benefitted greatly from the experience of both of my preceptors who have each worked in EMS for twenty years. I am honored to have been mentored by such capable Paramedics and look forward to utilizing the knowledge I have gained from them while providing ALS service to the communities that ASM covers.”

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

ASM On Hand at Farm Day 2018 at Fish Family Farm

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.

ASM’s Kayla Fortin Commissioned in Army National Guard

Ambulance Service of Manchester EMT Kayla Fortin has successfully earned her commission in the Army National Guard following successful completion of Officer Candidate School. On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to congratulate Lieutenant Fortin for this distinct honor. Please see below for graduation photos and a brief quote from Kayla.

“I enlisted in the Army National Guard two and a half years ago as an officer candidate with no prior service. Officer Candidate School was 18 months long and we have finally reached the end and become commissioned officers. I will be branching medical services and will go to school for this next year.”

 

ASM Participates in SW Journey Found Event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Aetna & ASM take in Yard Goats Game

HARTFORD- Employees from Aetna Ambulance Service and the Ambulance Service of Manchester joined together on Sunday August 5th to unwind with friends and family at the Hartford Yard Goats game. Tickets are available to crews, dispatch, and office personnel on a first come first serve basis for the upcoming game on Wednesday August 29th for those interested. Thank you to Rich Luma for the photos provided.

A Breath of Fresh Air

 

Recently the Ambulance Service of Manchester placed Dräger Oxylog 3000+ transport ventilators into service, replacing the Oxylog 3000 transport ventilators. The Oxylog 3000+ enables the Ambulance Service of Manchester to continue to provide the highest level of patient care while increasing patient comfort thanks to Dräger‘s Autoflow function. Autoflow provides better patient/ventilator synchrony adjusting flow to the patients need.

ASM continues our dedication to providing cutting edge emergency medical care and our vision of putting gold standard clinical resources and equipment at the fingertips of our providers.

ASM Visits South Windsor KinderCare

MANCHESTER- On July 19, 2018 The Ambulance Service of Manchester was invited to attend a safety event at South Windsor KinderCare. Organized by the Center Director, the day encouraged kids to interact with EMS personnel in order to gain a sense of familiarity with first responders. ASM EMT’s Danielle Chowaniec and Chris Tevnan provided ambulance tours, posed for pictures and handed out coloring books to those in attendance.