Category Archives: ASM Company News

Heartbreaking Loss of Former ASM Paramedic

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It is with extreme sorrow that we relay this information. Elias Friedman, a former Paramedic with the Ambulance Service of Manchester for many years, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday Morning in New York City. After leaving ASM in 2008, Elias became a Paramedic for SeniorCare EMS in New York City, where he was still employed at the time of his passing. Elias married his wife Rivka this past May, and had his first child, Mayla Leah Friedman only a few days ago. As you’ll note in the article below, Elias has made a lasting impact on his community as an experienced Critical Care Paramedic and volunteer with Hatzalah of the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Despite leaving over a decade ago, his clever and compassionate persona will not soon be forgotten by coworkers and friends here at ASM.

Elias Friedman

ASM partakes in “Rebuilding Together” Event in Manchester

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The Ambulance Service of Manchester is thrilled to announce that it has joined forces with the Town of Manchester Fire Department and Manchester Police Department for The Town’s 26th Rebuilding Together Event. Part of a National non-profit organization, Rebuilding Together was formed with the goal of “bringing communities together in efforts to assist those in need of general home repair and improvements.” On April 11th, ASM employees, and members of MPD and MFRE were sent out in small groups to perform home assessments during phase one of the endeavor. Each team compiled a list of projects in order to help streamline the workday on the 28th.

For more information on Rebuilding Together, please click here!

ASM Participates in ‘Stop The Bleed” Event

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MANCHESTER-On Saturday, March 31, 2018 the town of Manchester joined with over 600 communities across the nation in observing the inaugural “Stop the Bleed Day” by hosting the American College of Surgeons’ Basic Bleeding Control course. This course, which was offered free of charge to members of the community, provided participants with the knowledge and skills needed to save a life in the event of a serious bleeding emergency. Bleeding is the number one preventable cause of death associated with a traumatic injury, regardless of the cause of that injury.

Manchester’s course was coordinated by Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.  ASM’s Paramedic Greg Derosier and EMT/Field Training Officer Cory Lachance joined representatives from the Connecticut Office of Emergency Medical Services, Manchester Police Department, Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS, Manchester Public Schools, and Manchester Health Department to teach participants hands-on bleeding control techniques.

According to a press release available on the American College of Surgeons (ACS) website:

“Stop the Bleed traces its origins to the aftermath of the Sandy Hook School shootings on December 14, 2012. Shortly afterward, the ACS partnered with law enforcement and other interested national organizations to develop the Hartford Consensus. Out of this Consensus (where the initial meetings convened in Hartford, Connecticut), emerged an emergency response goal to improve survival following mass shootings and other intentional acts of mass violence by empowering civilians to take life-saving action when the need arises, regardless of the situation or cause of the significant bleeding.

After recommendations of the Hartford Consensus were released, Stop the Bleed, a national public awareness campaign was launched in October of 2015 by the White House and then-President Obama, with a call to action to begin training more people to become immediate responders. Stop the Bleed cultivates grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency, thus becoming the first vital link of the trauma care chain of survival.”

If you were unable to attend this course and wish to receive this potentially life-saving training, it is offered on an ongoing basis, FREE of charge, to anyone interested.  Please visit http://bleedingcontrol.org and click “Find a Class” to locate a class near you.

Above Post Drafted by ASM EMT/Field Training Officer Cory Lachance

“Thank You For Giving Me My Life Back”

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Manchester- On March 27th, 2018 ASM Paramedic Chris Myska and EMT Robert Anderson had the rare opportunity to meet a patient they treated one month prior. The patient (shown above), requested to meet the crew in person eager to express her  appreciation for the tremendous care they provided. In addition, the following letter was addressed to Chris and Bob for their efforts.

On February 28th, you were called to XX hospital to transport me to XX hospital due to my having had a heart attack.

On the way to the hospital, I needed CPR and had to be shocked to bring me back to life. My doctor told me that I was dead for a good minute.

I am writing this to thank you for giving me my life back. There is no way that I can repay that. I also want to apologize for scaring both of you that way. I am sure that your hearts were beating a lot harder than mine.

I want you both to know that I am doing well. I had two stents put in and I will be starting cardiac rehab on March 28th, 3 days a week for 12 weeks.

Again, Thank you! Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos and letter appear with permission.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Seven – 2018

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MANCHESTER — On March 19th, 2018 one Paramedic and six EMTs were added to the ASM 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.

Kylei Koehler: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi! My name is Kylei and I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in the small town of Willington, CT. I received my EMT-B license after completing my course with Code One in the summer of 2017. I am an active member of the Tolland Fire Department as a volunteer EMT and am looking to earn my fire certifications as well. I currently attend Capital College in Hartford and am pursing a degree in Radiology. In my free time I enjoying hiking, fishing and spending time with my dog, Bentley. I am very grateful and excited that I was given the opportunity to pursue a career with ASM and I look forward to serving the community!

Brian Chapdelaine.:FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! My name is. I’m 30 years old. I am from East Longmeadow, MA and currently living in Enfield, CT. I have an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Springfield Technical Community College. I took my EMT course at EMT Academy in Springfield. For a little over a year I have been working as an EMT-B for a private company in Springfield. In September I will be starting the Paramedic Program at GCC in Greenfield, MA. I became an EMT because I have always had a passion for helping those in need and love serving my community. I am also getting married this year so it’s going to be a very busy but exciting year. In my free time I love to watch sports, play video games, hunt, and spend time with my family and friends. I am excited to join the ASM team and be a part of this company has i further my career in EMS!

Owen Cummings: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, my name is Owen Cummings, and I am 21 years old. I grew up in Simsbury CT, and graduated from Simsbury High School. I obtained my EMT certification through the New Britain EMS Academy in the summer of 2017. My passion for this career started as a cadet firefighter in Simsbury. I currently volunteer for New Hartford EMS and Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance. I look forward to learning at ASM, and eventually progressing to a paramedic provider.

 

Tara Monge: PART TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Tara Monge. I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. After developing an interest in the medical field, I enrolled in an EMT course at CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor. I am honored to be able to start my EMT career with ASM and look forward to evolving as a medical professional with them. I expect this new experience will help guide me down my next path in this profession.

Robert Davis: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Robert Davis and I’m 35 years old. I live here in Manchester, and am married with two boys, 5 and 14.  I’m originally from southern Arizona, and grew up just north of the Mexican border. After moving here in 2003, I joined the Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department, where I took my EMT in 2005. After obtaining that, I worked at Campion in Waterbury until 2015.After taking a few years off, I realized how much I missed helping people, and am looking forward to doing so here at ASM.

Rodney Bailey: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. My name is Rodney Bailey. I am 38 years old, originally from Kodiak, Alaska. I currently live in Wallingford, CT. I graduated from Capital Community College in December with my Paramedic certification, and just received my license in January. I served 11 years in the Navy, including one year in Afghanistan in 2008, and served as an instructor for the Florida Highway Patrol for several years. This is my second time as an EMT, never let it lapse for greener grass, and I am Excited about joining the ASM team and am excited for the opportunities that it presents.

Kayla Fortin: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi I’m Kayla and I’m 24 years old. I went to CCSU for athletic training and took my EMT class there as well. I’ve been in commercial EMS for 3 years now, and plan to continue my education in either paramedic or nursing school. I’ll also be a Medical Officer in the Army National Guard this coming August. When I’m not at work, I enjoy eating sushi, being with friends and family, and working out. I’m really excited to be a part of the ASM team!

ASM Holds Years of Service Recognition Event

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MANCHESTER- On March 15th, 2018 the Ambulance Service of Manchester hosted a “Years of Service Recognition Dinner.” The event honored staff members with ten years of service or greater. Quite remarkably, over 50 employees received an award, including several in the 25-35 year range! Without the consistent hard work and dedication of ASM crew members, dispatchers, office personnel, and mechanics, the company would not be where it is today. Thanks for all you do!

ASM Promotes Three to Field Training Officer (FTO)

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MANCHESTER — On March 9th, 2018 the Ambulance Service of Manchester promoted three from within its EMT ranks to the post of Field Training Officer: Bianca Krzynowek, Ryan Bochman, and Kyle Caldwell. FTOs are utilized primarily to train newly hired employees in the performance of their duties as EMTs.

Kyle Caldwell: I have been with ASM now for about 5 years and an EMT for around 6. I started in EMS when I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go in my life or what I wanted to do. After a short stint working for Ellington Ambulance, I landed a job at ASM which has given me a lot of opportunity to grow. I have an amazing wife who has always encouraged me to better myself and been very patient and understanding with all the long days and hours I’ve put into this job. I am very fortunate to have both my wife and this job.

Bianca Krzynowek: My name is Bianca and I have worked at ASM for around 3 years. I am very excited to be promoted to FTO at ASM because I love meeting new people. I also think that knowing how to be safe on scene while doing this job is important and I hope to be able to instill that in my new fellow coworkers so that they can lead safe and prosperous careers in EMS. Right now I live with my German Shepard Toby and my horse, Abe. When I’m not at work I am running, at the gym, snowboarding, riding my horse, or hiking with Toby. I can’t wait to get started FTOing!

Ryan Bochman: I have been an EMT at ASM for a little over 2 1/2 years and an EMT for approximately 9 years. I have been married for almost 4 years and have just become a father to a healthy and beautiful baby boy.  I became interested in the medical field at 17 when I volunteered for Haddam Fire Company as a firefighter/MRT-now EMR. I took great pride in helping people in what might be one of the worst moments of there life. Over my time as an EMT, I have learned a lot from those working around me, as well as assisting in the education of others and students. As I join the ranks of FTO at ASM, I look forward to training and assisting new employees as they transition to working in EMS full time. I look forward to the opportunity to share the knowledge I have learned over the years with newer EMT’s to make them the best medical professional they can be.

Praise from Andover Volunteer Fire Department

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Andover Volunteer Fire Department

February XX, 2018

On Feb XX ASM Alpha 1 responded to [a residence] in Andover for a cardiac arrest. The crew was Cody Lemire and Valerie Adams. We just received a phone call from the patient’s wife. She is extremely grateful for our services. She is so thankful and said everybody did a wonderful job. I was hoping you would be able to relay this to your outstanding crew and thank them and all your crews for the wonderful job they do and the fabulous care they provide to our patient’s every day.

Regards,

Mindy Hegener

Deputy Chief

Andover Volunteer Fire Department

 

Team ASM-Aetna Participates in 2018 CT Brain Freeze!

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Year one fundraising for Team ASM-Aetna was a great success. Through the efforts of employees, family members, and friends, a total of $1,175 was raised for Brain Tumor Research. All proceeds were donated to the National Brain Tumor Society. Thank you to everyone involved for your generous contributions and dedication to the cause. Please enjoy pictures from the event below!

Team ASM-Aetna preps for the CT Brain Freeze!

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Thanks to the support and dedication of ASM and Aetna employees, Team ASM-Aetna ha reached its goal of 15 participants for the CT Brain Freeze this coming Sunday, March 4th! For anyone interested in joining, the deadline for online registration is tomorrow, February 27th. All proceeds go directly to the National Brain Tumor Society.

Click below to join!

  1. Select “Register”
  2. Select “Join as a New Participant”
  3. Team Name – “Team ASM-Aetna”
  4. Select “Join” and follow prompts

http://events.braintumor.org/connecticut-brain-freeze/

Manchester Cub Scout Troop Visits ASM

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MANCHESTER- On February 5th, 2017 Cub Scout Pack 47 visited the Ambulance Service of Manchester for a facility tour hosted by Education Supervisor Melissa Osborne and Veteran Paramedic Greg Derosier. Troop members and their families received an inside look at some of ASM’s daily operations and learned firsthand what it takes to become a first responder.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Chris Myska Completes Precepting Phase

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MANCHESTER – As of January 30th, 2018, ASM’s Chris Myska 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 Tim Lachappelle and Paramedic Mike Levasseur. Chris was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in July, 2017 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. He arrives to the organization with a great deal of previous experience, having spent 8 years in the US Air Force, where he serves as an Aeromedical Evacuation Specialist in the grade of Technical Sergeant. He is a combat veteran, having served multiple deployments in the Global War on Terror. He also brings the experience of a 5-year tenure as an Emergency Department Medical Technician at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford.

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

Upcoming Charity Events

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For the month of February, Aetna and ASM will be ordering pins in recognition of American Heart Month. Crew members, dispatchers and office personnel may purchase a pin for a donation of one to five dollars. All proceeds with be donated to the American Heart Association at month end.

On March 4th, Team ASM-Aetna will be partaking in the 2018 Connecticut Brain Freeze. Those interested gain the opportunity to plunge into the ocean to raise awareness/resources for brain tumor-specific programs. Please consider joining the fun! For instructions on how to register, copy the link below and follow the instructions provided.

1. Select “Register”
2. Select “Join as a New Participant”
3. Team Name – “Team ASM-Aetna”
4. Select “Join” and follow prompts

http://events.braintumor.org/connecticut-brain-freeze/

 

 

 

 

Further out…

ASM/Aetna will be hosting an American Red Cross blood drive for employees at our headquarters in Manchester on Tuesday, May 1st 2018.

 

 

 

 

April- Autism Awareness Month

May- ALS Awareness Month

ASM’s Coat Drive Results

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MANCHESTER-The results are in for the first ASM Coat Drive! Thanks to employees, family members and friends, a total of 26 jackets along with multiple, hats, coats and scarves were collected. ASM’s Laura McHugh was the driving force for this initiative. All donations were delivered to the Manchester Area Conference of Churches (M.A.C.C.) clothing store “Community Threads” located at 466 Main Street in Manchester. A quote from Laura, the event organizer is provided below.

 

Thanks so much to everyone involved! Year one turned out to be more of a success than anticipated. It’s amazing to see how your compassion for helping others does not end with patient care. Can’t wait for next year’s results!

A Special note….

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MANCHESTER – In early January, The Ambulance Service of Manchester received a hand written thank you note addressed to Paramedic Robert Balkun and EMT Mike Sparks. The note, as depicted below, is in regards to a transport completed a few weeks prior.

 

The EMT team tried to make the transport as pain free as possible. They kept talking to me the entire ride to the hospital. Someone stayed with me the entire time at the hospital (I was alone) until I was put into an ER room.