ASM’s Laura McHugh Initiates Annual Coat Drive

Manchester- In early December, Ambulance Service of Manchester employee, Laura McHugh, motivated by her experience as a road crew EMT, took it upon herself to set fourth an annual coat drive to benefit MACC and HVCC local charities. She describes her inspiration for setting things in motion in the note below.

Despite participating in “Stuff a Cruiser” and “Emergency for Hunger” for the past couple of years, I still felt there was more that I could be doing for my community. While on calls, I was constantly disheartened by seeing not only patients, but their family members, and even bystanders without seasonally appropriate clothing. It constantly left me wondering how I could help. Earlier this year while going through winter clothes, I realized I had more than I needed for my family and decided to donate what I could. With the help of Patrick Gleason,  Ambulance Service of Manchester employees  have begun collecting new and gently used jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves. Donating an old winter jacket could be a small gesture from us, however, this could make a world of a difference to someone in our community. Please help us “Give the Gift of Warmth.”

CT Children’s and State Police Toy Drive in Pictures – 2017

The 2017 Toy Drive was again a great success. Below you will find a collage of pictures from the days spent collecting toys for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The Toy Drive took place December 14th-17th 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 through out the year.

ASM Director of Operations Receives Patriotic Employer Award

MANCHESTER- On Wednesday, December 13th, 2017 Ambulance Service of Manchester Director of Operations, Stephen Conley was recognized as a Patriotic Employer by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Nominated by United States Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class, and ASM EMT Charles Lodge, the award was presented by a member of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Past and present members of every military branch work here at ASM. Their level of dedication and commitment is evident on a daily basis. ASM is honored to accommodate these individuals but more importantly, proud to have such devoted professionals on staff.

Stuff-a-Truck in South Windsor a Success!

Despite the snowstorm, 2017 proved to be another great year for South Windsor’s annual Stuff-a-Truck event. 7,000 food items, 326 toys, and over $1800 in cash were collected. South Windsor Rotarians, Police and Fire Department members, along with ASM’s own Andrew Wysocki and Cheryl Everest braved the weather to help our neighbors in need. A huge thanks to all of the generous donors that made this event the success that it was!

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Ten – 2017

MANCHESTER — On December 5th, 2017, ten EMT’s 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.

MATTHEW BURRELL: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Matthew Burrell, I am 32 years old and originally from Columbia, CT. I received my first emergency medical training through the Marine Corps infantry taking Combat Lifesaver and T-CCC courses. After getting out of the military in 2010, I took an EMT course in Middletown, CT. I have since used my training to act as a remote EMT in disaster response deployments to Haiti, Indonesia, Malawi and during three seasons as a Wildland Firefighter on a Hotshot crew out of Southern Oregon. In June of 2016, I attended a Wilderness EMT course at SOLO Wilderness Medicine in North Conway, NH and re-certified as a NREMT-B. In the fall of 2016, I started Paramedic school at Bunker Hill Community College in Chelsea, MA and will graduate with my A.S. in Paramedic Studies this month. I look forward to joining the ASM team and working towards my goal of serving the community as a competent and compassionate provider and instructor.


ANDREA WIMBERLY: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Andrea and I am a current resident in the town of Bloomfield, CT. I am an alumna from University of Connecticut with a liberal arts and science degree. I took my EMT course at Code One in East Hartford, CT and I completed the course this past summer 2017. My future goal is to gain medical experience and later become a nurse. I am thankful and excited to be given the opportunity to work at ASM and can’t wait to be a part of the community.


KAULMAN LENGYEL: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name is Kaulman Lengyel and I am 21 years old. I received my Associates Degree from Manchester Community College. I am a volunteer for my hometown fire department. I have been a firefighter/ first responder since 2012. I wanted to broaden my knowledge in the field of emergency medicine and received my EMT from Glastonbury EMS in 2017.

In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, playing basketball and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to joining the ASM team and furthering my ability to become the best provider I can be.


DANIELLE CHOWANIEC: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi! My name is Danielle Chowaniec and I am 29 years old from Middletown, CT. I completed my initial EMT course at CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor in January of 2016. I have recently received my EMT-B certification and I am very excited to begin my career with ASM! After gaining some experience, my goal is to return to school to become a Paramedic.In my free time I can be found on some hiking trail with my pup Skylar, at Crossfit, or under a log at a GORUCK Challenge.


JACOB PIERCE: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Jacob Pierce and I am 26 years old. I finished two years of undergraduate studies at Bucknell University before taking a gap year to work and travel in Australia. When I returned in 2013, I finished my third undergraduate year at UConn before deciding to get some working experience to better direct my studies. I took my EMT course at CPR Training Professionals and received my EMT-B certificate in 2016. I’ve been working at Eastern Mountain Sports since 2013, educating and outfitting people for adventure and travel, using experience I’ve gained from my own adventures hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and more. And now I look forward to being apart of the ASM team and making a difference in the lives of those who need it!


THEMALINA NISYRIOS: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! My name is Themalina Nisyrios, but everyone calls me Malina. I’m 29 years old, was raised in Wethersfield, and currently live in Vernon. I’ve been in the medical field since I graduated high school, working in many different types of doctor’s offices that were affiliated with Hartford Hospital.  For the last few years, I have been a PCA in Hartford Hospital’s Emergency Room while taking the EMT course at Code One. I currently attend Goodwin College with plans to gain my nursing degree. With my free time, I enjoy being with my friends, family and my dog Zeus. I’m excited to join the ASM team and experience the pre-hospital aspect of medicine.


CONNOR COPPOLA: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Connor and I’m 22 years old. I graduated Killingly High School in 2013 and went onto basic training for the Army National Guard where I am still actively drilling. I’ve been a member of South Killingly Fire Co for 3 years and have also been volunteering at KB ambulance for almost a year, which is where I took my EMT course. I look forward to advancing my certification level in the future and becoming a paramedic.

 


AMIE LACASSE: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Amie Lacasse and I have been an EMT for 2 years. Over the last 2 years, I have been volunteering for North Coventry Fire Department. For the last year, I worked for Vintech at Glastonbury Ambulance. I also help teach EMT students skills at CPR Professionals. Prior to EMS, I spent 10 years as a pharmacy tech. In my free time I enjoy the outdoors. I like hiking and building on my hobby of landscape photography.

 


 

MICHAEL SANTIANA: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Michael Santiana and I grew up in Milford, CT. I’m 23 years old and a recent graduate from the University of New Haven with a Bachelors in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Medical Studies. After enrolling in an EMT class, I started volunteering at Stratford and soon realized I made the right decision in pursuing a career in healthcare. I hope, after gaining more experience in EMS, to go to PA school. I appreciate ASM for giving me the opportunity to strengthen my patient care skills and grow as a heath care provider.


 

JASON DESCHENE: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jason Deschene, I am a Full Time EMT, I’m 22 and from Windham CT. I volunteer with the Windham Center Fire Department and I am currently taking classes at three rivers community college.

 

No Shave November Results!

ASM is proud to announce the winners of the first annual No Shave November competition. Please join us in congratulating Team Captain Mikhail Uddin and Alternate Charlie Lodge.

Team Captain

 

Runner Up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to everyone who donated to the cause and partook in this event. With all of your generous contributions, Team ASM/Aetna was able to raise $635 to support Men’s Health!

ASM’s Mike Levasseur Visits Cub Scout Troop 223

Cub Scout Pack 223 had an exciting visitor this past week to explain what it takes to be a first responder. ASM Paramedic Michael Levasseur fielded questions from 20 eager scouts and parents. The scouts gave thanks by creating some beautiful artwork!

9th Annual Emergency of Hunger Food Drive Results!

MANCHESTER – The 9th Annual “Emergency of Hunger” Food Drive, composed of first responders, Rotary members, and others, was a great success! Their combined efforts continue to make a deep and widening impact on hunger in greater Hartford. This year volunteers from Manchester, Vernon, and South Windsor collected a staggering 31,000+ food items, 675+ turkeys, and $16,000 in gift card and monitory donations. Please click here to read Contact Reporter Jesse Leavenworth’s article in the Hartford Courant!

Early Food Drive Success!

The 9th Annual “Emergency of Hunger” Food Drive kicked off this past weekend with Manchester Area Conference of Churches and Hockanum Valley Community Council getting an early start. Goods were collected at Manchester, Vernon and Rockville Stop & Shops. Thus far, a total of 7,474 food items, 257 turkeys and over  $5700 has been donated by community members. This weekend, South Windsor Food and Fuel Bank joins the effort with help from South Windsor Police, Fire, and Rotary Club Members.

The drive is to continue on Nov. 18th and 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at:

  • Manchester Stop & Shop on Broad Street
  • Stop & Shop in Vernon, 10 Pitkin Road
  •  Stop & Shop in the Rockville section of Vernon, 50 Windsorville Road
  •  Stop & Shop in South Windsor, 1739 Ellington Road
  • Geissler’s in South Windsor, 965 Sullivan Ave.

 

 

 

A special thanks to all of the participants who braved the cold this past Saturday and Sunday! 

9th Annual Emergency of Hunger Food Drive!

Emergency response agency and food pantry representatives gathered Tuesday at the Manchester Area Conference of Churches Food Pantry to kick off the Emergency of Hunger Food Drive

HARTFORD COURANT

by Jesse Leavenworth

First responders again are collecting food to stock regional soup kitchens and pantries.

The first collection for the Emergency of Hunger Food Drive is set for Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Manchester Stop & Shop, 286 Broad St. The effort is to continue the following weekend.

Now in its ninth year, the drive relies on volunteers from police, fire and emergency medical agencies, along with Rotary Club members and Stop & Shop and Geissler’s supermarkets. Collections benefit clients of soup kitchens and food pantries run by Manchester Area Conference of Churches Charities and the Hockanum Valley Community Council.

Last year, people donated about 34,000 food items, 650 turkeys and $16,000 in gift cards and cash.

“Every year we are shocked, amazed and proud of the generosity we see,” food drive spokesman Patrick Gleason of Ambulance Service of Manchester said Monday. “To date, our records show a combined total of 1,149,000 meals served.”

Full article here…

The food drive will take place on the following days at the locations provided below:

  • Manchester – Stop & Shop (286 Broad Street) Saturday November 11th and Sunday November 12th from 10am -6pm
  • Manchester – Stop & Shop (286 Broad Street) Saturday November 17th and Sunday November 18th from 10am -6pm
  • Vernon – Stop & Shop (10 Ptikin Road) Saturday November 17th and Sunday November 18th from 10am -6pm
  • Rockville – Stop & Shop (50 Windsorville Road) Saturday November 17th and Sunday November 18th from 10am -6pm
  • South Windsor – Stop & Shop (1739 Ellington Road) Saturday November 17th and Sunday November 18th from 10am -6pm
  • South Windsor – Geissler’s (965 Sullivan Avenue) Saturday November 17th and Sunday November 18th from 10am -6pm

No Shave November!

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

  • Road personnel are required to follow all OSHA requirements and adhere to the grooming policies outlined in the ASM and Aetna employee manuals.
  • One “Beard” Team Captain from ASM and one “Beard” Team Captain from Aetna will be selected based on popular vote at month end.
  • Alternates from each company will selected following results in the same fashion.
  • Anonymous votes will be collected inside dispatch at 10-1 for ASM and Station A for Aetna.
  • Prizes for the four respective winners will be distributed by the management team in early December.
  • ASM and Aetna will be contributing to the Movember Foundation at the end of the month. Employees, family members and friends have the opportunity to contribute as well by following the link to Team ASM-Aetna provided below.

To learn more about the cause and donate to the Movember Foundation please:

Click here!

ASM & Aetna Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer-2017 Totals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year one fundraising for Team ASM-Aetna was a great success. Through the efforts of our employees, family members, and friends, we were able to raise close to $1,100 for Breast Cancer Research. With the company match, and proceeds from the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk this past Sunday, a total of $3,288 has been donated to the American Cancer Society. Thank you to everyone involved for your generous contributions and dedication to the cause.

ASM Newsletter, Volume 3

The Ambulance Service of Manchester is proud to release the third issue of Pulse, the ASM employee newsletter. Released quarterly, Pulse features numerous articles outlining company news and events, training opportunities, case studies, health and wellness tips, and more. Additionally, each issue will contain an Employee Spotlight article, recognizing an EMT or Paramedic that has demonstrated a commitment to patients and co-workers alike via positive attitude, work ethic, and overall inspiring demeanor. Please enjoy!

ASM Appears in Local News

MANCHESTER- On Thursday October 12th, ASM Director of Operations, Stephen Conley, served as a panelist at St. Bridget’s Church to offer insight on the opioid crisis from the EMS provider’s perspective. The event was covered by Annie Gentile of the Hartford Courant and published in the Courant Community section this morning.

For the full story, please Click Here!

Above photo courtesy of The Hartford Courant