‘Words cannot explain the gratitude’

R515_2013In an email from April 2016, regarding a response from ASM’s Melissa Osborne, her partner Matt Kleza, and Andover Fire Department:

Dear Melissa, Ben, John and John,

Words cannot explain the gratitude my wife and I have for everyone for coming to the rescue two weeks ago during my heart attack. As Murphy’s Law would have it, the one time we said this winter “what the heck let the sun melt the snow”, little did we know we’d need a 4WD ambulance rescue!  Your team performed admirably under tough conditions during the rescue. Many thanks go especially to Melissa for remembering to grab the “go” bag as we passed by the stuck ambulance. Holding may hand thru the terrible, excruciating pain at first kept me from passing out and of course your defibrillation brought me back to life on the way to Hartford Hospital….

Another defibrillation on the table and two stents later, I’m now resting at home for a few weeks hoping to get back to teaching my students. Once again thanks to the AFD, Melissa and the dispatchers for all you did on the morning of April Xth and continue to do each day for all of us. Hope to see everyone at your annual steak dinner again, however maybe this time it will be a veggie platter for me…

-Patient

(#16-25277)

New Aetna and ASM websites now live

Aetna Ambulance website ASM websiteMANCHESTER — Updated versions of the Aetna and ASM websites are now live and can be viewed by clicking on the logo of each company at http://www.asm-aetna.com/.

Available on the sites are forms, information on services, ride along and field internship, access to the company blog, contact information and more.

The sites were built by Image Works web design in Vernon, CT.

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

Matthew Buerk BMANCHESTER –  As of March 11, 2016, ASM’s Matthew Buerk has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. His preceptor were Paramedic Supervisor Melissa Osborne and Paramedic Greg Derosier.

Matt started at ASM in April of 2013. He graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program. Born and raised in East Hartford he obtained his EMT certification in 2007 and worked for Hartford Hospital for three years. Ultimately Matt plans to become a flight nurse.

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

ASM’s Jaime Decaprio Promoted to Assistant Office Manager

Jaime DecaprioMANCHESTER — On March 9, 2016 ASM’s Jaime Decaprio was promoted to the position of Assistant Officer Manager in the Billing and Call Taking Department.

Jaime has worked for ASM since July 2000, working on areas such as bundle billing agreements for Paramedic services, Medicaid billing issues, non-emergency call taking, customer service, private insurance authorizations and much more.

On behalf of ASM we would like to congratulate Jaime and look forward to more great things from her.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Six – 2016

MANCHESTER — On February 3, 2016 five EMTs and one Paramedic 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.

Justin Craig:    FULL TIME EMT. My name is Justin and I am 24 years old. I graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.  Soon after graduating I started pursuing my EMT certification. I applied at ASM because I had my ride a long there and really enjoyed my experience. I was recently accepted as a Volunteer Fire Fighter in South Meriden and plan on getting my Firefighter-I certification in the near future. I am really big into the outdoors; love to go fishing and camping all around New England. I have two dogs Cody and Bear, which I go on hikes with. I am looking forward to starting my career at ASM and getting started in the EMS field.

Kaylyn Fuller:    FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, my name is Kaylyn Fuller.  I am 23 years old and live in South Windsor.  I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a B.S. in Biology in May of 2015.   Eventually, I would like to go to school for Physician’s Assistant.  During my time shadowing doctors and PA’s in preparation for PA school, I was able to spend time in the Harlem, New York Emergency Department.  I fell in love with emergency medicine and decided that this was how I wanted to spend my time before PA school.  I felt that emergency medicine gave the most immediate gratification by giving the greatest help in the shortest amount of time.  For me, being an EMT is the best way to combine my love for medicine, science and being around people.  I have worked in the restaurant business since I was 16.  Most recently, I left to start EMT work from bartending and restaurant management.  Though I enjoyed being around people in food service, I really wanted to be in the medical field and be hands-on in pre-hospital care.  I am so excited to finally be in the field I love, practice emergency medicine and gain as much experience as possible.

Michael Karanda:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Michael Karanda. I am 25 years old originally from Glastonbury, CT. I graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 2013 with my bachelors degree in Criminology and a Minor in Psychology. I  first became an EMT in 2013 through Bristol Hospital. I recently attended Capital Community College to become a Paramedic. During my spare time I volunteer for the Glastonbury and Hebron Fire Departments. I also enjoy spending time with family and my three Bull Terriers. Emergency Medical Services is a field in which I truly enjoy. I am thankful for the opportunity and I look forward to working with ASM and with the communities in which they serve.

Elizabeth Miller:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Liz Miller and I am 22 years old. I recently graduated with a B.S. in Allied Health Sciences from University of Connecticut. For the past nine months I have been working as a private patient care assistant in Storrs. I am thrilled to become a part of ASM and to be working as a full-time EMT. During the summer I volunteer for a week at Camp Amerikids, recently renamed The Elm Project, which is a summer camp for children who are affected by HIV/AIDS or Sickle Cell Disease. In my free time I enjoy swimming, hiking, and surfing. I love traveling; I lived in Scotland for my Junior year in college which gave me the opportunity to visit a few different countries in Europe. I have a deep love for SmartWool socks and I also enjoy eating Nilla Wafers in my pajamas, building miniature snowmen when it only snows two inches, and dodging jellyfish when I go swimming in the ocean.

Meghan Pierce:   FULL TIME EMT.  Hi, my name is Meghan Pierce I’m 31 years old.  I’m a CT native currently residing in Coventry; however, I previously resided in Kentucky where I obtained my BS in Wildlife Management from Eastern Kentucky University. I went to SOLO Wilderness Medical School in New Hampshire and received a Wilderness EMT certification. I was able to obtain a job with North Conway Ambulance and have enjoyed working in the EMS field.  I also have a Firefighter-I certification and while I’ve enjoyed structural firefighting, my favorite is the Wildland  firefighting aspect.  In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and fishing.  I’m looking forward to joining and contributing to the ASM Team.

David Thiery Jr:   FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. Greetings! My name is David Thiery Jr and I am 26 years old. I hail from northwestern,CT and currently live in Waterbury,CT with my lovely fiancée. I just recently attended Yale New Haven Sponsor Hospital’s critical care transport program, and I have received the designation of FP-C (Flight paramedic certified) from the Board of Critical Care Transport Paramedic certification. I graduated from Bridgeport Hospital Emergency Medical Institute’s Paramedic program in 2014. My goal is to further my career in critical care medicine, I will be pursuing my RN to obtain my flight nurse, and I have been considering a masters degree in cardiovascular perfusion. In my spare time, I volunteer with New Hartford Ambulance and I am a per diem Paramedic with Stamford EMS. I also enjoy being an amateur musician. I am very excited to be joining the ASM team and look forward to working for a progressive company.

Karri Isham (1958-2015)

Karri Isham B

Karri Isham

Karri Dee Isham, age 57, died at Manchester Memorial Hospital in Manchester, Connecticut, on Monday, November 2, 2015. She fought a long, hard battle with the complications from Cowden Disease and multiple cancers.

She was born February 25, 1958, in Wyoming, graduated in 1976 from Central Kitsap High School in Silverdale, Washington, and received a degree in Special Education from Central Washington University. Karri taught for several years in Port Orchard, WA and in Wyoming. When she volunteered for the local hospital, she became interested in EMS and enrolled in classes. She then moved to Connecticut in September of 2000 to take an EMT job with the Ambulance Service of Manchester in Manchester, CT.

Karri was always involved in her community, volunteering for many charity events. She was also active with Manchester CERT. She was always there to help friends in any way that she could. Karri and her family are grateful to her friends and PCAs who took care of her during the final stages of her illness.

Karri Isham

Karri with Christian Haag and Stephanie Boutot at a rainy 2009 Emergency of Hunger Food Drive.

Karri’s remains will be received by her family on the West Coast.

In CT, an informal gathering to celebrate Karri’s life will be held between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 8, at the Ambulance Service of Manchester, 275 New State Rd, Manchester, CT.

Newest Ambulance Livery Deployed on ASM’s Mercedes Sprinters

Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance ASM AMANCHESTER — In October 2015 the newest version of ASM’s livery, decals and markings were on display on new additions to the fleet, awaiting state inspection.

The Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances utilized by Aetna and ASM are products of American Emergency Vehicles in North Carolina. The previously blank ambulances received high-visibility Battenburg markings, rear chevrons and company logos which are now completely produced and applied in-house.

The newest Sprinters have updated front-end styling including headlight, hood, grille and turn signal changes as well as a radical change in the emergency signal LED light bar. Operating fuel-efficient, safe and modern Sprinter ambulances is part of Aetna and ASM’s continued commitment to the communities we serve.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Six – 2015

MANCHESTER — On October 14, 2015 five EMTs and one Paramedic 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.

Ashley DeBisschop:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Ashley DeBisschop and I am 27 years old from Willimantic, Connecticut. I studied Bio-Chemistry and Anthropology at Eastern Connecticut State University and completed my EMT program through CodeOne at QVCC in Danielson. I am a volunteer EMT for the South Windham Fire Department and celebrated my second year in July. It has been a very rewarding and educational experience. I have gained valuable knowledge and look forward to conintuing that at ASM. I am eager to advance my skills and learn from my fellow colleagues. In the future, I hope to further my education by attending a paramedic or nursing program.

Ashley Linardo:    FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Ashley and I am 29 years old currently living in Vernon, CT. I am a recent graduate of Capital Community College Paramedic program. I started off in the medical field five years ago as a Patient Care Technician and a volunteer firefighter. Immediately after volunteering for the fire department, I knew that I wanted to pursue my career in emergency medicine. I got my EMT a few years ago and started working on a town ambulance and also worked in an emergency department. Shortly after that, I started pursing my paramedic degree. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, watching football, and doing anything that involves being outdoors. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the ASM family!

Cameron Raymes:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Cameron. I am 23 years old and have lived in Connecticut my whole life. I am a graduate of the University of Connecticut Storrs with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in biological sciences. I am an aspiring physician assistant primarily with interests of helping people in emergency medicine.  I have held jobs ranging from a preschool to a research lab to a doctors office.  In my free time, some of my outside interests include traveling, skiing, wake boarding, mountain biking, golfing, and Brazilian jiu jitsu.

Eliot Snoek:     FULL TIME, EMT. Hailing from South Windsor, I am a graduate of the University of New Haven with a B.S. in Biology, and minors in Chemistry and Psychology.  My interests range all over the place, including motorsports, rugby, programming, audio tech, horticulture, scuba diving, and every now and then a musical instrument or two.  As you may have guessed, I’m also into helping people out on some of the worst days of their lives – one of my favorite parts of EMS.  Planning to venture into the nursing field, for now I am enjoying exploring the pre-hospital side of patient care.  I currently volunteer with Bloomfield Volunteer Ambulance, and am excited to get started in my position at ASM!

Tyler Wallace:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Tyler Wallace. I am 20 years old and I was born in East Hartford, Connecticut. I obtained my EMT certification at the age of 18, after high school, and started to volunteer to build up my skills. When the opportunity arose to apply for a position at ASM I applied as soon as I could. I did so because I remember at a young age seeing ASM’s EMT’s and Paramedics treating their patients as if they were their own family members and seeing the impact of such care. From that point on I knew I wanted to do something that could impact our community in this way. What better way to do so than to become a team member at the Ambulance Service of Manchester? I look forward in growing and learning with such a positive and rewarding organization.

Luke Zalewski:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Luke Zalewski, I am 22 years old, and from Burlington, CT. In my spare time I enjoy participating in physical activities, watching sports, and riding motorcycles. I recently graduated from the University of Connecticut with an Allied Health major and a Psychology minor. During my time at UCONN I competed as a Division I athlete on the Varsity Swim Team. I started my EMT career with the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department two years ago, and soon after became an employee for Bristol Hospital EMS. With the experience gained at these institutions, I was able to solidify my passion for healthcare. My goal is to attend a PA program and enhance my medical abilities. I look forward to becoming an employee at ASM, and improve as an emergency professional.

ASM Currently Seeking Candidates for Full Time EMT and Paramedic Positions

Due to our continued growth, ASM is currently seeking to add full time EMT and Paramedic positions and is seeking qualified and interested applicants. New graduates with an active State of Connecticut EMT certification or Paramedic license are welcome as are those with varied experience levels and professional backgrounds.

The application process is confidential. You must have a clean driving record, a clean criminal background and be able to pass a physical exam and drug screen.

A list of benefits and PDFs of Job Applications and Job Descriptions are available here: http://ambulanceservicemanchester.com/careers.php

Due to the large volume of applications we receive we ask that you please take the following into consideration:

  • After submission of an application, you can follow up on its status via email to the Director of Operations, as detailed in the page linked above. Please refrain from calling about open positions, hiring status, qualifications or the status of your application unless requested to or it is absolutely necessary to do so
  • Applications may be submitted in person, via email, by fax or by mail. Applicants should not expect a meeting or interview at the time of submission. Interviews will be arranged at a later date. When mailing please do not send applications by registered or certified mail.
  • Whenever possible, please submit a copy of your CPR card and applicable EMS licenses and certifications with your application.
  • Applications will be kept active for a period of time of no more than six months. You will receive a call or letter within a reasonable period after submission informing you of the status of your application. If you are declined you may re-apply again at any time after receipt of the letter.

Thank you very much for seeking us out and wanting to be a part of our growing team!

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Six, 2015

HARTFORD — On August 12, 2015 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.

Valerie Adams:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Val Adams, I’m 26 years old and currently reside in Ellington, CT.  In my free time I enjoy volunteering on the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department. I have been a member of the department for just over ten years and have been a lieutenant for the past two years. I recently became involved with helping out with the cadet program and love being able to teach new skills to the kids. In addition to volunteering I also enjoy running on a regular basis and try to run a few 5k races every summer. I attended college at Worcester Polytechnic Institute where I received a BS degree in Civil Engineering and an MS in Fire Protection Engineering. Although I have enjoyed learning about both fields of work, I quickly determined that it was not the right career choice for me. Through volunteering I was able to find that I loved to help people and decided to get my EMT license after being an EMR for about ten years. I have also decided to go back to school and am working towards a degree in nursing.

Ryan Bochman:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Ryan and I am 32 years old.  My wife and I recently bought a house in East Hampton.  I have been a volunteer firefighter on and off for almost seven years in various location.  I had my Intro to EMS while I was still in high school as an MRT (now EMR).  I later chose to pursue my EMT certification and have been volunteering with the Manchester Fire Department 8th District as a firefighter/EMT for 1 1/2 years.  In my free time I enjoy doing pretty much anything outside from fishing to golfing, or just playing with my dog Jake.  I’m looking forward to what the future holds, whether it be Paramedic school or an RN degree.  But I am looking forward to starting a new career with ASM and to assist people in their time of need.

James Crompton:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is James Crompton. I am 22 years old and this is my first job in commercial EMS. I am from Middlefield, Connecticut and have previously attended Middlesex Community College where I received my Associates degree in Criminal Justice. In addition to taking classes at MxCC, I started EMT school where I quickly became more interested in the field. I earned my EMT certification in January of 2015 and soon after joined the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department. This is the most fun, exciting and rewarding experience I have ever had. At this point was when I decided I am more interested in pursuing a career related to fire and EMS. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping. I also enjoy watching football, Go Patriots! My plan for the future is to get experience as an EMT, possibly advance to Paramedic school, and eventually become part of a paid fire department. I am looking forward to furthering my skills at ASM.

Andy Hernandez:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Andres but everyone calls me Andy and I am 24 years old. I was born in Cali, Colombia and I arrived in the US at the age of ten. I have lived in East Hartford since then and graduated in 2009 with high honors. I have worked in the Emergency Room at Manchester Memorial Hospital as registration staff for approximately three years. I decided to become an EMT as my first step to my career of becoming a PA. I took my EMT course at Code One Training Solutions this past Spring. I am currently enrolled in Manchester Community College as a Business Management student, but decided to take a break from it since working in the Emergency Room made me realize that I enjoy interacting with people as much as providing care for them. One of my biggest goals in life is getting into Quinnipiac, were I hope to resume my studies and obtain a degree. I enjoy different activities on my days off. One of my biggest hobbies is playing soccer because that is one the most popular sports in my country. I also enjoy going to the gym where I had the pleasure of meeting the Great Khali.

Russell Jones:   FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! My name is Russell Jones and I am 25 years old.  I am originally from Wethersfield, CT but currently live in Columbia, CT.  I graduated from Wethersfield High School in 2008.  Having enlisted in the CT Air National Guard my senior year I left two weeks after graduation for basic training.  After returning I started classes at Eastern CT State University for Business Administration in 2009 and graduated in 2013. Upon graduation I started a business with a buddy of mine that I still work with (on the side) today. I recently became very interested in pursuing a career in healthcare after realizing the office setting was not for me.  I finished my EMT class at Code One Solutions in June and could not be more excited to have been offered a job at ASM! I plan to further my healthcare career by pursuing a paramedic license in addition to a second bachelors degree in nursing.  My ultimate goal is to work with LifeStar.  I enjoy playing golf and am an avid snowboarder. I do try and be outdoors as often as possible but at the same time enjoy playing video games.  I have always been very cool headed and excited to help people.  A fun fact about me is that I received this job offer on my birthday and could not have received a better birthday present!  I look forward to working as an EMT with such a great company as ASM and excited to see what the future holds for me.    

Walter Valenica:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Walter, I am 24 years old I’ve grew up and lived in Manchester for pretty much my entire life, since 2007 I have been a volunteer firefighter which has introduced me to EMS. Almost immediately I decided to become a career firefighter as my ultimate career goal, I particularly enjoy helping the community especially during people’s time in need.  After high school, I enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves and speaking to the Corpsmen from the Navy, and watching the EMTs of my fire department really pushed me to obtain my EMT certification, so that I can be an even greater asset to the community. I’m really excited to practice my skills and learn a lot from everyone with ASM.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Billy Schnepp Completes Precepting Phase

Billy Schnepp between Vinnie Maston (L) and Nancy Brunet (R)

Billy Schnepp between Vinnie Maston (L) and ECHN’s Nancy Brunet (R)

MANCHESTER – As of August 3, 2015, ASM’s Billy Schnepp has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Billy’s preceptors were Paramedic Don Hart and Paramedic Supervisor Melissa Osborne. 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, Billy’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Billy and his preceptor (Vinnie Maston for Billy’s final shift) in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Billy started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2012 and graduated from the New Britain EMS Academy Paramedic Program. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a focus on neuroscience.

On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Billy the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

ASM and South Windsor Fire Department Standby at Circus

SOUTH WINDSOR — On July 19, 2015 ASM and South Windsor Fire Department were requested and assigned to ‘Circus Smirkus‘ at South Windsor High School due to the expected crowds and extreme heat. The circus was hosted by the Silk City Chorus. No transports were reported.

Pictures courtesy of the South Windsor Fire Department Facebook page.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Jonathan Lentini Completes Precepting Phase

Jonathan Lentini 2MANCHESTER – As of July 9, 2015, ASM’s Jonathan Lentini has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Jon’s preceptors were Paramedic Greg Derosier and Paramedic Supervisor Vinnie Maston. 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, Jon’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Jon and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Jon started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2011 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program.

On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Jon the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Stephanie Boutot Represents ASM in 30th Boom Box Parade

Note: ASM is NOT the ambulance transport or paramedic service provider in Willimantic. In an emergency, always dial 9-1-1. 

—-

Submitted by ASM’s Stephanie Boutot

WILLIMANTIC — Saturday July 4th, Willimantic, CT celebrated the holiday with the 30th year running of their famous Boom Box Parade. ASM was proud to be a part of the tradition again this year. It was a tradition that began in 1986 when Kathy Clark suggested using boom boxes while the radio station played the music, when a marching band was not available for the parade. It was surprising success and became a regular event.

I was in the very first Boom Box parade in 1986, carrying my very own boom box, walking down the street with family and friends. Now I drive my source of music and proudly play 1400 AM as the parade sounds “boom” out of the speakers of the ASM ambulance, while I roll down the parade route. It’s great to see how all the different groups that participate and how well received ASM is, with all the waves, excitement, and thank you’s from spectators as I drive by.

For the past six years, I have enjoyed being in the Boom Box parade representing ASM, a company I am ecstatic to work for, doing a job I love. A tradition I hope to continue for many more years.

ASM’s Kenya Russell Receives Saint Francis 2015 EMS Champion Award

Kenya Russell with Saint Francis Hospital's John Quinlavin

Kenya Russell with Saint Francis Hospital’s John Quinlavin

HARTFORD — On May 20, 2015, as part of EMS Week celebrations, ASM’s Kenya Russell received an EMS Champion Award from Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. The award was conveyed to Kenya and Vernon Fire Department’s Jean Gauthier by Saint Francis EMS Coordinator John Quinlavin and EMS Medical Director Dr. Steve Wolf.

(L to R): John Quinlavin, Kenya Russell, Jean Gauthier, Dr. Steve Wolf.

Click to Enlarge. (L to R): John Quinlavin, Kenya Russell, Jean Gauthier, Dr. Steve Wolf.

The following is the content of the nomination for Kenya as submitted by ASM’s Stephanie Boutot:

I’d like to nominate my friend, co-worker Kenya Russell, paramedic at ASM. As a paramedic, she assesses each patient and treats them as the individual they are. She is very good at gaining a rapport, making them feel as comfortable as possible. With her amazing smile and contagious laugh, it is not uncommon to hear laughter as she cares for patients. Music is a great tool she uses and will offer to play whatever their favorite might be, even if not her favorite. I admire her strength, confidence, and ability to advocate for patients. She not only stands up for patients, she also stands up for herself earning respect from others.

Kenya is continuously learning about EMS from CMEs and from her calls, and consulting with other providers to improve her knowledge and care. Kenya is not only an amazing paramedic on the clock, but she has traveled abroad to experience other cultures and assist in their healthcare. And if that wasn’t enough, Kenya organized a support system for a friend and co-worker, playing a major role in starting up the Carolyn Edwards Foundation to help Carolyn as well as continuing the support efforts for others EMSer’s in need.