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Category Archives: ASM Company News
ASM Responds: Minor injuries reported in bus crash on I-384
From WFSB. Read the full story here...
MANCHESTER, CT (WFSB) –
Students were injured after a crash involving a school bus on Interstate 384 in Manchester on Tuesday afternoon, police said.
The two-vehicle crash was reported on the westbound side of I-384 near 4 around 4 p.m. Police said the bus was rear-ended by another vehicle.
Police said 25 children were on board of the bus at the time of the crash.
Officials said the school bus was from Bolton Elementary School headed to East Hartford.
Students were injured in the crash but their injuries are being described as “minor.” Five ambulances were called to the scene and there was possibly 25 patients, state police said.
Officials from Ambulance Service of Manchester said nine students were transported by ambulance to area hospitals, while three students refused care and 18 other students were transported to area hospitals by bus.
Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 11
HARTFORD — During March 2015, ASM Paramedic Adam Fine and his partner David Tedeschi responded to a medical call in Coventry with Coventry Volunteer Fire Association (CVFA) ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Adam wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-17116)
ASM’s Adam Fine
“First Medical Contact to device under 90 minutes!!!”
– John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.
SFH Cath Lab Patient Follow-Up Form
- 100% left posterior descending artery ballooned.
- Re-clotted, managed medically.
EMS Agency: ASM (Coventry)
Indication: STEMI
First Medical Contact (FMC) (at pt side) Date/Time: 16:31
EMS 12 Lead Acquisition Time: 16:34 elapse: 00:03
EMS 12 Lead Transmit Rec’d Time (source: Lifenet): 16:42 elapse: 00:08
Arrival Time (SFHED): 17:06 elapse: 00:24
Cath Lab Arrival Time (SFH): 17:21 elapse: 00:15
Procedure Start Time: 17:42 elapse: 00:21
First Device Time: 17:57 elapse: 00:15
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SFHED Door to First Device: 51 min
FMC to First Device: 86 min
Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 10
HARTFORD — During March 2015, ASM Paramedic Ted Oliver and his partner David Rice responded to a medical call in Somers with Somers Fire Department ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Ted wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-21457)
“Another great job by our ASM partners and this time with Somers Fire. The bar has been raised now with measuring the time from first medical contact to device in the Cath Lab and this requires a strong team effort to meet the new benchmark. Rapid identification and notification are critical elements to success.”
– John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.
SFH Cath Lab Patient Follow-Up Form
- 100% occlusion of the posterior left anterior descending artery.
- 90% occlusion of the ramus artery (a division of the left main coronary artery)
- 100% occlusion of the first through third obtuse marginal arteries
- 80% RCA ejection fraction < 20%. IABP placed. No PCI – CABG performed.
Treatment by EMS and Direct to SFH ED
EMS Agency: ASM (run # 21457) (Somers FD Ambulance transported)
Indication: STEMI
First Medical Contact (FMC) (at pt side) 15:05 elapse: 00:00
EMS 12 Lead Acquisition Time: 15:10 elapse: 00:05
EMS 12 Lead Transmit Rec’d Time: 15:22 elapse: 00:12
Arrival Time (SFHED): 15:56 elapse: 00:34
Cath Lab Arrival Time (SFH): 16:14 elapse: 00:18
Procedure Start Time: 16:17 elapse: 00:03
SFHED Door to First Device: to start proc. 21 min
FMC to First Device: to start proc 72 min
Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Seven
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- Chelsea Heitman
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- Nora Young
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- Tiffany George
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- Robert Grzywinski
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- Chris Tevnan
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- Charles Lodge
MANCHESTER — On March 31, 2015 seven EMTs were added to the ASM team. As part of our continued growth ASM and Aetna 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.
Tiffany George: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Tiffany and I am 27 years old. I have worked in commercial EMS since 2008 as an EMT and Dispatcher. I recently moved to Manchester with the intention of pursuing a career as an administrative assistant, but quickly learned the position was not for me. I’m glad to have received the opportunity to continue my work in EMS at ASM. I graduated from Naugatuck Valley Community College in 2010 with a degree in General Studies and along with that came my EMT certification. I have also worked as an ER Tech and have received training in phlebotomy and EKGs. I’m hoping to someday attend Paramedic school, but until that time I am a junior at Post University working towards earning a degree in Marketing. I’m a former pageant competitor and titleholder in the Miss America Organization and spend as much time as I can volunteering within the program. I enjoy leading an active lifestyle, as well as meeting new people. In the free time that I sparsely have I do enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my dog, Pippa, as well as baking tasty treats.
Robert Grzywinski: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name Robert Grzywinski and I am 37 years old. Originally I was born in Wroclaw, Poland an arrived to the U.S at the age of five. My family settled down in New Britain where I graduated from Mary Immaculate Academy. I currently live in Coventry and enjoy the different pace of life. For over ten years I worked with children and adolescents in different capacities, from a direct care counselor in a safe home, extended day treatment, residential, and a day school servicing special education and behaviorally defiant adolescents. For most of my career I have worked to assist others, so it came to no surprise that I went on to obtain my EMT certification through CPR Professionals out of South Windsor and am looking forward to starting an exciting and new profession. In my free time I enjoy do some DIY projects around the house as well as cooking. The rest of the time I spend with my family, barbecuing, going to parks, beaches, attractions for the kiddos or just hanging around the house with them.
Chelsea Heitman: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Chelsea Heitman. I took the EMT course at Springfield Technical Community College in 2010 and have been a volunteer EMT at Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association since 2012. I got into EMS because I want to help people in their time of need or their family members, like the paramedic did for my mom when my dad passed. While at Central Connecticut State University I decided I wanted to become a Paramedic. Since then I left CCSU and am currently finishing the Paramedic program at Springfield College with plans to finish my degree. I was able to put my knowledge to the test while doing clinical study at Baystate Medical Center and my ride time with in Springfield, MA. I was a Patient Care Technician at Baystate Medical Center in the ER and saw a wide variety of patients doing everything from changing patients, to vital signs, to EKGs, and to lab draws. In my spare time I like to snowboard, run, and generally spend time outside. I am a pretty easy going person with a loving personality. I am excited to start working with ASM and see what the future holds for me
Charles Lodge: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Charles Lodge. I am 24 years old and currently reside in Glastonbury, CT. I graduated from Glastonbury High School in 2008 and went on to earn my Bachelors Degree from the University of Connecticut in 2012. After college I moved to Washington D.C. and worked as an Arborist for one of the largest commercial and residential tree care companies in the country. After moving back to Connecticut I decided it was time to chase my dream of a career in public service. I am extremely excited to learn new skills and apply my training as an EMT. Besides a career in Arbor culture, some of my professional experience includes Community Outreach for underprivileged youths, bar tending, and serving as a Marine Science Technician in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve
Christopher Tevnan: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Chris Tevnan, I am 32 years old and live in Farmington. I went to Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA and graduated with a degree in Aviation. For the last six years I was a Federal Agent with Homeland Security in NYC. It was a great job but I was never home. In January I completed the accelerated EMT course with CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor. I’m excited to begin a new career within the medical field and to be able to really make a difference in someone’s life. My wife and I are happy that I will be around more often especially with our daughter Brooke expected in early May. In my free time I volunteer with the Tunxis Hose Fire Department, spend time with family and friends, BBQ, and do work at our new house.
Nora Young: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Nora Young. I am 21 years old and currently live in Storrs, CT. I am finishing up undergrad at UConn and will be graduating in May with a degree in Physiology and Neurobiology. My goal is to eventually attend PA school. I am also a volunteer EMT in Ellington where I thoroughly enjoy giving back to the community. I am a die hard UConn Huskies basketball fan as well as a Patriots fan. I am very excited to be working at ASM where I can further my education in the EMS field.
Information for the seventh new hire has been removed.
ASM’s Matt Tuttle Promoted to Supervisor
MANCHESTER — On March 23, 2015 ASM’s Matt Tuttle was promoted to the position of Supervisor.
Matt started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2006. He graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program and was cleared for independent dispatch in June of 2014.
On behalf of the ASM Family we would like to congratulate Matt on his promotion and look forward to great things from and for him. We are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
ASM’s Alpha Five: Volume 8: Praise for Dave White
ASM’s Dave White
SOMERS — In February 2015 ASM received a letter from Somers Fire Department President Timothy Percoski praising and thanking Dave White, one of ASM’s Johnson Medics, for his service to the Department and the area. ASM’s Johnson Medic, also known as Alpha 5, works in partnership with Somers Fire Department, Stafford Ambulance and is stationed at Johnson Memorial Medical Center.
Among the two page letter, President Percoski praises Dave’s commitment and his presentation at a January drill. “Dave accepted this opportunity enthusiastically, and was eager to help not only the members in Somers, but his colleagues out of ASM….Every single member of our group had a takeaway from the training, as was shared with me after the fact by our members.”
Further, “His presentation was that of partnership and camaraderie, and that was arguably the greatest takeaway of the night. Dave White is a great asset, not only to ASM, but also to the Somers Fire Department and the people of Somers that he aids when needed.”
On behalf of ASM, we are enormously proud of Dave and all of our Johnson Medics and of our longstanding partnership with Somers Fire Department and its dedicated and talented staff.
Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Five
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- Jonathan Sanchez
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- Cheryl Everest
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- Tiffany Armas
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- Patrick Gleason
MANCHESTER — On February 4, 2015 five EMTs were added to the ASM team. As part of our continued growth ASM and Aetna 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.
Tiffany Armas: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Tiffany and I’m 23 years old. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela and moved here when I was ten. I graduated from UCONN in May with a B.S. in Allied Health and a minor in Biology. I currently work per diem at the UCONN Student Health Services Laboratory and I’m trained in phlebotomy. I love working in the medical field and am super excited to be involved in emergency care. In my spare time I like to cook, practice yoga, and anything involving being outdoors. I’m also trying to teach myself Portuguese and after that, hopefully another language. I love traveling and learning about different cultures and hope to one day be able to volunteer around the US as well as the rest of the world as a doctor to help communities in need.
Cheryl Everest: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Cheryl Everest I am 23 years old and currently live in Simsbury. I take great pride in helping people everyday in our community. I took my EMT course three years ago and almost instantly fell in love with EMS. I recently graduated from Tunxis Community College with my associates. In my spare time I like to hike with my dog and spend time with my horses. I also volunteer with Simsbury Ambulance. I could not be more pleased to be able to turn my EMS passion into a career with ASM. I plan to further my career in emergency medical a services and become a paramedic.
Patrick Gleason: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Patrick Gleason, I am 43 years old and l live in Manchester, CT. At age 18 I joined the Army and served four years active duty with the 25th Infantry Division. I assumed the duties of squad leader and particularly enjoyed the time I spent at Combat Life Saver School. I went on to work as a Regional Director and Project Manager in the business world but always yearned to acquire an occupation in the medical field. In 2014 I completed an EMT course at Code One in East Hartford and obtained my license. I love to learn new things and am looking forward to a more meaningful career by making a difference in the lives of those I serve as an EMT. The experience I will gain in the field as an EMT will help to prepare me for my ultimate goal of becoming a Paramedic. I spend my free time with my wife and two kids, attend and volunteer at our church and am assistant coach for basketball at the kids school. I am excited and grateful for this new opportunity.
Jonathan Sanchez: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jonathan Sanchez and I am 22 years old and from New Britain, CT. I graduated from Tunxis Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. My career goal is to become a police officer and to do the best I can to support the communities and the laws in place. In 2012 I got my first job at St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center as a transportation tech. With this job I became exposed to the hospital environment and was intrigued by the hospital environment and how much health care providers make a difference in the people they help. That’s when I decided to become an EMT. I obtained my certification last year and since July I have had the pleasure to work in the Emergency Room as an ER Technician which is basically an EMT within the ER. I have seen many different types of patients, from basic toe pain to cardiac arrests. I have done all types of different jobs and procedures within the ER and I love the fact that I get to actually help people out when they are in need and potentially help save a life. I look forward to working with the ASM crew and learning new things and incorporate what I already know on the road. I look forward to the future with the ambulance service and hope to take what I have learned and incorporate that in my career later on in life!
Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Bryan Mathiau Completes Precepting Phase
MANCHESTER – As of January 27, 2015, ASM’s Bryan Mathiau has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.
Bryan’s preceptors were Paramedic Sue Allen and Paramedic Supervisors Melissa Osborne and 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, Bryan’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Bryan and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.
Bryan 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 Bryan the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
Bolton Volunteer Fire Department Certificate of Recognition – Life Saving
ASM’s Tim LaChappelle
On October XX, 2014 Firefighter/EMR Tyler Clark, Firefighter Derrek Kroc, Paramedic Tim LaChappelle and EMT Bob Anderson of ASM Ambulance, responded to a call of a XX year-old female who was having chest pains at 0247 HR. The patient stated that she had been working in the yard during the day and woke up with severe chest pains.
On arrival, the patient was anxiously talking with the responders and then collapsed into cardiac arrest. FF Clark and others immediately started CPR and used a defibrillator to attempt resuscitation. The patient was resuscitated after approximately ten minutes. The patient was transported to the hospital and released to go home seven days later.
Today I present you a certificate for your Extraordinary Personal Actions performed in the line of duty which lead to the successful resuscitation and saving of the life of a citizen of Bolton, CT on October XX, 2014.
(Some information redacted for patient privacy).
Connecticut State Police, Aetna and ASM Toy Drive for CCMC – Event Wrap-up
HARTFORD — On December 22, 2014 a dozen Connecticut State Police cruisers, ambulances from Aetna and ASM and a UHaul full of donated toys convoyed from Troop H to Connecticut Childcare’s Medical Center. Over the course of the last four days, team of Troopers and members of the Aetna and ASM families joined together for the 18th annual effort.
According to Connecticut Children’s President Marty Gavin, thus far the Toy Drive has brought in $220,000 and a half million toys. Last year alone $18,000 and three UHaul trucks full of toys were donated. Each year enough toys are brought in to give a toy to each of the 59,000 children seen at all of CCMC’s locations. Enough even to give a toy to any siblings that accompany the child on their visit.
This year, Aetna and ASM contributed 216 hours to the effort. We are extraordinarily proud to take part and to be team members with CCMC and the State Police.
State Police, ASM and Aetna Toy Drive to Benefit Connecticut Children’s
Snow Queen to join ‘Stuff a Truck’ event
JOURNAL INQUIRER
SOUTH WINDSOR — The Police Department, the Fire Department, and Ambulance Service of Manchester will hold a “Stuff a Truck” food and toy drive, which will include a special guest character actor.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Stop & Shop, 1739 Ellington Road, and at Geissler’s Supermarket, 965 Sullivan Ave.
Organizers are looking for new, unwrapped gifts, including clothing, toys, gift cards, and food.
The donations will benefit local families in need during the holiday season.
“Anything that people can do to make these families’ and children’s holidays a little better is much appreciated,” South Windsor Police Lt. Scott Custer said.
The Snow Queen, from www.Onceuponafairytalect.com will join volunteers in collecting donations and also will be available for pictures.
For more information, contact Officer James Nicoletta at 860-648-6256, or at james.nicoletta@southwindsor.org.
Regional Food Drive – Another “Excellent” Year
HARTFORD COURANT
Delivering donated food to the MACC Charities pantry recently are, left to right, Sean Gregg of Ambulance Service of Manchester, Rotary Club members Ana Ramos and Marty Fins and MACC Executive Director Beth Stafford. (Rick Lawrence).
By Jesse Leavenworth
NOVEMBER 25, 2014, 1:27 PM
Read the full, original article here…
The Emergency of Hunger drive collected nearly 40,000 food items, an outpouring of generosity that an organizer characterized as “excellent” and a good gauge of citizens’ holiday spirit.
The regional collection by police, fire and emergency medical agencies and Rotary Club members benefits food pantries in Manchester, Vernon, South Windsor, Rocky Hill and Windsor.
Conducted over the past two weekends,the drive took in 39,956 food items, $23,839.80 in cash, checks and gift cards and 788 turkeys, organizer Dave Skoczulek of Ambulance Service of Manchester said Tuesday.
“It was an excellent year, once again surpassing our expectations,” Skoczulek said.
Collections in each town go to pantries that serve those towns. The drive provides a big lift to pantry stocks, not just for the holidays, but sometimes extending into February, pantry
representatives said. Organizers said the need has not diminished since the first drive in 2009.
The drive’s six year totals, which Skoczulek reported Tuesday, were 186,956 food items, $120,025.80 in cash, checks and gift cards and 5,498 turkeys.
Emergency of Hunger food drive kicks off this weekend
Article and video appears on Fox CT.
VERNON– Food drives are now kicking off for the holiday season, and this year there’s additional need for help in Connecticut cities and towns.
Many who oversee food drives in suburban towns and more affluent parts of the state say the need for food assistance is continuing to increase.
In Vernon Thursday afternoon, a kick-off ceremony was held for the sixth annual Emergency of Hunger Food Drive. Fire officials, police, EMS, hospital staff, Rotary and others are participating to help make a difference.
Over the last five seasons the drive has garnered 147,000 food and personal care items, 4,710 turkeys and more than $96,000 in cash, checks and gift cards.
Last year, fire, police and first responders personally helped to collect 25,000 food items and more than $10,000 in cash and gift cards for many suburban families in need.