‘Emergency of Hunger’ Food Drive Begins This Weekend

MANCHESTER — The Fifth Annual ‘Emergency of Hunger’ Food Drive officially starts this weekend. Emergency and public service agencies in five communities band together with Rotary Clubs to collect for local food banks.

Further details on the Food Drive: This is year five and thus far we have collected: 108,000 food and personal care items, 4100 turkeys and over $75,000 in cash, checks and gift cards.

Here are the currently scheduled Food Drive dates and times by town. The following are Stop and Shop locations unless otherwise noted:

  • Enfield:  54 Hazard Avenue. November 17: 900a-400p.
  • Manchester:  286 Broad Street. November 16, 17, 23 and 24. 900a-500p.
  • Rockville:  50 Windsorville Road. November 23 and 24. 900a-400p.
  • Vernon:  10 Pitkin Road. November 23 and 24. 900a-400p
  • South Windsor:  1739 Ellington Road. November 16, 17. 900a-300p.
  • South Windsor:  965 Sullivan Ave. November 16, 17. 900a-300p (Geisslers)
  • Windsor:  Was held November 2, 3, 9 and 10.

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 9

MANCHESTER — Additions and renovations to the Ambulance Service of Manchester’s main headquarters, known to employees as “10-1,” continue. As of this writing:

  • Drop ceiling has been added in the entire new space except for the ancillary training room where the walls will extend to the deck/roof.
  • The main restrooms are nearly complete with fixtures, stalls, flooring and cabinetry in place.
  • Painting of walls and trim and staining of doors has been completed.
  • Utility room floors have been sealed.

The next steps are to complete and open for service the main restrooms so that demolition can move to the oldest restrooms and the old side entrance hallway, complete flooring, activate HVAC systems and begin phase two of demolition and construction.

The addition and renovation are part of ASM’s continued commitment and investment in the towns it serves.

Praise for EMS Service during and around the ING Marathon

ph_ING_HM_Course_Info_Half_MarathonThe following combines two letters sent to Aetna and ASM under separate cover.

I wanted to thank you and Aetna Ambulance/Ambulance Service of Manchester for the assistance and hard work put in for the ING Hartford Marathon, which was held on October 12, 2013.

As you know, Mike Bova, Matt Martinelli and Chris Bates were instrumental in the planning for, and the operations on, marathon day. The success of the medical plan was, in a large part, because of Aetna/ASM’s involvement from the beginning.

Beth Shluger, the Executive Director of the Hartford Marathon Foundation stated that this was the best prepared race she has ever had. Aetna/ASM deserves a share of that compliment. Since the bombing of the Boston Marathon this Spring, we were intent that we would not be caught unprepared should a similar event happen here. Aetna/ASM’s commitment of resources and staff was greatly appreciated.

Please pass along my thanks to all of the crew members who stood by and responded in East Hartford, South Windsor, and elsewhere along the course and in the command post. They worked hard and were a credit to Aetna/ASM.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with Aetna/ASM on future projects.

Thanks again,

Michael Zacchera, NREMT-P

EMS Educator

Department of EMS Education

Hartford Hospital

Meet the Newest Members of the ASM Team: ASM Hires Four

MANCHESTER — On October 14, 2013, four 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.

Kyle Baker:    Full time, EMT. Hello my name Is Kyle Baker. I am 22 years old and live in Hebron, CT. I graduated in May of 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Politics from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. The second semester of my freshman year of college I took an EMT-Basic class and almost instantly I fell in love.  I began working Saint Anselm College EMS, a student run volunteer EMS unit that serves the campus community, shortly after finishing my class. I also began volunteering with Andover Fire Department in Andover, Connecticut. I worked with Saint Anselm EMS until graduation and I continue to actively volunteer with Andover Fire Department.  EMS has been my passion for the last four years and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to turn it into a career.  In my spare I enjoy listening to music, golfing and enjoying the outdoors. I am incredibly excited to begin my new adventure with the Ambulance Service of Manchester and I look forward to the new experiences I will have and the new people I will meet.

Evan Burgess:    Full Time, EMT. My name is Evan Burgess and I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in Manchester, CT and graduated Manchester High School in 2010. I attended the University of Connecticut for two years and then transferred to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA to study Biblical Studies. Currently I am finishing my senior year of college online via Liberty University. I came home this year to finish school and get an EMT job. This summer I completed my EMT-B certification class at Hartford Hospital. I am very much involved in my church’s activities at Trinity Covenant Church and I enjoy ministering to people there. I love to play the guitar and I am a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. My brother Colin worked for ASM for a couple years before he headed off to medical school, and he inspired me to become an EMT. I hope to gain experience working with patients and helping them and their families during tough situations. I hope to become a missionary someday, and the experience I gain and learn from this career will aid me in my future endeavors. I am very excited to begin working and learning how to care for people in need.

Polina Yakushchenko:   Full Time, EMT. My name is Polina Yakushchenko and I am 23 years old. I was born in the Ukraine and moved to the United States in 2000. I now live in Vernon, CT. I recently graduated with a Bachelor in Health Science from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania.  I have had some patient care experience in college working at the student health center along with the local hospitals. One day I hope to go to grad school and continue my education in the medical field. I love to travel and experience new places and cultures. I am very happy to begin working for ASM and I look forward to serving the community.

High Praise for ASM’s Stacy DeBarge and Jonathan Bush

Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC. - Stacy DeBarge

ASM’s Stacy DeBarge

“My mom had her first ride with your company yesterday on 10/1/13 from Hospital for Special Care by Stacy and Jon and I must commend them for being so professional. My mom has been through a lot and is a very anxious person and they took that into consideration and they explained everything they were doing to her which eased her anxiety tremendously. I explained to them that she had lots going on in her abdomen area so they were especially gentle with her.

“They were polite, courteous, friendly and patient for the entire duration of

Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC. - Jonathan Bush

ASM’s Jonathan Bush

our time with them. Jon even held a conversation with my mom on the ride to the Doctor’s office. They respected her dignity and kept her covered. They looked very professional in there attire, I was tremendously impressed and would look forward to a ride with either of them if ever needed in the future. I would like to add that they were punctual and got us to our appointment on time and they were patient waiting while the doctor’s office had detained us longer than anticipated.”

-Patient’s Daughter (#13-86061)

Larry Magoon’s Retirement Party

Larry Magoon 2Friday, October 11, 2013

5:30 P.M.

Maneeley’s Banquet Hall

65 Rye Street

South Windsor, CT 06074

Tickets $35/person (buffet meal and cash bar)

For tickets and to RSVP, contact Mike Makulis at (860) 250-9012 or email at mmakulis@cox.net. If you intend to buy your tickets at the door, please RSVP to Mike so that he can have an accurate head count.  

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 8

MANCHESTER — Additions and renovations to the Ambulance Service of Manchester’s main headquarters, known to employees as “10-1,” continue. As of this writing:

  • Primer and in some cases paint has been applied to the main rooms.
  • Heavy doors have been hung in some of the offices and pass through areas.
  • The new main restrooms have been tiled.
  • Drop ceiling has been hung in all the new spaces.
  • Data wiring has been run and the secure space for computer servers has been prepared.
  • Windows and doorways have been boxed and framed with trim added.
  • Baseboard heating, thermostats and other HVAC equipment has been installed.

The next steps are to complete the drop ceiling by adding tiles, complete power control installation, touch up the paint, add flooring and add fixtures to the bathrooms. When completed, the renovated space will include additional training and simulation areas, a relocated locker area, new offices, a medical supply staging area, and two new restrooms although the plans remain fluid.

The addition and renovation are part of ASM’s continued commitment and investment in the towns it serves.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Matt Traber Completes Precepting Phase

Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC -- Matt Traber

(L to R): ASM’s Vinnie Maston and Matt Traber.

MANCHESTER – As of September 25, 2013, ASM’s Matt Traber has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Matt’s preceptors were Paramedic Supervisors Bob O’Neil 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, Matt’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Matt and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Matt started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2008, has been an EMT in Connecticut since 1996 and also works for the Mohegan Tribal Fire Department. Matt graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. 

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.

Congratulations to South Windsor Fire Department

From the South Windsor Patch:

Happy Anniversary! South Windsor at the Parade

Posted by  (Editor) , 

400274d9363d68fa9cb1b9dcb2e0646SOUTH WINDSOR — Hundreds of firefighters, fife and drum corps and emergency service but by far best represented were South Windsor’s finest – police, firefighters and Explorers, elected officials, veterans, ambulance… See the full gallery here. 

Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC. -- South Windsor Fire DepartmentASM was proud and honored to participate in the parade component and congratulates South Windsor Fire Department on their 75th Anniversary.

Save the Date: Larry Magoon, Formerly of ASM, is Retiring

Larry Magoon

Date: Friday, October 11, 2013

Time: TBA, evening

Location: Maneeleys Banquet and Catering Facility, South Windsor

For tickets: Contact Mike Makulis at ASM or Dawn Sopelak at Manchester Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.

Cost: $35 per person includes a buffet dinner, cash bar and a gift for Larry.

More information to follow. Please reply to this post if you have pictures of Larry to use at the event and arrangements will be made.

ASM Provides Medical Support at Hebron’s Florida Georgia Line Concert

Florida Georgia Line - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

ASM’s Vinnie Maston and Bryan Mathiau with members of Hebron Fire Department.

HEBRON — On September 8, 2013 three ambulances from the Ambulance Service of Manchester were on hand at Hebron’s 43rd Harvest Fair where country band Florida Georgia Line performed. The fair drew a record 135,000 attendees over the course of two weekends according to the Journal Inquirer.

The Hebron Lions Club contracted ASM to assist in providing medical services during the concert portion which drew over 34,000 attendees. Direction came from the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department and Windham Hospital EMS Paramedics.

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 7

MANCHESTER — The renovation of space once occupied by Marcus Communications continues…

  • Primer and in some cases paint has been applied to the main rooms.
  • In the hands-on, body mechanics training room, matte black paint has been applied to the exposed roof structure and part of the deck.
  • A corner soffit was framed to accommodate a drop down screen for an AV projection system.
  • Doors were hung in one of the new offices.
  • Metal framing has been added to the door cutouts in the main hallway.
  • The dry wall was cut through a removed where the main cross-hall will go, connecting the old and new spaces.

The next steps are to complete priming and painting, hang doors and install the lighting and drop ceiling.

When completed, the renovated space will include additional training and simulation areas, a relocated locker area, new offices, a medical supply staging area, and two new restrooms although the plans remain fluid.

ASM’s Tim LaChappelle Promoted to Supervisor

MANCHESTER — On August 28, 2013 ASM’s Tim LaChappelle was promoted to the position of Supervisor.

Tim started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2006 and graduated from Capital Community College’s Paramedic Program. Tim is currently the Assistant Chief of Coventry Volunteer Fire Association, Inc in his hometown.

On behalf of the ASM Family we would like to congratulate Tim on his promotion and look forward to great things from and for him. We are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

EMT Course at MCC Prepares Students for Certification

Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.Mike Jordan-Reilly, Manchester Community College

7:10 p.m. EDT, August 15, 2013 (Originally posted in the Hartford Courant)

Manchester Community College‘s Continuing Education Division offers an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course that fully prepares students to take the certification exam.

The MCC Credit-Free course is offered in partnership with the Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM) LLC, whose staff teaches the MCC course on site at the ambulance building located at 275 New State Road in Manchester.

“This course will prepare students to sit for the State of Connecticut and National Registry Board EMT Basic examination,” said Steve Conley, Director of Operations for Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC. “This test is a primary qualification for EMT certification.”

An EMT is a first responder in the event of accident or illness and must assess injuries, administer emergency medical care, extricate trapped individuals and transport sick or injured people to medical facilities.

ASM, a 2012 recipient of the Governor’s Award for Career EMS Services, provides Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Manchester, East Hartford, Bolton and supplemental paramedic service and transport to the Town of Windsor. ASM also provides paramedic intercept services to GlastonburySouth Windsor,Stafford Springs and Somers and responds to Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support(ALS) 9-1-1 requests to many surrounding communities in Hartford, Tolland and Windham Counties.

Training Room 2The ASM staff will begin the Fall 2013 offering of the MCC course on Monday, September 9. It runs for 13 successive Mondays and 12 successive Wednesdays, through December 16, from 6 -9:30 p.m. It also includes 12 clinical sessions held on successive Saturdays, from Sept. 21 through Dec. 16, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The course fee is $750 (refer to CRN 31723).

Ann Bonney, MCC’s director of Credit-Free Programs added, “Taking this course through the MCC partnership with ASM means students have access to hands-on experts in the field for instruction and clinical work, and it provides students with the added benefit of official college transcript that serves as a record of their education.”

For more information, call the Credit Free Information line at 860-512-2800, or to register, contact the Registrar’s Office at 860-512-3232, or visit http://www.manchestercc.edu/continuing/creditfree.php.

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

 

MANCHESTER — On August 7, 2013, six 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.

Jonathan Bush:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jonathan Bush I am 29 years old from Vernon, CT. I was born and raised near West Palm Beach, FL and moved to Connecticut when I was 16 years old with my family.  I just graduated from Capital Community College in Hartford with an A.A. in Fire Science and EMS which is where I received my EMT training.  I have also been a volunteer firefighter in the Town of Vernon for over ten years where I have gained experience with emergency response calls and made a lot of great friends. I am getting married soon and cannot wait to start our new life together.  In my free time I am an avid runner and love to hike, mountain bike, kayak, and in the winter snowboard. I like to relax by watch movies, going to lakes and beaches, and hang out with family and friends. I am excited to start my career with ASM and look forward to all the new experiences I will have and meeting the all of the ASM team members.

Sean Gregg:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Sean Gregg and I am 23. I am from Plainville CT, and I graduated from Plainville High School in 2008. I am currently residing in Avon, CT and am actively seeking to relocate to Manchester for a shorter commute. My home life consists of my fiancé and two dogs Foxy and Mini who are a Japanese breed called Shiba Inu. I have spent the last four years of my life as a Cardiac Monitor Tech at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. My hobbies consist of cars, and street bikes. I also like to stay up to date with the latest technology and I’m a Green Bay Packers fan. I have successfully completed an EMT-B course at Bristol Hospital in May of 2013. This is the first step of my career, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work for such a great company as ASM, and look forward to furthering my career and education with them. I dedicate my EMS career to my best friend who died last year in a motorcycle accident. As for my  EMS career with ASM I hope to gain much knowledge and experience so I can go back to school to be a Paramedic.

Jared Krajewski:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jared Krajewski. In 2010 I joined the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department to give back to my town. They offered me training as an EMR where my interest in the medical field sprouted. Less than one year after becoming an EMR I obtained my EMT-B. As I am just passing the two year mark as an EMT, I am preparing to pursue a career as a paramedic and will be starting classes shortly. I have spent the past year and a half working in the Intensive Care Unit in Manchester Memorial Hospital and this experience has enabled me to understand patient care in the EMS scene and hospital setting. In the past I was a brick mason/crew leader for my father’s landscaping company and created a portfolio of work that I am proud to show off. I try to be very active and involved person with every aspect of my life including my vast list of hobbies such as shooting, mountain biking, diesel trucks, RC cars, hiking, and fishing. My free time could not all be spent without my three year old German Shepherd Fathom. He will go almost anywhere I go that dogs are legally allowed. I’m looking forward to being part of ASM and furthering my EMS career.

Lauren Mazzoni:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Lauren Mazzoni. I am 20 years old and live in Manchester, CT. I’ve volunteered at the fire department for the past three years handling mostly EMS calls. I am a newly certified EMT and live at the fire department full time. As a night crew member I am able to get a lot of experience. I am very excited to start my career at ASM and gain even more experience. Aside from volunteering at the fire department, I am taking classes at Central Connecticut State University for my criminology degree, which I started with plans to become a police officer. During my free time I like going to races at Stafford Motor Speedway, watch NASCAR every Sunday, fish, hike, and play sports. Since I was five and all throughout high school I have played sports, and it’s always been something I enjoy doing. I am open to new and exciting things and while I am not sure what exactly how far I would like to go in my EMS, I am looking forward to gaining as much experience as possible at ASM.  

Evan Vaughn:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Evan Phillip Vaughn and I am 34 years old. I live in Coventry with my wife and daughter and have been an EMT for seven years. I was born in Florida and raised in Texas. I started with the El Paso Fire Department and worked there for three years. I then moved to Connecticut and worked for another commercial service in the state for about two years. Eventually I would like to become a paramedic. I spend most of my time with my little girl outside in the woods. I enjoy cooking, fishing, hunting and just being outside. I am very happy to be a new employee of ASM and I look forward to meeting and working with all of you. 

Andrew Wysocki:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Andrew Wysocki and I am 27 years old from Marlborough, CT. I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a bachelors in business finance and a minor in psychology. It wasn’t long after college that I realized that being behind a desk wasn’t for me; I wanted to pursue something a little more hands-on. Spending a number in the years in the restaurant business I found that my people skills were my strength. A recent job working with the mentally disabled was  an eye-opening experience for me and a good introduction to the health field. I learned a lot about myself during this time and definitely was put to the test in many different situations. The experience convinced me that “a life living for others is a life worth living”, as well as a fulfilling one. Now as an EMT I intend on continuing my service to the community in a different way. I hope this is the first step in continuing my education in the emergency medical field.