Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Cora Gingras Completes Precepting Phase

HARTFORD – As of May 23rd, 2017, Aetna’s Cora Gingras has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Her preceptor was Paramedic Greg Kendall. Cora started at Aetna in December of 2016. She graduated from the Goodwin College/Hartford Hospital Paramedic Program after studying psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Cora’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing her and her preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

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

Fundraiser for Mike Makulis

Mike Makulis has worked in the Emergency Department at Manchester Memorial Hospital for nearly 38 years, and has been an employee at the Ambulance Service of Manchester for over 26 years. On April 13th of this year, he underwent 11 hours of surgery related to a vascular issue that almost took his leg. Due to severe complications, an additional surgery was required on April 14th. The second surgery lasted for over four hours, and successfully established blood flow to his leg. Both of these extensive procures have left Mike unable to return to work at either job until further notice.  In addition to supporting him emotionally, we are hoping to help him with some of the financial difficulties he will face as a result of being out of work.

There will be a fundraiser for Mike on May 25th, from 6 to 10 pm at the Elks Club of Manchester, located on 30 Bissell Street. Tickets are available from the Charge Nurse in the Manchester Memorial Emergency Department, or at ASM from either Ryan McConville or Patrick Gleason. Please help us celebrate Mike’s recovery with food, refreshments and raffles! Tickets are $30 per person. If you are unable to attend the festivities, please consider making a donation. Thank you in advance for your generosity. If you have any questions, please call 860-647-9798 x258

National Nurses Week 2017

 

ASM and Aetna would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the nurses our employees interact with on a daily basis. Your continued dedication and compassion remains an essential aspect of the patient care experience. Please know that your efforts will never go unnoticed.

 

 

Aetna’s Amy Griskus Promoted to Medicare Office Supervisor

MANCHESTER — On April 28th, 2017 Aetna’s Amy Griskus was promoted to the position of Medicare Office Supervisor.

Amy has worked for Aetna since October 2007, reviewing and processing Patient Care Reports (PCR’s), interacting with Medicare patients and payors, maintaining a knowledge of billing practices to ensure Medicare compliance, and much more. On behalf of Aetna and ASM, we would like to congratulate Amy and look forward to more great things from her.

Aetna Company Newsletter

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of The Grady Report, the Aetna employee newsletter. Released quarterly, The Grady Report will feature numerous articles outlining company news and events, training opportunities, case studies (periodically), 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.

 

ASM at Bowers Elementary School’s 4th Annual Career Day

MANCHESTER — On April 28th, 2017 ASM’s Nora Young and Justin Craig, attended Bowers Elementary School’s 4th Annual Career Day to talk to the children about ambulances, Paramedics and EMTs, and medical emergencies. Members of Manchester Police Department were also in attendance.

 

Thank You- You Saved My Son’s Life

SOUTH WINDSOR — In mid April, 2017 ASM received another heartfelt Thank You card directed to ASM Paramedics Matt Tuttle and Rob Bilodeau and EMTs Bekka Fross and Jeff Hornish. The card reads:

I wanted to thank the ASM team that came to our house and saved my son’s life. You can’t imagine how much that means to my son and our whole family. You are the best! Your expertise and speed to save him was outstanding. Thank you again and again.

 

A Special Note!

MANCHESTER – In early April, The Ambulance Service of Manchester received a hand written thank you letter addressed to EMT’s Mike Sparks and Stacy DeBarge. The note, as depicted below, is in regards to a transport completed a few months prior.

 

I would like to thank the young lady and gentleman who assisted me to the ER this past February. They were soothing, gentle, and very knowledgeable. I needed a “life LOL,” and their combined grace and joy did just that for me. Thank you again.

Aetna Assists at “Fire Ops 101 Day”

HARTFORD- On April 10th, 2017 The Uniformed Professional Fire Firefighters Association of Connecticut hosted an event at Hartford FD’s Training Academy. “Fire Ops 101 Day” provides elected officials and other civilians the opportunity to experience the physical and mental challenges that first responders face on a daily basis.

Representative from Aetna Ambulance, several local fire departments, and other agencies acted as handlers walking representatives through real life scenarios.

 

Please note below Aetna Ambulance Field Supervisors Bob Mara and Matt Campbell assisting participants with the care of a simulated trauma patient.

 

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Cody Lemire Completes Precepting Phase

MANCHESTER –  As of April 4, 2017, ASM’s Cody Lemire has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. His preceptors were Paramedic Supervisors Robert O’Neil and Tim LaChappelle.

Cody started at ASM in June of 2011 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program.  His interest in EMS began while volunteering with the North Windham Fire Department where he now serves as a Lieutenant.

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

ASM Company Newsletter!

The Ambulance Service of Manchester is pleased to announce the release of Pulse, the ASM employee newsletter. Released quarterly, Pulse will feature numerous articles outlining company news and events, training opportunities, case studies (periodically), 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. The first issue of Aetna’s employee newsletter will be released on May 1st.

Click above to view!

ASM and Bolton Fire Team Up!

BOLTON-On March 5th, ASM employees were invited to Bolton Fire Department’s Headquarters to present to the town’s local Girl Scout Troop. Paramedic William Schnepp and EMT Tiffany Armas worked alongside FD members offering tips on how to work with emergency personnel. Tours of the ambulance were provided as William and Tiffany discussed ideas on how to avoid and prepare for emergencies. In addition, Girl Scout members received a tutorial on different types of equipment commonly used by EMS and Fire Personnel.

 


 

Aetna Appears in Local News

HARTFORD- In preparation for Winter Storm Stella, Aetna Ambulance Operations Supervisor Matt Martinelli and EMT Kate Filosi were interviewed by FOX 61 Reporter Jim Altman. In the segment, Matt and Kate discuss the necessary steps Aetna takes to ensure that both the crews, and ambulances are ready to weather the storm. In order to safely and promptly reach residents, Aetna strategically places ambulances at staging areas proven to reduce response times. As portrayed in the interview, crews will be posted at these locations even during the storm.

 

“First Responders always have to be on top of their game, regardless if a blizzard is on the way.”

 

 

Read the article by Jim Altman and watch the segment in its entirety by clicking below!

Bracing for blizzard, first responders get plans in place

A Special Note…

MANCHESTER – In early March, The Ambulance Service of Manchester received a hand written thank you letter addressed to Paramedic William Schnepp and EMT Cody Lemire. The note, as depicted below, is in regards to a transport completed a few weeks prior.

 

Your team was awesome! So prompt, efficient, knowledgeable, professional and funny! They took awesome care of me. Thank you! You should be proud of your crew. They Rock!

William was cleared for independent dispatch in August of 2015, and Cody is currently precepting as a paramedic. We look forward to continued success from both William and Cody.

Aetna’s Bob Mara Promoted to Field Supervisor

HARTFORD- On February 17th, 2017, Aetna’s Bob Mara was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor.

Bob is a graduate of Assumption College in Worcester, MA where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology. He pursued a certification in Advanced Personal Training following graduation, and eventually assumed ownership of a gym in West Hartford. In addition to concentrating on Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Bob had the opportunity to work with professional athletes, and prepare members for fire and police physical agility testing.

In 2006, after 20 years in personal training and 10 years as a volunteer EMT in his hometown, Bob joined Aetna as a full time employee. He has continued to advance his education by taking numerous courses in the study of biology, chemistry and mathematics. He has persistently demonstrated his commitment and value to the company by becoming cross-trained as a Dispatcher, assisting new employees as Field Training Officer, and serving as a Union Steward mediating conversations between employees and management.

On behalf of the Aetna family, we would like to congratulate Bob on his promotion and look forward to great things from him.