Category Archives: Employee Spotlight

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Three – 2016

Posted on by
Reply

HARTFORD — In October, 2016 two EMTs and one Paramedic were added to the Aetna 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.

Courtney Graham:  FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Courtney Graham, I am 20 years old and currently live in Harwinton, CT. I have been in the field of Fire and EMS since my junior year of high school, volunteering for Harwinton Ambulance and HWSFD. I graduated college with a degree in Fire Science while attending classes at Wolcott State Fire School, and working as an EMT for Vintech the past couple years. I also help teach in the summer for Camp Fully Involved, an all women’s introduction to the fire service program at New Hampshire Fire Academy. After graduating, I attended New Britain EMS Academy Paramedic Program, where I found my true passion in Emergency Medicine. During the program I had the chance to complete part of my field internship with some of AETNA’s Paramedics and EMTs. I completed NBEMSA’s paramedic program in August as a part of Class 0815. I would like to work towards becoming a flight paramedic and eventually a D.O. where I hope to specialize in Pediatric Emergency Medicine. Outside of EMS, I enjoy traveling, hiking trips to Vermont and New Hampshire, sketching, photography and being with friends and family. I’m very excited to be continuing my EMS career as a Paramedic with AETNA and meeting the rest of the team!

Kyle Kureczka:  PART TIME, EMT. Hi my name is Kyle Kureczka, I am from Berlin, CT. For the last 5 years I have lived in Newport, RI where I went to school and played at Salve Regina University. The last year I have been working in the ER of four hospitals as a medical scribe. Aetna will be my first time working as an EMT. I plan to use my experience as an EMT to one day go to PA school. In my spare time I like to play soccer, work out, read, and be outdoors.

Michael Quezada:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Michael Quezada, I am 25 years of age .I got into EMS because I enjoy helping others and it is a very rewarding job. This will be my first time working for EMS and I wish to gain as much medical experience as I can while working for Aetna Ambulance. My future plans for EMS include: working as an EMT for a few years and then going back to school to obtain my Paramedic license. My hobbies are: long boarding, bodybuilding, calisthenics, playing video games and martial arts. I look forward to working with everyone at Aetna Ambulance and making new friends!

 

Words That Describe Us: Volume 88

Posted on by
Reply

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.

The final part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • Caring and competent. Thank you for making a scary time more bearable. (16-57973; G. Geres, H. Marshall).
  • Professional. Thank you.
  • Professional, skilled and comforting paramedics helped a stressful situation to be a little easier. (16-32294; K. Stewart, J. Pearson).
  • Very professional.
  • Excellent, especially with the children. Kept them calm. Great job. (16-40554; M. Osborne, M. Karanda, J. Bush).
  • They were both calm and very patient! Great job! Thank you R + R. (16-56137; R. O’Neil, R. Fross).
  • Very professional.
  • Good service, care, responsibility.
  • Efficient and compassionate.
  • Professional.
  • They were very very good. They focused me on basketball. I love basketball.
  •  Very kind, personable.
  • Everyone was extraordinarily kind while capable and professional. Thank you. They made an extremely difficult situation almost pleasant!
  • 1st time in an ambulance and was impressed by the professionalism of the EMT. Excellent all the way around. (16-58683; G. Kendall, J. Barletta).
  • Professional – caring.
  • Cool.
  • Calm + very professional, caring.
  • The lady that was in the back with me. She was wonderful. Very caring. “Great Job” Guys. (16-55938; G. Geres, S. Boutot).
  • Very professional and caring.
  • Professional & courteous.
  • I received exceptional care from the ambulance crew. I would like to thank you for providing the lifeline I needed emergently that morning. The quality of care as well as the empathy the crew showed me was second to none. I am so very grateful for their help. God bless.
  • Very caring.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Michael Karanda Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on by
Reply

Michael KarandaMANCHESTER –  As of September 9, 2016, ASM’s Michael Karanda 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 Supervisor Melissa Osborne and Paramedic Joshua Traber.

Michael started at ASM in February of 2016 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program.  He started off in the medical field in 2011 after receiving his EMTB Certification.  He has been a member of Glastonbury Volunteer Fire Department since 2008.

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

“Although I was nervous and upset, they helped to calm me…”

Posted on by
Reply

kenya-letter-of-praise-092016

MANCHESTER – In late September Ambulance Service of Manchester received a letter of praise for Paramedic Kenya Russell and her EMT partner Robert Grzywinski from a patient they transported during an inter-facility transfer.

 The letter reads:

“I would like to take this opportunity to let you know the two people who transported me from Windham Hospital to Hartford Hospital on [Date in August] were wonderful to me.

Although I was nervous and upset, they helped to calm me, and put me at ease.

If I remember, the lady’s name was Kenya.  She asked me what kind of music I wanted to hear.  I said off the top of my head Vienna Waltzes and low and behold she played a [song] which made me smile.

Those two people are certainly in the right line of work.  I will never forget their kindness.”

 

ASM On Hand at the Wapping Fair in South Windsor, 2016

Posted on by
Reply

SOUTH WINDSOR — On September 9-12, 2016 crews from the Ambulance Service of Manchester were on hand at the Wapping Fair in South Windsor. The event is organized by the South Windsor Jaycees Foundation and is billed as an exciting combination of fun, unique entertainment and lots of family friendly hands on attractions, two of which were sponsored by ASM.

ASM performed a medical standby alongside South Windsor Fire Department partners. The standby served a dual purpose as the children were able to take tours of the ambulance and fire apparatus. Photos courtesy of Sean Norton, Mandi-Lynn Guertin.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 87

Posted on by
Reply

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.

The final part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • Professional. Thank you.
  • Skilled, compassionate, quick.
  • Friendly.
  • [Crew] were polite and professional. Set me at ease and kept me informed. (16-47073; J. Traber, M. Uddin).
  • Very good.
  • Staff was extremely professional, showed empathy and helped calm everyone involved. (16-50087; E. Burgess, K. Twohig with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • K and her partner were excellent, they were great at taking professional care of me. (16-53556; K. Russell, R. Jones).
  • Excellent – pleasant yet professional.
  • Life savers.
  • The ambulance crew were very kind and professional.
  • The person who rode with me was great – definitely put me at ease. (16-53409; R. Bilodeau).
  • Courteous + compassionate.
  • The ambulance crew were very caring and allayed my mother’s fears about the pain upon moving her. (16-25719; M. Pacheco, K. Durand).
  • Professional x 3.
  • Excellent.
  • Attentive Compassionate Friendly.
  • Excellent, capable, and compassionate.
  • They were terrific.
  • Very well trained + friendly – Great Job.
  • Very professional.
  • Impressive, well done.
  • Professional.
  • M was friendly, concerned and informed. I would like you to acknowledge M. for his good service. I would have never been able to get to hospital. I had blacked out when I hit my head and was in shock. M was excellent. (16-57541; M. Campbell).
  • Courteous, professional, friendly. Your staff helped ease my fears during an incredibly stressful event. I am grateful! (16-59663; J. Craig, A. Hernandez with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Good people.

Praise for an MFRE and ASM Response

Posted on by
Reply

Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance ASM FMANCHESTER — In August of 2016 ASM received an email from a patient in Manchester for a response in July. In it she praised the care she received from ASM’s Luke Zalewski and Sean McNeff working with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS (MFRE) firefighter-paramedics. The email read as follows:

The ambulance crew was so kind to me I have been wanting to send them a thank you note. I was in so much pain when they arrived at my house, and as a young woman I was worried they might not take my complaints seriously, but they did. When they arrived I was in so much pain I could barely stand up. They helped me out of the house, but they also went the extra mile of reassuring me that my two cats did not get out of the house when they left the door open. They described both cats to me and said they had seen them both go into the basement. This really helped me to relax  in a difficult situation. They could have just told me not to worry about it, but they took all of my concerns seriously.

On the way to the hospital they administered medication in an IV that helped my pain decrease. I was scared when I arrived at the hospital because I was alone but they reassured me they would not leave me by myself. I typically use alternative medicine because I have previously had many negative experiences with the conventional medical system, but this was not one of them. I am so grateful I called that day and so grateful that the crew treated me with so much care and respect. I felt they really went above and beyond to make sure that I felt as comfortable and safe as possible. What wonderful people! The doctors believe I had a ruptured cyst and I am feeling better now. Thank you so much!

[This redacted and de-identified story and commentary appears with the patient’s express permission]

Words That Describe Us: Volume 86

Posted on by
Reply

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.

The final part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • The crew was caring + informative, took care of me very well + got me situated in ER. (16-47719; A. Fine, M. Uddin).
  • Skilled, caring staff. My services were exceptional. Please let the EMTs know I appreciate [it]. (16-47714; S. Gregg, M. Cedeno with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Highly professional with personalized care.
  • Thanks!
  • Friendly and professional.
  • Great EMT experience and care.
  • The crew was very thoughtful – they listened to what my needs were – very helpful – thanks to everyone who helped me. (16-49921; M. Buerk, R. Fross).
  • Very caring, professional and friendly.
  • Professional/caring.
  • Friendly.
  • Excellent.
  • Very professional.
  • Nice, young + funny.
  • Helpful.
  • Very professional.
  • Very professional, prompt & courteous.
  • They saw immediately that my child was in great pain and took steps to alleviate it. Smart + professional. (16-52868; J. Traber, D. Hammett).
  • Caring + professional.
  • Thank you for your prompt arrival at a critical time.
  • Excellent! Very professional!
  • They were able to get [patient] to get into the ambulance and get medical attention. The crew acted very professional and tended to [patient’s] needs.
  • Ambulance were very professional and courteous.
  • Timely and professional.

The Carolyn Edwards Foundation Hosting 3rd Annual Poker Run and Family Picnic

Posted on by
Reply

Carolyn Edwards Foundation Motorcycle Poker Run FamilyThe Carolyn Edwards Foundation will be hosting their 3rd Annual Poker Run and Family Picnic on August 20, 2016 at Northwest Park in Manchester, in conjunction with The Road Docs motorcycle club.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO JOIN!

This is a great event for adults and kids alike with food, games, music, and great people! This is one of the biggest fundraisers for the foundation of the year and helps them continue their mission.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under, and can be purchased from www.carolynedwardsfoundation.org or from Kenya Russell, Beth Sheils, Greg Shovak, Michael Makulis, Matthew Tuttle, Francis Brunet, Nancy Brunet, Stephanie Boutot or Rachel Woods. If you are considering attending we would appreciate buying a ticket in advance so we can gauge how much food to buy!

More info can be found on the Facebook event page (3rd Annual Carolyn Edwards Foundation Poker Run & Family Picnic) feel free to spread the word!

– The Carolyn Edwards Foundation

Words That Describe Us: Volume 85

Posted on by
Reply

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.

The final part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • Very good.
  • Highly skilled + professional.
  • From the first introductions I felt I was in very capable hands. (16-43381; G. Geres, D. Hammett).
  • Very professional, caring and thorough.
  • Knowledgeable, caring + compassionate.
  • Caring, skilled, perfect teamwork and cooperation between ASM partners R and R. Great coordination with South Windsor Police. Medic inserted IV line perfectly, painlessly, enroute, every technician step was precise and thorough balanced with being personable and alleviating excess concern. It was my first 911 ambulance ride. He was excellent! EMT provided tech support in the home and before departure, drove safely and alleviated worry during transport and at hospital arrival. Great team. (16-46033; R. Bilodeau, R. Fross).
  • Reassuring! Wonderful! Kind!
  • Very nice/professional.
  • Wonderful service. No complaints.
  • Excellent service, compassionate care.
  • They were very respectful and caring – Thank you!
  • Very professional.
  • “GREAT”. The paramedics were very pleasant and respectful the entire time. (16-47910; G. Geres, T. Luetjen).
  • Very caring.
  • Ambulance crew was very professional and truly cared about how I was feeling.
  • Very caring/compassionate. I am most impressed with your service. It has been exceptional.
  • Perfection.
  • Caring.
  • Professional – compassionate.
  • Very professional and tried to keep me calm and comfortable while I was in their care. (16-46114; T. Wallace, L. Zalewski).
  • Caring.
  • Respectful.

“I am so happy to have met these two gentlemen”

Posted on by
Reply

Patient Satisfaction SurveyPraise for ASM’s Todd Marshall and David Tedeschi

SOUTH WINDSOR — In late July ASM received a patient satisfaction survey response for a call done by Paramedic Todd Marshall and his EMT partner Dave Tedeschi in South Windsor.

As noted in the picture, the wife of the patient checked off Strongly Agree with a check-plus to 17 check boxes related to patient satisfaction within the survey; all that applied.

In the narrative section the patient’s spouse shared some details of the care that her husband received. For the sake of privacy some of the information has been redacted in the following section.

She described the crew as “Extraordinary! Caring, Compassionate.” She went on to say, “I have always received excellent care from ASM.” She called them “very soothing and reassuring” and that their report to the hospital was beyond what she had experienced in the past and ensured the patient received a critical special accommodation.

She finished by saying, “they made a stressful situation a little bit better. They are a credit to your business. I am so happy to have met these two gentlemen.”

Praise again for Aetna’s Eric Thepsiri and Donna Achilli

Posted on by
1
Eric Thepsiri

Eric Thepsiri

WETHERSFIELD — In late July Aetna’s office received a patient satisfaction survey from a patient treated in Wethersfield in June by Eric Thepsiri and Donna Achilli. The patient had checked off every box with “Strongly Agree” to questions like, the Paramedic was highly skilled, kept you informed, relieved pain and anxiety. 15 boxes in total.

Donna Achilli

Donna Achilli

When asked to use a word or phrase to describe the crew the patient wrote, Fabulous!!.

In the narrative section the patient went on to write, “I was picked up by the Great Eric + Donna. They treated me above and beyond what I expected. We connected well. They were so professional and friendly. They stayed with my in the hospital until they had to leave and came to say goodbye! They are the absolute best!! We had some good laughs too 🙂 Tell them I say Hi!”

Note: Run #16-47131, certain information redacted for privacy.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 84

Posted on by
Reply

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.

The final part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • They were great. Kind, professional and caring. (16-43478; T. LaChappelle, A. Linardo).
  • Very courteous.
  • Professional!
  • Very nice paramedics! They showed concern. Provided great care. (16-41861; J. Traber, T. Armas)
  • I was very nervous, their kindness + comfort were so appreciated. Wonderful people – Super job done. (16-44248; R. Jones, M. Pierce).
  • They showed concern, asked appropriate questions, checked on my comfort.
  • Professional. M + R did an excellent job. Thank you! (16-44752; M. Tuttle, R. Fraley).
  • Awesome.
  • Relaxed, calm, pleasant.
  • Courteous + Efficient.
  • Fantastic response.
  • They were helpful, fast, caring & professional. J Thank you for all the help. (16-44293; A. Debisschop, A. Hernandez).
  • Very courteous + highly efficient.
  • Very professional.
  • R + R were terrific. Their assessment + care were very professional. They made sure I was safe + secure right into the ER room. We were very pleased with all that R + R did. (16-45368; R. Bilodeau, R. Fross).
  • Very friendly.
  • They were very professional + caring individuals through my entire situation. (16-39950; E. Snoek, R. Bochman).
  • Professional, compassionate & well trained. The entire crew was great. They were calm and kept me calm and comforted. (16-40155; J. Rasmussen, S. Yenco with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Wonderful – Outstanding.
  • Professional, seemed very well trained.

Stephanie Boutot Represents ASM in Boom Box Parade, 2016

Posted on by
1

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 — I know the 4th has come and gone, but ASM is still America Strong! It was another successful year at the annual Boom Box Parade in Willimantic. ASM, in our traditional orange and blue, proudly wore red, white and blue to celebrate with the rest of the crowd for the momentous occasion.

The radio set to the 1400 WILI AM station as they played the parade music, a tradition that began in 1986 when no marching band was available for the parade. This year’s parade was held in 82 degree weather and lasted 96 minutes, the longest since the record breaker of 117 min in 2010.

I enjoy the reactions from the parade goers, young and old, with great big smiles, waves and cheers. We may not be the first responders in the town, but they know who we are and they seem to appreciate us here. It’s an event I look forward to every year!