Stores, Emergency Personnel ‘Stuff A Truck’ To Help Families

South Windsor Toy DriveHARTFORD COURANT

by Quron Walker

Local first responders, along with Stop & Shop, 1739 Ellington Road, and Geissler’s Supermarket, 965 Sullivan Ave., held the annual “Stuff A Truck” event on Dec. 12 to gather money, food, and toys for South Windsor families in need.

The South Windsor Police Department partnered with the South Windsor Fire Department, and Ambulance Service of Manchester helped as well. The organizations worked together to collect food and toys at the locations.

Read the whole article here…

Nora Young, an EMT with Ambulance Service of Manchester, said she was happy with the turnout and with how residents support one another, as well.

“People always want to help their community out,” she said. “We just give them a place to do it.”

Words That Describe Us: Volume 69

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 answers/responses included:

  • Fantastic.
  • Very satisfied with service.
  • Kind. Reassuring. I was diagnosed with T4 Fx – Broken Ribs & chest wall contusion – I am doing much better – Thank you so much for your care. (15-75390; M. Hoyt, R. Jones with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Professionals.
  • Very courteous and efficient.
  • Professional.
  • Wonderful, professional teamwork. (15-82319; R. Bochman, K. Twohig with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Kind.
  • Courteous and friendly.
  • Excellent! Thank you very much!
  • Professionalism, great crew.
  • Kind and caring.
  • I could not have asked for anyone nicer than the ones that took care of me. Absolutely the nicest, caring and talented beyond words. They were reassuring and made me very comfortable. Everyone was really impressed with the quickness of the service. Thank you all so much. (15-83478; M. Tuttle, R. Fross).
  • Everyone was caring + professional. No one overwhelmed our daughter. They eased their way into her “space” and made her feel comfortable by talking about Frozen + all the purple she was wearing. J  (15-85347; R. Bilodeau, S. Boutot).
  • Excellent service.
  • Great.
  • Best ever.
  • Professional.
  • The service was excellent and I was treated very well. (15-82357; J. Rodriguez, B. Gregorieff).
  • These people were just great! (15-83135; R. O’Neill, M. Khan).
  • Skilled and compassionate.
  • Compassionate + efficient. Being my first ambulance experience, if ever I should need your service in the future I would feel confident I would get excellent care. (15-85431; T. Wain, J. Barletta).

ASM’s Mikhail Khan Becomes a Citizen of the United States

HARTFORD — On December 4, 2015, surrounded by his friends and family, ASM EMT Mikhail Khan took the Naturalization Oath  of Allegiance to the United States of American and officially became a US Citizen.

Mikhail Khan Oath of Allegiance

On behalf of the ASM Family, we are tremendously proud of Mikhail. Please take a moment to congratulate him.

Aetna’s Matt Campbell Promoted to Field Supervisor

Matt Campbell AHARTFORD — On December 4, 2015 Aetna’s Matt Campbell was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor.

According to Matt, “I have been with Aetna Ambulance since September 2011 and have enjoyed every day coming to work since.  I have been in EMS since 2007 and have not looked back. I started out my career in Boston at a private service. When I realized that I love this job and wanted to become a Paramedic, I enrolled in Paramedic classes at Comprehensive Medical Teaching Institute (CMTI).

“When I was in school I met my wife while she was attending college in Boston. We now have a family that is growing very fast. My wife and I have a two year old boy and are now expecting twin girls. I have been a Paramedic for over six years now. I became a preceptor for Aetna in early 2012. I am very exited to work with all my colleagues in my new position as Field Supervisor. Aetna is in a true fashion is a family; we stick side-by-side and work day-by-day together. I work with the highest level of professionals In the business every day.  I want to thank all of my Aetna family for all of your support. Let’s wish and hope for further success in our careers together.”

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 68

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 answers/responses included:

  • E. Thepsiri and J. Basora were 2 outstanding EMS providers. My two “Top Guns”. (15-78017).
  • Fantastic and thank you.
  • Professional.
  • Your ambulance + crew took good care of me.
  • Very efficient and caring. Appreciated the teamwork. Very fortunate to have this excellent service. The response was appreciated.
  • Caring + professional.
  • Very thankful and grateful for your service! Hoping we won’t need you again. As a former EMT – al crewmembers worked as a team. I felt the EMS person from EH was very professional and took charge. (15-71526; T. Armas, C. Heitman with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Very caring and helpful.
  • Compassion! I was terrified not being able to breat and they immediately took over and made me feel a bit more at ease. Very professional but comforting!! Thank you all!! (15-72772; M. Tuttle, J. Startup with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Exceptional.
  • Very professional, knowledgeable + caring.
  • Very professional and caring.
  • The crew was very professional. Couldn’t ask for better. (15-78310; G. Kendall, R. McDonald).
  • Very professional.
  • They were very helpful! Thank you for being there!
  • Efficient.
  • Professional x 4.
  • Excellent!
  • Awesome crew!
  • Very attentive.
  • Crew was very pleasant, knowledgable. I was very impressed with their service. (15-79633; W. Schnepp, M. Kleza).
  • They performed in a very professional way.
  • Friendly – eased my fears.
  • Comfortable to be taken care of by.

Aetna Ambulance Crew Assists Film Crew

HARTFORD — Aetna’s Matt Campbell and Justine Monahan assisted a film crew completing a sequence in Hartford in October of 2015. After speaking with the movie’s director and vetting the film’s concept and basic content Aetna Ambulance elected to help the director capture a few key scenes.

A large portion of the movie was filmed in Africa with the final portions filmed here in Hartford. The final title has not been worked out but the movie’s themes revolve around change, redemption and family as well as darker topics like escaping drugs and alcohol.

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

HARTFORD — On November 6, 2015, three EMTs and three Paramedics were added to the Aetna 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.

Amy Bastien:   FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, my name is Amy Bastien, I’m 27 years old, and I live in New Britain, CT. I graduated from UMass Amherst in 2010 with a B.S. in Business Management. After college, I spent a few years traveling and living abroad. In that time, I learned a lot about myself volunteering at clinics in underserved populations, and began to feel compelled to help those who cannot help themselves. It is my hope to gain as much experience as possible as an EMT with Aetna, in order to proceed to a physician assistant program. It is my life goal to continue on a path of providing comfort and care to those in need. In my spare time, I hang out with my dog, play co-ed soccer, and train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Team Link. I am greatly looking forward to working with Aetna and am very thankful for the opportunity to do so.

Melissa Bilgen:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Melissa and I am 26 years old. Born in Hartford, CT but holding dual citizenship in Turkey. I graduated from UCONN Storrs in 2012 with a B.A. in Biology and minor in Anthropology. I joined the Army National Guard in 2013. I am currently a 68W, Combat Medic, in the 102d Infantry. I am one of two females integrated into the Infantry Unit which is exciting. Ever since I became a Combat Medic I always knew I wanted a career in the medical field. The way the human body works and reacts to things is fascinating to me. I also want to keep my skills set up if I deploy. I strive to one day be a paramedic. In my free time I am very much into fitness. My favorite classes are Core, HIIT, and Yoga.

Michael Bouley:    FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Michael Bouley, I am 29 years old and I am originally from Manchester, CT, presently living in Tolland, CT. After high school I attended Central Connecticut State University, studying a broad number of subjects, primarily western philosophy and sociology. I took my EMT course through Hartford Hospital, and absolutely loved the unique experience, and the opportunity to help people that EMS affords. I have been a volunteer EMT with Windsor EMS for the last three years, and particularly enjoyed the responsibility of being a field training officer teaching new EMTs. I recently graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program, and I am very excited to begin my career as a part of the Aetna Ambulance team and to further my knowledge and experience in the field. In my spare time I like hiking with my two dogs, camping, painting miniatures, and playing video games, I am an avid reader, and love learning about history, philosophy, and science. I look forward to working for a company that has such a strong reputation, and hope to meet everyone soon!

Tessa Gilbert:  FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Tessa Gilbert, I am 25 years old and currently live in Ledyard, CT. When I was younger my dad was in the military so I have lived many places on the East Coast as well as in Alaska. I have been in commercial EMS for a company in Norwich for two years.  I started in EMS after graduating from UCONN with a Psychology degree and really enjoyed many aspects of the job. I decided after about five months in EMS that I enjoyed it so much that I enrolled and am about to complete the Paramedic Program at Goodwin College. When I am not working or in class I like to work out and stay active. This includes hiking, swimming, completing Tough Mudders, volleyball, soccer, traveling, and paddle boarding. I mostly try to stay in good shape since I also really enjoy eating and trying new restaurants/food. I also enjoy watching movies and Netflix binging.  I aspire to eventually become a flight medic and one day a CRNA. I am really excited to begin working and expanding my skills and experience with Aetna.

Ryan Sullivan:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Ryan Sullivan and I am 22 years old. I graduated from UCONN in May 2015, with a major in molecular and cell biology and a minor in math. As an undergraduate I thought I wanted to pursue research as a career. But after working in chemical engineering, allied health, and epigenetic labs, I realized that research was not for me. In my final semester I took an EMT training course that UCONN offered, just because I thought it would be fun. I really enjoyed the course and after graduating, I knew I wanted to stick with it. Now I am very interested in the medical field, and I hope to one day go to medical school. In my free time I like to play video games, hang out with friends, and scuba dive. I also want to pick up skydiving as a hobby. I am looking forward to working with everyone at Aetna Ambulance, and I hope my time here will be the start to a great career in medicine.

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.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 67

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 answers/responses included:

  • Good crew.
  • The team was competent and caring while at home as well as at the hospital. (15-72950; S. Norton, S. Boutot with assistance from F. Tomboly).
  • Wonderful.
  • R. was wonderful. He put me at ease. Made me laugh. (15-72911; R. Gonska, J. Barletta).
  • Very professional. I will say [they] were outstanding.
  • I am [patient’s] wife who called 911. It was such trauma for me I really don’t remember much but knew my husband was in good hands. Thank you again. They made a great team! (15-73328; R. Gonska, J. Monahan).
  • Very professional, caring, serious.
  • Very knowledgeable + efficient.
  • Very pleasant in a tense situation. Very professional. (15-73029; K. Russell, S. DeBarge with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Very professional + informative.
  • Very knowledgeable + compassionate. Friendly – he made me feel better! (15-71156; J. Platero, B. Deoliveira).
  • Professional + caring.
  • Excellent service and care.
  • Very good.
  • Arrived promptly. Well informed. (15-75491; R. McConville, M. Buerk).
  • Skillful, comforting, integrity. The quality of service was excellent. I felt very safe. (15-75677; R. Davenport, W. Valencia with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • From start to finish I am very pleased. J + A took my son to Children’s and calmed me down + took great care with my son. (15-75041; A. Wysocki, J. Bush with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Professional and efficient.
  • The whole crew was professional + comforting.
  • Compassionate.
  • Excellent.
  • Professional.
  • Very caring.

Artist Sends Aetna a Picture with his Two ‘Top Guns’

Julio Artist with Thepsiri and Basora

(L to R): Eric Thepsiri, Julio Henriques, Jason Basora.

HARTFORD — In October 2015 Aetna received a photograph from Artist Julio Henriques of him standing in Bridgeport Burn Center with an Aetna Ambulance crew he called his two ‘Top Guns’.

On October 18th Mr. Henriques was burned on his hands, arms and face while cooking; a 911 call in South Windsor that was responded to by Ambulance Service of Manchester paramedics. Henriques, who has been working with his hands as an artist since 1961, was transported to Hartford Hospital. Due to the sensitivity of the areas involved, he was treated and then transferred by Aetna Ambulance’s Eric Thepsiri and Jason Basora to Bridgeport for burn care.

Mr. Henriques was very taken with the Aetna crew who transported him, also describing them as top shelf, sharp, attentive, sincere, disciplined, and pros. He wanted to share his thanks and the picture with all involved.

An example of Julio Henriques’ work from 1991 during Desert Storm:

Julio Henriques Drawing from 1991

Note: All personal and medical information contained herein appears with the express permission of the patient.

ASM at Downtown Manchester’s ‘Halloween Happenings’ 2015

ASM's Nora Young (L) and Laura McHugh

ASM’s Nora Young (L) and Laura McHugh

MANCHESTER — On October 24, 2015 Ambulance Service of Manchester EMTs Nora Young and Laura McHugh set up an “Amb-boo-lance” near Pinewood Furniture as part of Downtown Manchester’s Halloween Happenings.

Nora and Laura gave out treats to the trick-or-treaters making their way to each store and business taking part in the event on Main Street.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 66

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 answers/responses included:

  • Very professional and knowledgeable.
  •  Kind and efficient.
  • The crew was good.
  • Professional, caring, personable.
  • They were great.
  • Frank was awesome. Never being involved in such a bad accident, he was by far the nicest man, EMT, ever. I greatly appreciate everything he did for me. Professional, caring, funny, relaxing, truly professional. Both were excellent and caring. (15-72527; Frank T., J. Monahan).
  • They were very caring and helpful, explained everything they were doing or about to do and talked to me to redirect my attention from pain + injury. Very caring and considerate young men. Your company should be proud of their example of how a medic or other ambulance assistance should behave. Definitely empathetic and caring of my needs + concerns. Thank you!! (15-72363; T. Carey, A. Wysocki with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Very professional, courteous and compassionate.
  • Professional, caring.
  • Professional service by two very skilled, concerned, young people. (15-72138; T. Webster, M. Carter).
  • Caring + very professional.
  • Responsive/professional.
  • Comforting – Professional (nice guys).
  • Very professional.
  • Professional yet personable.
  • Angels of Mercy. Early morning, seizure alone and scare, but they arrived through that door professionally, competent, showing immediate care and concern. I felt that the EMTs were highly skilled with excellent training…they exhibited kindness, care, hope, faith and a genuine message that we are here to help. (15-71254; T. Houle, T. George with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Compassionate, attentive, kind hearted. (15-62554; M. Hoyt, N. Raiola with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Very professional.

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.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 65

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 answers/responses included:

  • Professional, caring and concerned – thank you so very much! (15-66408; K. Caldwell, S. Gregg).
  • Professional.
  • The gentleman was very professional and concerned. Thank him for his quick action! (15-64972; F. Tomboly, A. Dias).
  • Caring.
  • Helpful.
  • The EMT professionals were very nice + did a great job.
  • Kind – reassuring – respectful. (15-68474; M. Sparks, M. Khan with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Very caring. I appreciated how the crew cleaned up the floor and all the blood from my cut. (15-66964; R. Leslie, S. Boutot).
  • Everything was fine. Helpful.
  • Well done.
  • Very professional and caring. (15-65687; M. Tuttle, R. Anderson).
  • Skilled w/ care
  • They took the extreme pain I was in very seriously which I appreciate.
  • “Experienced and compassionate.” I was so impressed with all those who treated me. They are incredible. (15-68336; C. Lemire, R. Jones with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Capable, professional.
  • Professional.
  • Confident. Yes, would like to thank the RN (female)…I trusted her judgment. (15-69612; K. Teixeira).
  • Very professional.
  • Superb. They have earned my utmost respect and thanks. (15-65470; D. Rice, M. Sparks with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Wonderful. Thank you all for what you do!!!! Thank you!! Thank you!! (15-70599; R. Grzywinski, C. Lemire).
  • Excellent + Very professional.
  • Very professional and knowledgeable (15-66650, J. Rosado, R Grzywinski).
  • Calm, balanced, compassionate, caring. (15-62715; J. Rasmussen, J. Hornish).
  • Skilled and compassionate. (15-70859; K. Caldwell, J. Duval).