Stephanie Boutot Represents ASM in 30th Boom Box Parade

Note: ASM is NOT the ambulance transport or paramedic service provider in Willimantic. In an emergency, always dial 9-1-1. 

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Submitted by ASM’s Stephanie Boutot

WILLIMANTIC — Saturday July 4th, Willimantic, CT celebrated the holiday with the 30th year running of their famous Boom Box Parade. ASM was proud to be a part of the tradition again this year. It was a tradition that began in 1986 when Kathy Clark suggested using boom boxes while the radio station played the music, when a marching band was not available for the parade. It was surprising success and became a regular event.

I was in the very first Boom Box parade in 1986, carrying my very own boom box, walking down the street with family and friends. Now I drive my source of music and proudly play 1400 AM as the parade sounds “boom” out of the speakers of the ASM ambulance, while I roll down the parade route. It’s great to see how all the different groups that participate and how well received ASM is, with all the waves, excitement, and thank you’s from spectators as I drive by.

For the past six years, I have enjoyed being in the Boom Box parade representing ASM, a company I am ecstatic to work for, doing a job I love. A tradition I hope to continue for many more years.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 59

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 confident of being cared for. I am very grateful for the care given me. I was in extreme pain and nervous and they did everything to make me comfortable and well cared for. (15-35230; B. Langan, B. McDonald with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • They both did their job well and professionally. I have nothing but good to say about their treatment. Thanks very much! (15-37089; K. Stock, J. Shapiro).
  • Excellent.
  • They acted very professional.
  • They were very nice, informed me of what they were doing and what might have been going on with me. I appreciate them. (15-14308; B. McDonald, S. Gregg with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Everyone was excellent – (Thank you so much).
  • Professional, caring, kind.
  • Professional and attentive.
  • Effective and efficient.
  • Treat you like family.
  • They were very professional.
  • EMT in back of ambulance was very calming and informational. Made ride more relaxing. (15-37376; A. Harkins, B. Chase).
  • Thanks for everything!
  • Very, very impressed with the entire episode. Thank you so much for helping me! (15-35797; J. Bak, M. Makulis with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • D + S were wonderful – Very professional but very kind, caring and reassuring. D + S were excellent! A tremendous asset to your team. (15-39491; D. Achilli, S. Testa).
  • I was pleased with all of them, thank you.
  • Empathetic.
  • Very good.
  • Confident. There were 2 calls in the same day – ALL care both times were A++ (15-42274; A. Fine, M. Kleza).
  • Very nice + considerate.
  • Very knowledgeable, respectful.
  • Very comforting and caring! (15-42306; J. Traber, D. Rice).
  • I wish I could personally thank the EMT who saved my life. He successfully stopped my heart with medication and thankful to him and Jesus Christ that my heart restarted. (15-39149; R. Gonska, J. Basora).
  • Professional.

EMS trained peer counselors to create crisis-support phone line

Carolyn Edwards 2By EMS1 Staff

Read the full article here…

HARTFORD, Conn. — A Connecticut foundation is raising support to launch a statewide confidential and anonymous Peer Support phone line for EMS providers by the end of 2015.

The Carolyn Edwards Foundation, a Connecticut based nonprofit, was formed after Carolyn Edwards, a Manchester EMT, was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2014. The initial mission of the foundation was to support Edwards, her children, and her recovery from a traumatic brain injury.

During the weeks that followed Edward’s injury and the killing of EMT Donavan Alden, at about the same time by a drunk driver, it became evident to the foundation that the EMS community in the state lacked a support structure for stress release and relief. The foundation is undertaking the effort to create a peer support line, from EMS providers, for EMS providers, to provide the support and resources an at-risk EMS provider may need during a time of crisis.

Read more here…

Words That Describe Us: Volume 58

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:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable, calming, attentive. I felt my son and I were safe with them and in good hands. (15-27515; E. Sheils, C. Masslon).
  • T. and R. were great. Very comforting. (15-35382; R. Gonska, T. Dixon).
  • They were great + kind.
  • The crew were very professional, and knew what they were doing.
  • Very friendly and informative, explained everything they were doing. (15-25385; V. Maston, J. Lentini).
  • Excellent.
  • Professional + caring.
  • Caring and professional.
  • Professional x 2.
  • Calm, friendly and clear without being condescending. They were great.
  • Very pleased.
  • The two paramedics were excellent!! My first trip (ever) in an ambulance so they were very helpful and reassuring. (15-36708; G. Geres, S. Boutot).
  • Professional + caring.
  • Can’t imagine being cared for before I even got to the hospital. They were great!
  • Ambulance crew was great.
  • Caring and skilled.
  • Efficient + caring.
  • Skilled.
  • Very nice + professional.
  • Very professional.
  • Excellent and professional.
  • The ambulance crew was excellent and they did a great job. (15-39025; T. MacLean, B. McDonald with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Very comforting and thoughtful – They did an excellent job. My first time in an ambulance. (15-37659; H. Mendes, R. Houser).
  • Excellent + caring. The service provided was professional and very well performed. Thanks to the paramedic who was wearing a Manchester Fire shirt. My grandfather was a past deputy chief and would be very happy with the service provided to his great grandson! (15-37893; Manchester Fire Rescue EMS with J. Bush, B. Delgaizo).

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 14

Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabSTAFFORD — During June 2015, ASM Paramedics Jonathan Lentini, and Greg Derosier responded to a medical call in Stafford with Stafford Ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Jon wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Hartford Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-46694). The following are comments provided by Hartford Hospital’s Dr. Marcin Dada with some acronyms and patient information removed:

Today’s STEMI: Stafford to Hartford Hospital TOTAL Ischemia time 73 min !!!

Congratulations everyone!!!

This patient was brought from Stafford to HH by ASM and Stafford Ambulance (pre hospital ECG was sent and communicated to the ED attending: Drs. Dufel/Price and Cath Lab was activated).

Highlight:   We utilized the quick registration where the EMS team was met at the triage and the patient was brought straight to the Cath Lab.

In a nut shell:

STEMI Stafford to HH 2 STEMI Stafford to HH1) HH D2B Time = 30 min

2) Total Ischemia Time =  73 min  (goal <90 min [1st Medical Contact in the field to Open Artery Time in the Cath Lab]

3) 100% mid-RCA –> 2 DES (TIMI III Flow)

In particular, we would like to recognize the following teams:

1) HH Cath Team – Dr Hirst; D. Jordan, T Schrimer

2) HH ER Team – Drs Dufel, Price and Tilden, and the rest of the clinical team (I am sure we missed many as this was a quick triage)

3) EMS team : G. Derosier and J. Lentini and the Stafford crew.

Strong Work.

Regards,

Marcin Dada, MD

Co-Director, CPC

Manager, Structural Heart Program

Manager, Cardiovascular Data Management Center

Manager, Preventive Cardiology and Cardiac Rehab

Words That Describe Us: Volume 57

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 question in the survey asks “Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our service?” And, “Please use one word to describe us.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

  • Caring.
  • Wonderful EMTs, put me at ease.
  • Efficient + competent, professional, comforting. Very nice. (15-26436; K. King, A. Fine).
  • Thank goodness for you. (15-31147; S. Norton, C. Masslon).
  • Crew was courteous + professional + careful with my Mom.
  • Very good.
  • Compassionate + empathetic – great team.
  • Very professional and highly skilled.
  • Courteously professional.
  • Professional + caring.
  • Great!
  • Professional, skilled, compassionate.
  • Professional – caring – careful of my 95 year old mom.
  • Compassionate, caring, knowledgeable, courteous. (15-32391; S. Norton, J. Hornish).
  • Kept me positive, safe & comfortable J (15-29160; S. Crittenden, B. Langan).
  • Comforting, assuring, kind, gentle, skilled, professional. (15-34834; S. Norton, S. Shirshac with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Very professional + took my injury seriously.
  • Excellent!
  • Professional + caring.
  • Professional.
  • Efficient, caring and courteous. (15-30398; G. Kendall, L. Adamowich).
  • Very professional + caring.
  • Upbeat and helpful.
  • Pleasant and thoughtful – attitude lowered my apprehensions. (15-28277; T. Houle, R. Fraley).
  • Professional and friendly.
  • Prompt + professional.
  • The paramedic…seemed knowledgeable of my issue with low calcium levels.
  • Professional + caring.
  • Complete team available to help. Decisive. A big “THANK YOU” to the entire service, Ambulance, Paramedics, fire engine and police car!! (15-35393; J. Bonneau, L. Mazzoni with 8th District and Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).

Thank You Card to ASM’s Rob Bilodeau and Joe Startup

SOUTH WINDSOR — In early June, 2015 ASM received another heartfelt Thank You card directed to ASM Paramedic Rob Bilodeau and EMT Joe Startup. The card reads:

Bilodeau and Startup Card“Dear Sirs:

I wish to thank the 2 men who helped me so much the night of March 13th. They transported me all the way from South Windsor to Backus Hospital at my request. They could not have been kinder and more respectful then they were. I feel they saved my life. It seems I had double pneumonia and heart problems brought on by becoming very ill and being 80 years old. I went from the healthiest 80 year old to the sickest 80 year old in just two days. How wonderful for me that such men [worked on] this ambulance.”

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Joseph Tyree Completes Precepting Phase

Jen Pasquale and Joseph Tyree

Jen Pasquale and Joseph Tyree

HARTFORD –  As of May 15, 2015, Aetna’s Joseph Tyree has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Joe started at Aetna as an EMT-Basic in October of 2009 and graduated from the Hartford Hospital-Goodwin College Paramedic Program. His preceptor was Paramedic Jennifer Pasquale. 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 Aetna, Joe’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing him and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 56

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 question in the survey asks “Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our service?” And, “Please use one word to describe us.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

  • Competent, friendly + concerned, professional. Thank you so much!
  • Very good.
  • Thank you – my husband doesn’t remember the ambulance – but it seemed you did a good job.
  • Wonderful!! Thanks guys!!
  • Efficient.
  • Professional, concerned.
  • Professional.
  • I was in great pain and happy to see you arrive. I felt secure in your hands. Thanks!
  • Very professional.
  • Caring.
  • Calm Confident Personable Friendly
  • Excellent x 2.
  • They made me feel safe.
  • Very caring with a lot of respect. (15-26933; M. Tuttle, S. Yenco).
  • All was good. I will use you again and would tell everyone I know to use you. The Paramedics were a comfort. They made me feel so good. (15-28199; J. Rassmussen, T. Luetjen).
  • We appreciate all of your help with everyone on the crew. (15-28920; S. DeBarge, L. McHugh with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Professional/caring/friendly.
  • Fabulous! Everyone was kind and assuring, making me feel safe. Was much appreciated at the time. (15-26927; S. Norton, J. Startup with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • The crew was great. Professional, friendly.
  • Very personable + “upbeat” personalities, making a scary situation easier, while making me feel secure. (15-27322; K. Russell, S. Boutot with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Comforting. Capable. We were in good hands. We felt cared for. (15-29282; R. Houser, J. Martinez).
  • Concern + passion about the person.
  • They were great.
  • The vehicle + personnel were most professional.
  • Very good.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Christopher Willey Completes Precepting Phase

HARTFORD –  As of June 5, 2015, Aetna’s Christopher Willey has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Chris started at Aetna as an EMT-Basic in November of 2014 and graduated from the Hartford Hospital-Goodwin College Paramedic Program. His preceptor was Paramedic Matthew Campbell. The full precepting phase can take ten to 12 weeks or more as the paramedic is prepped for the realities of the field.

Originally from New Jersey, Chris moved to Killingworth at age fourteen and moved to Manchester after college. He went to the University of Connecticut for Psychology and Anthropology.

As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Chris’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing him and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

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

ASM’s McHugh and Baker at Pitkin School Career & Community Helpers Day

Pitkin School Career and Community Helpers DayEAST HARTFORD — On May 29, 2015 ASM’s Laura McHugh and Kyle Baker attended and presented at the combined Career and Community Helpers Day at Pitkin School in East Hartford. Students were able to tour the ambulance and ask questions about careers in Emergency Medical Services.

According to organizer Danielle Donahue, “It was a great day for students to learn more about different career paths and to really start thinking about how what they are doing in school right now will make a difference in years to come.  Each one of you did an awesome job and I am thrilled with the excitement I overheard in the hallway and classrooms on Friday afternoon.  Some students had never had the opportunity to look inside a police cruiser or ambulance before.  I could go on and on about all the wonderful things that our students said.  The expressions on their faces along with their memories and experiences of this day are priceless.”

Words That Describe Us: Volume 55

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 question in the survey asks “Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our service?” And, “Please use one word to describe us.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

  • My husband and I would like to thank Paramedics for saving our daughter’s life. Thank you for coming to our house very quickly and taking care of our [daughter]. Truly appreciated! (15-15010; T. Salva, J. Basora).
  • Caring and adept!
  • Compassionate.
  • Caring people.
  • Crew was very focused and professional. I thank the crew for their speedy response since time is of the essence with heart related patients. (15-23386; M. Levasseur, M. Khan).
  • Competent and professional.
  • Sensitive – caring.
  • Professional x 3.
  • My ambulance crew was very caring and attentive. (15-23802; M. Tuttle, N. Raiola).
  • Satisfied.
  • Excellent. [Patient] has been transported several times this year and the family is very pleased with the service provided by all. (Patient lives in East Hartford).
  • Excellent. I am fortunate to live in Manchester with such great EMS.
  • Caring, polite and professional. (15-22679; T. Oliver, S. DeBarge with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • “Excellent”
  • Calm – reassuring.
  • Very nice. Talked about family.
  • Very Good.
  • Professional, caring.
  • Tech riding in the back with me was VERY nice + professional. (15-24803; A. Harkins).
  • Life saving.
  • Very kind. Very handsome! 🙂 Made sure I was comfortable. M + N took great care of me! (15-24193; M. Tuttle, N. Raiola).
  • Good ride. Crew was excellent. Very enjoyable.
  • Efficient.
  • Very professional.
  • One of the best professionals at their services. (15-26017; P. Gleason, S. Gregg).

To: Mom’s Heroes — Praise for ASM’s Tim Houle and Mikhail Khan

MANCHESTER — In early May, 2015 ASM received a heartfelt Thank You card directed to ASM Paramedic Tim Houle and EMT Mikhail Khan. The card reads:

Moms Heroes To: Mom’s Heroes

I want to thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart. To the [Paramedic] who worked directly to my mom – Thank you. We almost lost her after being intubated – She was breathing 0% on her own – 24 hours later, the tube came out and she was breathing 100% on her own. Her odds were slim – yet a miracle occurred.

To the EMT that drove – Thank you so much for your kindness and emotional support. You helped me remain centered and clam which facilitated quick decisions in the ER.

Sincerely,

[Patient’s daughter]

PS – This card is to be directed to the two who responded to the Revolution Bowling Alley call on May X, 2015 in South Windsor, CT. My mom will be moving on to rehab at St. Mary Home in West Hartford.

ASM’s Kenya Russell Receives Saint Francis 2015 EMS Champion Award

Kenya Russell with Saint Francis Hospital's John Quinlavin

Kenya Russell with Saint Francis Hospital’s John Quinlavin

HARTFORD — On May 20, 2015, as part of EMS Week celebrations, ASM’s Kenya Russell received an EMS Champion Award from Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. The award was conveyed to Kenya and Vernon Fire Department’s Jean Gauthier by Saint Francis EMS Coordinator John Quinlavin and EMS Medical Director Dr. Steve Wolf.

(L to R): John Quinlavin, Kenya Russell, Jean Gauthier, Dr. Steve Wolf.

Click to Enlarge. (L to R): John Quinlavin, Kenya Russell, Jean Gauthier, Dr. Steve Wolf.

The following is the content of the nomination for Kenya as submitted by ASM’s Stephanie Boutot:

I’d like to nominate my friend, co-worker Kenya Russell, paramedic at ASM. As a paramedic, she assesses each patient and treats them as the individual they are. She is very good at gaining a rapport, making them feel as comfortable as possible. With her amazing smile and contagious laugh, it is not uncommon to hear laughter as she cares for patients. Music is a great tool she uses and will offer to play whatever their favorite might be, even if not her favorite. I admire her strength, confidence, and ability to advocate for patients. She not only stands up for patients, she also stands up for herself earning respect from others.

Kenya is continuously learning about EMS from CMEs and from her calls, and consulting with other providers to improve her knowledge and care. Kenya is not only an amazing paramedic on the clock, but she has traveled abroad to experience other cultures and assist in their healthcare. And if that wasn’t enough, Kenya organized a support system for a friend and co-worker, playing a major role in starting up the Carolyn Edwards Foundation to help Carolyn as well as continuing the support efforts for others EMSer’s in need.

Aetna’s David Kemp and Michael Pacheco Promoted to Field Supervisor

Michael Pacheco

Michael Pacheco

David Kemp B

David Kemp

HARTFORD — On May 8, 2015 Aetna’s David Kemp and Michael Pacheco were both promoted to the position of Field Supervisor.

Dave has been involved in EMS for the past eight years as an EMT, AEMT and now a paramedic. He has been working for Aetna Ambulance the last two years as a paramedic, and served the past three years as the Deputy Chief of EMS for the Town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department.

According to Mike, he got his start in EMS in 2007 and has been employed by Aetna Ambulance since 2008. He graduated from the Capitol Community College Paramedic program in 2013.

On behalf of the Aetna family we would like to congratulate David and Mike on their promotion and look forward to great things from and for them.