Aetna’s Lauren Slebodnick and Angel Rodriguez at High Road School Career Day

High Road School May 2015 AHARTFORD — On May 13, 2015 Aetna’s Lauren Slebodnick and Angel Rodriguez attended and presented at High Road School of Hartford‘s Career Day.

Forty students, mostly from Hartford, were able to tour the ambulance and ask questions about careers in Emergency Medical Services.

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 13

Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabHARTFORD — During April 2015, ASM Paramedic David White and his AEMT partner, Al Pardi, responded to a medical call in Stafford with Stafford Ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Dave wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Hartford Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-29463). The following are comments provided by Hartford Hospital’s Dr. Marcin Dada with some acronyms and patient information removed:

Congratulations everyone on a great care of this antero-lateral STEMI pt last Sunday.

STEMI Ambulance Service of Manchester Pre-hospital EKG TransmissionThis patient was brought to HH by ASM (prehospital ECG was sent and communicated to the ED attending: Dr. Herbst)

While in the ER, patient arrested with return of spontaneous circulation… and was brought to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

In a nut shell:

1) HH D2B Time = 77 min (off hrs, Sun 3 AM)

1) STEMI Total Ischemia Time = 115 min

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

1) HH Team – Dr Hirst, Engles and the Cath Lab team – W. Arcisz, D. Jordan, F. Natale.

STEMI Ambulance Service of Manchester Pre-hospital EKG Transmission B2) HH ER Team – Dr Herbst, and Snyder, and the ED team: M. Moquin, D, Phillips, S. Ferri.

3) and last but not least : ASM and Stafford Ambulance

Strong Work.

Regards,

Marcin Dada, MD

Co-Director, CPC

Hartford Hospital

Words That Describe Us: Volume 54

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:

  • They were absolutely amazing. Although I don’t know their names they should know I appreciate their service. They were kind and compassionate. Especially when I arrived in the ER at Hartford…When you’re not feeling well it’s great to be taken care of. Please let them know I’m very grateful for their service. They made me feel like they cared. Seems simple yet so many people just don’t care these days! Keep up the great work! I hope we’ll never meet in the ambulance again – but if so, they’d be my choice! 🙂 (15-11255; M. Levasseur, M. Sparks).
  • Excellent.
  • Very caring + skilled.
  • Extremely competent, skilled, proficient, caring, efficient. Very pleased with the entire experience/services rendered to my mother; I couldn’t have asked for better care from the Paramedics. Thank You!!! (15-18981; M. Campbell, S. Dybdahl).
  • The crew were great, could not have asked for a better group of young men. (15-20709; N. Toro, J. Platero).
  • Recent snow – steep driveway – carried me downstairs + hill. Excellent care. (15-8653; K. Beaulieu, B. Delgaizo).
  • Helpful.
  • Very professional.
  • The crew were excellent. Very caring.
  • Comforting in a time of desperation.
  • Excellent source of help.
  • Caring, informative, empathetic.
  • Very comforting to have them arrive so quickly.
  • Caring + professional.
  • Thank you for taking professional care of my daughter.
  • Caring, knowledgeable, efficient. (15-20119; V. Maston, J. Lentini, H. Carl).
  • The ambulance was called for my husband. I was very pleased with their care and their concern for me.
  • The two EMTs this time were considerate and kind.
  • Remarkable.
  • Professional and super qualified. (15-22877; G. Geres, M. Sparks).
  • They were very professional and did an excellent job,
  • Crew showed up very quickly – everything considered, a fine operation!

“The crew came totally prepared and handled the patient with compassion”

Adam Fine

ASM’s Adam Fine

ASM Crew: Adam Fine and Michael Hoyt

From a thank you note sent via email on May 3, 2015:

I want to take a minute to commend the crew that did a transfer the evening of 4/17/15 from Hartford Hospital to Hospital for Special Care in New Britain.

The elderly patient was extremely apprehensive and had breathing difficulties.  The crew came totally prepared and handled the patient with compassion and offered her a level of reassurance that made her more relaxed and less anxiety ridden. They even extended concern to the family as to whether they were familiar with the driving route to get to the new location.

Michael Hoyt

ASM’s Michael Hoyt

Again, often these acts of professionalism and kindness go unrecognized.  Just want to make sure the crew along with all emergency medical professionals know that they are appreciated.

Best regards,

SK

(family member of patient from #15-29135)

ASM Supports the 2015 National Kidney Foundation Walk

NFK Kidney Walk 2015MANCHESTER — On April 26, 2015 ASM’s Lauren Mathiau and Michael Hoyt provided standby EMS support to the National Kidney Foundation for their annual Foundation Walk.

Over 26 million people have chronic kidney disease and another 1 in 3 adults are at risk.  This is a staggering statistic! For more information about the walk or to make a donation, log onto www.kidneywalk.org and select Connecticut or Massachusetts.”

According to their website, the National Kidney Foundation, a major voluntary nonprofit health organization, is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by kidney disease and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. The vision of the National Kidney Foundation is to enhance the lives of everyone with, at risk of or affected by kidney disease.

Learn more by visiting their site here…

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 12

Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabHARTFORD — During April 2015, ASM Paramedic Supervisor Matt Tuttle and his EMT partner, Supervisor Mike Sparks, responded to a medical call in South Windsor. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Matt wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-24713).

Matt Tuttle

ASM’s Matt Tuttle.

“Nice job, Matt. Thanks for calling early.”

         – John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

Additionally the patient returned a Satisfaction Survey with every one of the 21 boxes checked Strongly Agree or Excellent. In a follow-up phone call he said that Matt should be commended, that he was “absolutely fantastic”, caring and took the time to explain everything as it was happening. Further, he said, “I have nothing but good things to say about your service.”

Vessel Angiography Findings/Treatment:  100% thrombotic occlusion of Distal RCA; hypotensive, required Dopamine, ejection fraction 55%.

Comments: onset 20 min PTA dispatched 0822; EKG transmitted on scene to ED & med control contacted prior to departure; left scene @ 0840 (South Windsor location)- in ED pt remained on EMS stretcher then to cath lab.

SFH Cath Lab Patient Follow-Up Form

EMS Agency: ASM 

Indication: STEMI

First Medical Contact (FMC) (at pt side) Time:  08:28           elapse:  00:00

EMS 12 Lead Acquisition Time:                          08:32           elapse: 00:04

EMS STEMI Alert Request Time (source: cmed):      prior to dept.       elapse: 00:01

EMS 12 Lead Transmit Rec’d Time:                  08:36           elapse: 00:04

Arrival Time (SFHED):                                        09:01           elapse: 00:25

Cath Lab Arrival Time (SFH):                             09:17           elapse: 00:16

Procedure Start Time:                                         09:26           elapse: 00:09

First Device Time:                                                09:33           elapse: 00:07

————————————————————————————————————–

SFHED Door to First Device:                                                 32 min     

FMC to First Device:                                                              65 min

Hartford Firefighters, Paramedics Save Choking 2-Year-Old

Aetna's responding Paramedic was Samuel Dybdahl

Aetna’s responding Paramedic was Samuel Dybdahl

From NBC Connecticut. Read the whole story here…

[continued…] The fire department posted a letter from Aetna Ambulance on its Facebook page, thanking responding firefighters for their quick thinking.

According to the letter, EMTs and firefighters were called to the city’s South End around noon Thursday. They found the toddler unresponsive with a “complete airway obstruction.” Firefighters performed chest compressions and the Heimlich maneuver.

Medical personnel worked with firefighters to remove the food from the child’s airway and give the toddler oxygen.

Aetna Ambulance director of operations Mark Hannegan said the emergency responders’ teamwork kept the child alive.

Hartford Fire Department - Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.“There is no doubt that without quick, calm and professional actions by all on scene, the child would have died,” Hannegan said in a letter to the fire chief thanking the firefighters of Engine 10. “The attending physician called and said that prehospital care ‘legitimately saved this kid’s life.’ He said that the child is doing well.”

Aetna’s Ashley Harkins and Justine Monahan Visit Wethersfield Brownies

Wethersfield BrowniesWETHERSFIELD — On April 16, 2015 Aetna’s Ashley Harkins and Justine Monahan visited Brownie Troop 10262 out of Wethersfield, CT. The two afforded the girls the opportunity to learn from strong female role models.

Scouting troop visits serve to increase children’s awareness of Emergency Medical Services, when to call 911, what Paramedics and EMTs do to help people and why serving the community is important.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Juan Rodriguez Completes Precepting Phase

HARTFORD –  As of April 16, 2015, Aetna’s Juan “J” Rodriguez has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

J started at Aetna as an EMT-Basic in March of 2010 and graduated from the Hartford Hospital-Goodwin College Paramedic Program. His preceptor was Paramedic Kevin Stock. 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, J’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 J the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 53

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:

  • Skilled.
  • Very impressive. They were great. I don’t remember much.
  • Competent and comforting.
  • Very professional and thoughtful.
  • Great.
  • Helpful + reassuring.
  • Very professional and kind.
  • Excellent: Thank you!
  • Very professional, caring.
  • Very nice.
  • We were very happy with their service + appreciate their caring help. (15-13680; D. Pozniak, S. Yenco).
  • Caring, well organized & efficient (15-17246; G. Geres, S. Boutot).
  • Professional, caring, competent. Crews on [X] trip and [X] return home were wonderful to Dad and took great care of him. (B. Mathiau, D. Kapplan, P. Gleason, M. Hoyt).
  • The ambulance crew were very kind + took very good care of my wife. Thank you.
  • Professional, low key. (15-17217; A. Harkins, J. Monahan).
  • Attentive.
  • They are fantastic (15-17847; M. Buerk, P. Yakushchenko with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Wonderful.
  • The team was caring, gentle and professional. Thank you for all you did for me. (15-17362; R. Davenport, C. Everest).
  • Great!
  • Professional, friendly, courteous. (15-18080; M. Tuttle, D. Tedeschi).
  • Professional/courteous.
  • Professional x 3.
  • Reassuring and efficient.
  • I am glad that I could choose the hospital I wanted to go to.
  • The ambulance attendance (sic) were very caring + supportive + comforting. Thank you.
  • Very comforting.
  • The two ladies that came were very nice and made my daughter feel comfortable and stress free. 1st experience ever with ambulance service. Have nothing bad to say. They came so fast…Very satisfied! (15-19133; G. Geres, S. Debarge).

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 11

Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabHARTFORD — During March 2015, ASM Paramedic Adam Fine and his partner David Tedeschi responded to a medical call in Coventry with Coventry Volunteer Fire Association (CVFA) ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Adam wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-17116)

Adam Fine

ASM’s Adam Fine

“First Medical Contact to device under 90 minutes!!!”

         – John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

SFH Cath Lab Patient Follow-Up Form

  • 100% left posterior descending artery ballooned.
  • Re-clotted, managed medically.

EMS Agency:                   ASM (Coventry)

Indication:                        STEMI

First Medical Contact (FMC) (at pt side) Date/Time:           16:31          

EMS 12 Lead Acquisition Time:                                             16:34          elapse: 00:03

EMS 12 Lead Transmit Rec’d Time (source: Lifenet):       16:42           elapse: 00:08

Arrival Time (SFHED):                                                          17:06            elapse: 00:24

Cath Lab Arrival Time (SFH):                                               17:21           elapse: 00:15

Procedure Start Time:                                                           17:42           elapse: 00:21

First Device Time:                                                                  17:57          elapse: 00:15

————————————————————————————————————-

SFHED Door to First Device:                                                 51 min

FMC to First Device:                                                               86  min

 

Thank You Note for ‘Grace and Professionalism’

Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.April 6, 2015

Dear Ambulance Service of Manchester:

This is a Thank you note; the two young people you sent to take me from Johnson Memorial Hospital on January XX, 2015 were an absolute godsend. I’m just sorry I don;t know their names. They picked me up during a horrible snowstorm with the wind blowing and snow pelting down. Both of your employees were professional, considerate and had a combined sense of humor. I could have have asked for more in helping me get into my house after having had surgery 48 hours earlier. I am not the lightest patient in the world but they handled me with grace and professionalism….Please tell them [Patient Name] said Thank you and well done. They are a credit to your business which requires so many skills that cannot be taught; They have my appreciation.

Sincerely,

[Patient Name], Run Number 15-6828.

ASM Crew: Bill DelGaizo and Laura McHugh

Words That Describe Us: Volume 52

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:

  • Could not have been smoother. Thank you. Fast + competent service. (15-7495; S. Crittenden, N. Raiola).
  • Professional, courteous, made me feel safe and well care for. (15-12482; T. Salva, J. Basora)
  • Better than superb. I feel that your ambulance crew saved my life. I don’t have the words to thank you enough. Also, your dispatcher was extremely nice when my son called to get details. (15-19637; R. Bilodeau, J. Startup).
  • Professional and friendly.
  • Compassionate ambulance crew.
  • Great crew.
  • Professional, competent.
  • D + M were fabulous. M was the first [EMS Provider] that gave me a comfortable ride. I’ve had too many ambulance rides. (15-5103; D. Slomcinsky, M. Makulis).
  • Gave me and my husband peace of mind. Thank –u. God bless all of you. (15-12061; M. Hoyt, K. Baker, B. Krzynowek).
  • Great.
  • They kept me calm and at ease. [K. Russell] was very comforting. (15-8437; K. Russell, J. Bush).
  • Kind + caring + professional.
  • I didn’t ride with him but I know they were excellent here at our home and at the hospital. (15-13110; T. Oliver, S. Boutot).
  • EMT staff was great. Many thanks for their help. Please keep up the great work. (15-2044; J. Traber, C. Masslon).
  • Kind and very professional.
  • Very responsive to all questions ask[ed] by myself and they made me feel comfortable & safe. (15-15102; R. Balkun, A. Fine).
  • The crew was fantastic. Used a little humor when needed. Both EMTs were skilled and listened to my fears. I was so nauseated – the Paramedic took the time to start an IV + give me medicine prior to the ride to the hospital – so appreciated! Please let the Paramedics know how much I appreciated their care! (15-14073; R. Gonska, K. Mathiau).
  • Professional yet caring.
  • Very professional and caring.
  • “Doc” and partner were both professional and caring. They took my accident seriously and showed concern for me, which put me at ease. Thanks to both men!! (15-14439; M. Levasseur, J. Lentini).
  • Considerate and comforting.

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 10

Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabHARTFORD — During March 2015, ASM Paramedic Ted Oliver and his partner David Rice responded to a medical call in Somers with Somers Fire Department ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Ted wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-21457)

“Another great job by our ASM partners and this time with Somers Fire. The bar has been raised now with measuring the time from first medical contact to device in the Cath Lab and this requires a strong team effort to meet the new benchmark. Rapid identification and notification are critical elements to success.”

         – John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

SFH Cath Lab Patient Follow-Up Form

  • 100% occlusion of the posterior left anterior descending artery.
  • 90% occlusion of the ramus artery (a division of the left main coronary artery)
  • 100% occlusion of the first through third obtuse marginal arteries
  • 80% RCA ejection fraction < 20%. IABP placed. No PCI – CABG performed.

Treatment by EMS and Direct to SFH ED

EMS Agency: ASM  (run # 21457) (Somers FD Ambulance transported)

Indication: STEMI

 First Medical Contact (FMC) (at pt side)            15:05          elapse:  00:00

 EMS 12 Lead Acquisition Time:                         15:10          elapse: 00:05

EMS 12 Lead Transmit Rec’d Time:                    15:22          elapse: 00:12

Arrival Time (SFHED):                                         15:56          elapse: 00:34

 Cath Lab Arrival Time (SFH):                             16:14          elapse: 00:18

 Procedure Start Time:                                         16:17          elapse: 00:03

SFHED Door to First Device:          to start proc.                 21 min

FMC to First Device:                        to start proc                  72 min

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Seven

MANCHESTER — On March 31, 2015 seven 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.

Tiffany George:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Tiffany and I am 27 years old. I have worked in commercial EMS since 2008 as an EMT and Dispatcher. I recently moved to Manchester with the intention of pursuing a career as an administrative assistant, but quickly learned the position was not for me. I’m glad to have received the opportunity to continue my work in EMS at ASM. I graduated from Naugatuck Valley Community College in 2010 with a degree in General Studies and along with that came my EMT certification. I have also worked as an ER Tech and have received training in phlebotomy and EKGs.  I’m hoping to someday attend Paramedic school, but until that time I am a junior at Post University working towards earning a degree in Marketing. I’m a former pageant competitor and titleholder in the Miss America Organization and spend as much time as I can volunteering within the program. I enjoy leading an active lifestyle, as well as meeting new people. In the free time that I sparsely have I do enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my dog, Pippa, as well as baking tasty treats.

Robert Grzywinski:    FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name Robert Grzywinski and I am 37 years old. Originally I was born in Wroclaw, Poland an arrived to the U.S at the age of five. My family settled down in New Britain where I graduated from Mary Immaculate Academy. I currently live in Coventry and enjoy the different pace of life. For over ten years I worked with children and adolescents in different capacities, from a direct care counselor in a safe home, extended day treatment, residential, and a day school servicing special education and behaviorally defiant adolescents. For most of my career I have worked to assist others, so it came to no surprise that I went on to obtain my EMT certification through CPR Professionals out of South Windsor and am looking forward to starting an exciting and new profession. In my free time I enjoy do some DIY projects around the house as well as cooking. The rest of the time I spend with my family, barbecuing, going to parks, beaches, attractions for the kiddos or just hanging around the house with them.

Chelsea Heitman:    FULL TIME, EMT.  My name is Chelsea Heitman.  I took the EMT course at Springfield Technical Community College in 2010 and have been a volunteer EMT at Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association since 2012.  I got into EMS because I want to help people in their time of need or their family members, like the paramedic did for my mom when my dad passed.  While at Central Connecticut State University I decided I wanted to become a Paramedic.  Since then I left CCSU and am currently finishing the Paramedic program at Springfield College with plans to finish my degree.  I was able to put my knowledge to the test while doing clinical study at Baystate Medical Center and my ride time with in Springfield, MA.  I was a Patient Care Technician at Baystate Medical Center in the ER and saw a wide variety of patients doing everything from changing patients, to vital signs, to EKGs, and to lab draws.  In my spare time I like to snowboard, run, and generally spend time outside.  I am a pretty easy going person with a loving personality.  I am excited to start working with ASM and see what the future holds for me

Charles Lodge:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Charles Lodge. I am 24 years old and currently reside in Glastonbury, CT. I graduated from Glastonbury High School in 2008 and went on to earn my Bachelors Degree from the University of Connecticut in 2012. After college I moved to Washington D.C. and worked as an Arborist for one of the largest commercial and residential tree care companies in the country. After moving back to Connecticut I decided it was time to chase my dream of a career in public service. I am extremely excited to learn new skills and apply my training as an EMT. Besides a career in Arbor culture, some of my professional experience includes Community Outreach for underprivileged youths, bar tending, and serving as a Marine Science Technician in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve

Christopher Tevnan:   FULL TIME, EMT.  My name is Chris Tevnan, I am 32 years old and live in Farmington.  I went to Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA and graduated with a degree in Aviation.  For the last six years I was a Federal Agent with Homeland Security in NYC.  It was a great job but I was never home.  In January I completed the accelerated EMT course with CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor.  I’m excited to begin a new career within the medical field and to be able to really make a difference in someone’s life.  My wife and I are happy that I will be around more often especially with our daughter Brooke expected in early May.  In my free time I volunteer with the Tunxis Hose Fire Department, spend time with family and friends, BBQ, and do work at our new house.

Nora Young:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Nora Young. I am 21 years old and currently live in Storrs, CT. I am finishing up undergrad at UConn and will be graduating in May with a degree in Physiology and Neurobiology. My goal is to eventually attend PA school. I am also a volunteer EMT in Ellington where I thoroughly enjoy giving back to the community. I am a die hard UConn Huskies basketball fan as well as a Patriots fan. I am very excited to be working at ASM where I can further my education in the EMS field.

Information for the seventh new hire has been removed.