High Praise for ASM’s Josh Traber and Tracy Luetjen

Ambulance Service of Manchester: Josh Traber

ASM’s Josh Traber

MANCHESTER — On August 10, 2014 ASM’s Josh Traber and Tracy Luetjen responded to a 911 call in one of the towns that ASM serves. One to two weeks after the transport the patient was randomly selected to receive a Patient Satisfaction Report.

The patient marked Strongly Agree for all 15 categories answered within the survey. When asked to use or word or phrase to describe the crew the patient wrote: Professional competent Life Savers!

The patient went on to write, “I credit the entire team from ASM with saving my life. I especially thank Josh for staying in command with a calm effective professional demeanor. I appreciate that he listened carefully to me and took action to east my discomfort. He kept me informed all the way through even though to most people it may have appeared that I was losing the ability to communicate due to the pain. My diagnosis was life threatening and I am thankful every minute for all the team did to get me to the emergency room quickly and safely.”

ASM's Tracy Luetjen

ASM’s Tracy Luetjen

The patient went on to say that in triage, “Tracy remained calm and was able to help keep me focused. By having a simple conversation I flet like he cared and he kept me from “panic mode.” I am grateful to be alive! Thank you Josh, thank you Tracy!”

-14-69358 (Information appears with permission).

Words That Describe Us: Volume 32

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:

  • Professional, courteous, considerate, caring and human! (14-44049; S. Crittenden, M. Khan).
  • Awesome.
  • Professional & very pleasant.
  • Caring x 2.
  • Reassuring.
  • Compassionate.
  • Efficient.
  • Very caring. All 4 of the responders were calm, kind and so helpful. My son was in great hands as the patient as were my daughter and I also.
  • The crew was professional and very calming. (14-47322; M. Buerk, J. Krajewski responding with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Very professional x 2.
  • Compassionate and efficient. Well trained. (14-47200; E. Sheils, D. Pozniak).
  • Highly professional – They saved my life. Thank you! (14-48389; M. Osborne, M. Sparks).
  • Prompt, professional, courteous (14-63998; M. Osborne, S. Parent).
  • The ambulance staff were very helpful and kind. Thank you! (14-47902; G. Desrosier, M. Sparks).
  • EMT very professional.
  • Caring, professional.
  • Excellent, knowledgeable, professional (14-65434; R. Bilodeau, R. Fross).
  • I was very impressed with the whole crew! I had fallen and couldn’t have got up by myself (14-65831; T. Oliver, T. Luetjen).
  • As good as it gets. (14-66424; R. O’Neil, J. Rasmussen, H. Carl).
  • Professional and pleasant. (14-65995; A. Ordway).
  • Amazing. We always use and trust ASM. Very compassionate. (14-65191; D. Slomcinsky, B. Langan).
  • Competent.
  • Very professional and caring! (14-57104; T. Marshall and B. Langan with Coventry Volunteer Fire Association).
  • Qualified.
  • The services were excellent and professional. (14-66112; D. Noyes, T. Whalen).
  • Very caring and professional. (14-66749; M. Pacheco, J. McKenna).

Meet the Newest Members of the ASM Team: ASM Hires Five

MANCHESTER — On July 31, 2014, five 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.

Tom Carey:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Thomas Carey and I am 22 years old. I lived in East Hartford until I was 11 years old and then moved to South Windsor. I have always had a passion for helping others which is what drove me to public safety in the first place. Growing up I wanted to be everything a veterinarian, a zoo keeper, and even a paleontologist. Animals are one of my biggest passions in life. When I was in high school I was in a program called Kids N’ Critters, where we brought snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards, toads, and frogs to elementary schools to teach children about the animals and what to do when they see one. I have handled all sorts of creatures, from snakes that are larger than I am to even alligators. I wanted to become a police officer for the ASPCA to protect animal rights, and that’s when I began my education into criminal justice at Manchester Community College. I also joined the South Windsor Fire Department and realized how much I enjoyed being a fireman. Since my membership I have completed Fire 1, Fire 2, and have been chosen to be a member of the departments Rescue Squad. My career choice had changed and now I want to become a Career Firefighter. So now here I am a member of ASM and I couldn’t be happier to be working in a field that I want to be in. Although the job will take up much of my time I am still looking into volunteering at an animal shelter of some kind as well as being involved in the fire service.

Jeff Hornish:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jeff Hornish.  I am 55 years old and live in South Windsor. I have a daughter who is an EMT and works at St Francis Hospital’s ED as a tech, and a three year old grandson (who calls me “B”).  Born and raised in South Windsor, I enjoy camping and hiking.  I went through a number of jobs until I found my career in EMS. I started as an EMT with the South Windsor Ambulance Corps on 8/8/2001.  Over the years I’ve had many pleasant experiences working with ASM employees on intercept calls.  I am very happy to be able to continue my EMS career working with those same people.  I am very impressed by the professionalism and camaraderie here at ASM.  I also plan to advance my career by becoming a Paramedic at ASM.

Tom MacLean:   FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Tom MacLean, I’m 24 years old and live in Vernon CT. I graduated Xavier High School in Middletown CT and went on to study Business Administration at Fordham University in the Bronx, NY. I did some volunteer work in the Vernon Fire Department in High School and really enjoyed the experience as a whole. In college, I became very business-minded and stepped away from EMS for awhile, but always missed the passion I felt in providing a service that really helped people. After working in the insurance industry for a couple years after school, a great opportunity opened up for me to complete my EMT certification. I went for it, and could not be happier with my decision. Outside of work, I like hanging out with my two boxer dogs and just having a good time. I’m a big New York sports enthusiast, and have always been a life long Yankee and Jets fan. Recently, I’ve also gotten pretty big into boxing – I love the discipline and it’s a great work out. I look forward to working at ASM and can’t wait to get to know everyone.

Keith Ringuette:  FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name is Keith Ringuette. I am 22 years old and I am from Eastford, CT. I recently graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut in Allied Health Sciences and I’m excited to have a career in the job field I have been studying. Before UConn I attended Quinebaug Valley Community College where I graduated with Honors with my Associate’s Degree. I have lots of hobbies that include reading, playing videogames, and playing or watching any kind of sport. I obtained my EMT-B in 2012 after taking a course with Code One in East Hartford, CT. Both sides of my family have always been heavily involved in the medical field helping others, with their licensure ranging from LPN to Physician. I hope to continue my family’s legacy by getting experience as an EMT-B which will help me with my future goals of becoming a PA or nurse. If I were to get into graduate school I plan to join the military on scholarship so I can travel all over the world to open my horizons to the healthcare situations in other countries. My ultimate goal would be to become a PA in Orthopedic surgery aiding surgeons with surgical procedures.

Joey Startup:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Joey Startup and I live in East Hartford.  I come from a firefighter background in the CT Air National Guard.  I’ve served for about 11 years now and will retire at my 20 year mark. I’m proud to have served four tours.  About five years ago I started practicing as an EMT at the professional level working for a commercial service in Meriden for about four years before making the move to ASM.  I am currently attending school in MCC getting my prerequisites finished for a nursing career.  I have a dog named Sasha that is my life and is spoiled to death.  I am very excited to begin my career at ASM and get to know the ASM team.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 31

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:

  • Professional and caring. I have to commend the EMTs for their efforts and concern. (14-54475; T. Whalen, D. Noyes).
  • Team co-coordination and care – excellent and reassuring to both patient and family (14-53604; K. Baker, K. Beaulieu with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Very helpful during a very difficult time + caring. You have a excellent staff! Thank you. (14-53200; M. Traber, M. Sparks).
  • As a complex medical patient I can be very difficult to treat. The entire crew showed tremendous cooperation and communication in my care and treatment. ie. the driver stopped for the EKG and the “stick” was coordinated with a stop light. What the crew did not realize was their patient is a firefighter, combat life saver and soon to be retired military soldier. I do not easily impress and the care and professionalism of your entire crew regardless of role, reflects great credit upon them and your organization. Please share this strong commendation with the crew. (14-40971; T. Allbee, C. Haag responding with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • “Praise” The EMT/Paramedics were understanding of the situation, provided immediate evaluation of medical requirements and offered medical assistance with professionalism while maintaining the comfort and dignity of my husband. Thank you for being there. (14-52651; T. Allbee, H. Marshall).
  • Really professional and calming. (14-51518; A. Fine, D. Hammett).
  • As I expect it to be (professional at all times).
  • Professional. Your team couldn’t have been better! Thank you. (14-43920; M. Carter, M. Flynn).
  • Excellent x 3.
  • Professional/well prepared. (14-60160; H. Jolly, A. Harkins).
  • Ambulance crew [was] very skilled and pleasant. (14-40966; R. Buechele, H. Marshall).
  • [R. Buechele] quickly figured out what would work with my daughter to slow down her breathing. (14-58100).
  • Very good.
  • Wonderful, professional.
  • Comfortable ride + competent crew.
  • AWESOME!!!! (14-56665; R. Balkun, M. Hoyt).
  • Professional x 5.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Jose Platero Completes Precepting Phase

(L to R): Aetna's Jose Platero, Hartford Hospital's Mike Zacchera

(L to R): Aetna’s Jose Platero, Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera

HARTFORD –As of August 4, 2014, Aetna’s Jose Platero has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Jose’s preceptor was Paramedic Matt Campbell. 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, Jose’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing Jose and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Jose started at Aetna as an EMT-Basic in 2011 and graduated from the Bridgeport Hospital Paramedic Program. 

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

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 7

Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabHARTFORD — During August 2014, ASM Paramedic Preceptor Dave White and his preceptee Paramedic Sean Norton, aboard Andover Fire Department ambulance, wirelessly transmitted a 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field.

“What a great job with notification and communication by your medic! He called early (19:08) to have a conversation with MD regarding an unclear EKG and provided additional information on subsequent patches. I was very impressed with his professionalism and clinical skill. Early notification and a very well presented paramedic report to the MD allowed for early activation of our cath team by 13-18 minutes.”            – John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

EMS Agency:    ASM

Indication:         STEMI

Time
ED Arrival 19:29
Cath Lab Paged 19:16
Cath start 20:17
First PCI Time 20:28
XXX – Total
Door to Balloon Time 0:59

Historical Photos: Ambulance Service of Manchester #11

MANCHESTER — Year unknown, likely late 1970′s to mid 1980’s. Pictured is Roger Talbot, Manchester Ambulance’s patriarch, wearing a Metro jacket at what appears to be a company party. Can you identify the other two behind the bagels? Post to comments if you can. 

ASM Historical 19

Words That Describe Us: Volume 30

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:

  • Excellent response and care.
  • Excellent care giving service!
  • Awesome.
  • Doing a good job.
  • God bless the [EMS Providers] that picked her up. She’s recovering at [Skilled nursing facility]. Thank you all and regards. (14-34124; D. White, R. Fross).
  • Everyone was very concerned and caring of our needs. Thank you.
  • Friendly and knowledgeable.
  • Very good.
  • The skill and care of the paramedics was exceptional (14-40407; A. Fine, J. Truebig).
  • Good service.
  • Fabulous.
  • Kind
  • Excellent x 2.
  • Fantastic, Professional, Caring and Experienced. Thank you so much. (14-40987: T. Oliver, D. Tedeschi).
  • Outstanding service.
  •  Comfortable – Most conscientious crew. All went well, arrived promptly and taken good care of at Hartford Hospital. (14-42583: R. McConville, H. DiGirolamo).
  • Highly professional service by caring personnel. (14-42703: D. Slomcinsky, R. Fraley).
  • A job well done. I thought my glasses were broken on the floor. Someone must have picked them up, fixed them and cleaned them. To whoever did this, thank you. (14-39836: S. Allen, M. Tuttle).
  • Very kind. Made my 4 year old son feel at east and comfortable. (14-41319; J. Bak, R. Fross).
  • Very professional.
  • On a scale of 1 to 10 they get a 10. (14-43155; R. Leslie, J. Rasmussen responding with Somers Fire Department ambulance.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 29

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:

  • A blessing to all of us. Thanks for helping me get better. (14-49735; T. Houle, A. Pardi responding with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Professional, courteous and very caring (14-47975; S. Finnigan, C. Quezada).
  • Professionals – Thank you.
  • Knowledgeable/caring.
  • Great.
  • Very well handled.
  • Comforting.
  • Kind.
  • They were very caring and professional. (14-49646; C. Lemire, K. Baker responding with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • I couldn’t ask for more. (14-51283; S. Thompson, J. Truebig).
  • Reassuring.
  • OK.
  • Professional and caring.
  • Well mannered and professional. (14-51715; R. Leslie, C. LaChance).
  • Good.
  • Professional, courteous.
  • G. Geres took great care of my son and put him at ease! Thank you! (14-42088; G. Geres, R. Bilodeau).
  • Very professional.
  • Very good at what they do.
  • Very friendly.
  • “Lifesaving”
  • Life saving.
  • Capable, Considerate and Professional (14-52610; R. O’Neil, N. Raiola).

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Dave Pozniak Completes Precepting Phase

Dave PozniakMANCHESTER –As of July 17, 2014, ASM’s David Pozniak has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Dave’s preceptors were  Paramedic Supervisors Scott Thompson and Beth Sheils and Paramedic Dave White. 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 ASM, Dave’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Dave and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Dave started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2010 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. 

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

“The crew was professional and caring”

Aetna Wallpaper 2

“The crew was professional and caring” read the initial Patient Satisfaction Survey. The patient’s wife went much further, writing the following letter about her husband’s long distance ambulance transport:

We were very thankful that we had chosen Aetna Ambulance for my husband Dave’s transport from Hartford, CT to Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, NY. Joan set up the transport and answered all of our questions. She was most helpful and described exactly what we could expect for transport and arrival at our destination.

The ambulance crew arrived on time at my husband’s room. They carefully prepared him for transport and rolled [the stretcher down] to the ambulance. They made sure they had all his personal belongings and they also took wonderful care of me and our son. I rode in the ambulance and my son drove to Buffalo. Donna made sure he was comfortable for our trip. Melissa and Tom took over driving duties. They were excellent drivers and were very caring about Dave’s comfort.

Throughout the drive Donna talked to Dave and took care of all his needs. The trip was uneventful. The arrival at the hospital was smooth and Dave was delivered to the MRU floor of the hospital. Donna, Tom and Melissa could not have been nice to us or more caring to Dave, our son and me during our journey from Hartford, CT to Buffalo, NY.

Thank you.

Please give our thanks to Donna, Melissa and Tom and tell them that Dave is out of the hospital rehab and will be taking outpatient rehab. He is so improved and they were part of the process to bring him back to his recovered self.

(14-55717. Information above appears with patient permission)

Words That Describe Us: Volume 28

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:

  • Although I was in pain, the crew was wonderful.
  • Quick, skilled, worked great as a team. Eased my fears significantly. Knew I was in good hands. (14-44836; J. Bak, M. Khan and Town of Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS).
  • Wonderful, relaxed, professional. My dad, almost two weeks later, is still exclaim(ing) how kind and patient the EMTs were (14-45500; K. Russell, C. Haag).
  • Great care.
  • Comforting, professional, helpful.
  • Professional and skilled.
  • Very professional and knowledgeable (14-42673; J. Traber, T. Oliver).
  • Friendly.
  • Very professional!
  • They did a great job.
  • They are great!
  • EMT very understanding (14-44156; J. Rasmussen).
  •  Compassionate and caring.
  • Very professional service.
  • Professional and caring.
  • Wonderful.
  • I felt safe.
  • Very professional and courteous.
  • Pass along how great the crew was on this trip. Both crew members kept the environment calm and soothing even though it was a substantial injury. (14-45791; S. Gregg, N. Raiola).
  • Very good, very professional. If it wasn’t for you guys I would not be here today!!! I’m sure of that!!! (14-45129; S. Crittenden, M. Makulis).
  • Outstanding!! Thank you (crew members)!! (14-47799; D. Kemp, A. Kramer).