EAST HARTFORD — On September 7, 2013, Ambulance Service of Manchester’s (ASM) Heather DiGirolamo and Matt Kleza presented the basics of Emergency Medical Services and gave ambulance tours at a Scouting Family Day on the East Hartford town green. (Picture appears with written troop leader permission).
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:
MANCHESTER — On August 28, 2013 ASM’s Tim LaChappelle was promoted to the position of Supervisor.
Tim started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2006 and graduated from Capital Community College’s Paramedic Program. Tim is currently the Assistant Chief of Coventry Volunteer Fire Association, Inc in his hometown.
On behalf of the ASM Family we would like to congratulate Tim on his promotion and look forward to great things from and for him. We are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
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:
Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera (L) and David Kemp (R)
HARTFORD – As of August 7, 2013, Aetna’s David Kemp has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.
David’s preceptor was 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. As with all precepting phases at Aetna, David’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera after shadowing he and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.
David currently lives in Collinsville, CT, where he volunteers for the town Fire and EMS department. He became an EMT in 2009 while studying physical therapy and holistic health at the Eastern Connecticut State University/University of Connecticut. He earned his paramedic license in the fall of 2012 through Capital Community College and hopes to eventually earn a bachelors degree in nursing.
On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish David the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
HARTFORD — On August 8, 2013, six EMTs 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.
Jacob Brungard: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jacob Brungard I am 23 years-old and I’m from Waterford, CT. I started doing EMS with my volunteer fire department in Waterford in 2010, obtained my EMT in 2011 and have worked for Waterford Ambulance since then. I enjoy spending my free time outdoor playing baseball, football, lacrosse, rugby, softball, frisbee and the occasional game of paintball. I spend as much of my free time as possible with my friends and family. I am a die hard Yankees fan and love going to the stadium to watch them play. In the near future I would like to either attend paramedic or pursue a degree in nursing I have not decided as to which path to go down. I look forward to joining the Aetna team and to learn from and contribute to the company and it’s employees.
Shawn Patrick Finnigan: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Shawn Finnigan. I’m 21 years-old and live in Waterford, CT. I obtained my EMT certification five years ago. Since then I have been working with Waterford Ambulance Service and as a volunteer firefighter. In the future I plan to further my education and take a paramedic course. In my free time I like to spend time with my friends and family, and travel to new places. I look forward to expanding my knowledge and experience in the EMS career at Aetna.
Andrew Gomme: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Andrew Gomme and I am a 29 year-old West Hartford resident. I am excited to be starting an EMS career with Aetna Ambulance. I received my EMT training in South Windsor at CPR Training Professionals and I hope to eventually continue my education with a paramedic program in the area. In my downtime I enjoy boxing and hiking and I look forward to a future with Aetna Ambulance.
Raymond McDonald: FULL TIME, EMT. I am 23 years-old and from Wolcott, CT. I was raised in a strong Irish bound family. I’m from a family of seven, with two younger brothers and two younger sisters. Ever since I was young I have had an interest in the medical field. I grew up in a family with Paramedics and a Firefighter. I was originally interested in firefighting as a potential career so I joined the Fire Explorers. I was also a lifeguard for a period of time. After some time I realized that firefighting was not right for me. I found my way into EMS where I have been an EMT full time since 2010. Some of that time I spent as a field training officer. I’m considering furthering my education by becoming either a paramedic or a respiratory therapist. I enjoy spending time with my family and close friends and bonding with my father while hiking and fishing. I enjoy art in the form of tattoos. I find ways to relax through drawing and playing video games. I’m always interested in further expanding my knowledge of the human body. When I was younger I started collecting comic books and I have been interested in the comics and the movies based off of them ever since. I look forward to working with Aetna Ambulance and furthering my EMS career.
Justine Monahan: FULL TIME, EMT. I am 24 years old and was born and raised in the Eastern Connecticut area. I graduated from the State University of New York, Canton in 2009 with and Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Since graduation I have worked in the City of Hartford within an Early Childhood Learning setting as an assistant teacher. I have grown to enjoy the City of Hartford and their people. I have always had a passion for assisting others in any way, shape and form. I believe that is what made me fall in love with the EMS field. I am a new EMT and anxiously await the opportunity to develop my technical skills along with continuing to provide assistance to those in need. I love sports, in particular the game of soccer. I have successfully played through the collegiate level accomplishing several national individual rankings. I also currently play ice hockey and have volunteered my time for eight years mentoring and developing the skills of young children in a learn to play hockey program at the Bolton Ice Palace. I derive great pleasure in traveling, exercising, raising my wonderful Chocolate Lab, hiking, fishing and maintaining great relationships with all my family and friends. I really look forward to beginning this next step in my life with Aetna Ambulance Service.
Adam Wagner: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Adam Wagner and I am 22 years-old. I currently live in the Bristol area and have lived in Connecticut my entire life. Many of my family members have careers in both healthcare and public safety. I have been involved in firefighting and EMS since I was in high school and received my EMT in November of 2010. Currently I volunteer as a Firefighter/EMT in Waterford, CT and have been there for a little over three years. Reading and spending free time with family and friends is very important to me. I am a New York Jets and Yankees fan and enjoy going to games when I can. I am excited to join Aetna Ambulance and to be an asset to the service and to better myself as an EMT by learning from others.
MANCHESTER — On August 7, 2013, six 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.
Jonathan Bush: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jonathan Bush I am 29 years old from Vernon, CT. I was born and raised near West Palm Beach, FL and moved to Connecticut when I was 16 years old with my family. I just graduated from Capital Community College in Hartford with an A.A. in Fire Science and EMS which is where I received my EMT training. I have also been a volunteer firefighter in the Town of Vernon for over ten years where I have gained experience with emergency response calls and made a lot of great friends. I am getting married soon and cannot wait to start our new life together. In my free time I am an avid runner and love to hike, mountain bike, kayak, and in the winter snowboard. I like to relax by watch movies, going to lakes and beaches, and hang out with family and friends. I am excited to start my career with ASM and look forward to all the new experiences I will have and meeting the all of the ASM team members.
Sean Gregg: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Sean Gregg and I am 23. I am from Plainville CT, and I graduated from Plainville High School in 2008. I am currently residing in Avon, CT and am actively seeking to relocate to Manchester for a shorter commute. My home life consists of my fiancé and two dogs Foxy and Mini who are a Japanese breed called Shiba Inu. I have spent the last four years of my life as a Cardiac Monitor Tech at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. My hobbies consist of cars, and street bikes. I also like to stay up to date with the latest technology and I’m a Green Bay Packers fan. I have successfully completed an EMT-B course at Bristol Hospital in May of 2013. This is the first step of my career, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work for such a great company as ASM, and look forward to furthering my career and education with them. I dedicate my EMS career to my best friend who died last year in a motorcycle accident. As for my EMS career with ASM I hope to gain much knowledge and experience so I can go back to school to be a Paramedic.
Jared Krajewski: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jared Krajewski. In 2010 I joined the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department to give back to my town. They offered me training as an EMR where my interest in the medical field sprouted. Less than one year after becoming an EMR I obtained my EMT-B. As I am just passing the two year mark as an EMT, I am preparing to pursue a career as a paramedic and will be starting classes shortly. I have spent the past year and a half working in the Intensive Care Unit in Manchester Memorial Hospital and this experience has enabled me to understand patient care in the EMS scene and hospital setting. In the past I was a brick mason/crew leader for my father’s landscaping company and created a portfolio of work that I am proud to show off. I try to be very active and involved person with every aspect of my life including my vast list of hobbies such as shooting, mountain biking, diesel trucks, RC cars, hiking, and fishing. My free time could not all be spent without my three year old German Shepherd Fathom. He will go almost anywhere I go that dogs are legally allowed. I’m looking forward to being part of ASM and furthering my EMS career.
Lauren Mazzoni: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Lauren Mazzoni. I am 20 years old and live in Manchester, CT. I’ve volunteered at the fire department for the past three years handling mostly EMS calls. I am a newly certified EMT and live at the fire department full time. As a night crew member I am able to get a lot of experience. I am very excited to start my career at ASM and gain even more experience. Aside from volunteering at the fire department, I am taking classes at Central Connecticut State University for my criminology degree, which I started with plans to become a police officer. During my free time I like going to races at Stafford Motor Speedway, watch NASCAR every Sunday, fish, hike, and play sports. Since I was five and all throughout high school I have played sports, and it’s always been something I enjoy doing. I am open to new and exciting things and while I am not sure what exactly how far I would like to go in my EMS, I am looking forward to gaining as much experience as possible at ASM.
Evan Vaughn: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Evan Phillip Vaughn and I am 34 years old. I live in Coventry with my wife and daughter and have been an EMT for seven years. I was born in Florida and raised in Texas. I started with the El Paso Fire Department and worked there for three years. I then moved to Connecticut and worked for another commercial service in the state for about two years. Eventually I would like to become a paramedic. I spend most of my time with my little girl outside in the woods. I enjoy cooking, fishing, hunting and just being outside. I am very happy to be a new employee of ASM and I look forward to meeting and working with all of you.
Andrew Wysocki: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Andrew Wysocki and I am 27 years old from Marlborough, CT. I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a bachelors in business finance and a minor in psychology. It wasn’t long after college that I realized that being behind a desk wasn’t for me; I wanted to pursue something a little more hands-on. Spending a number in the years in the restaurant business I found that my people skills were my strength. A recent job working with the mentally disabled was an eye-opening experience for me and a good introduction to the health field. I learned a lot about myself during this time and definitely was put to the test in many different situations. The experience convinced me that “a life living for others is a life worth living”, as well as a fulfilling one. Now as an EMT I intend on continuing my service to the community in a different way. I hope this is the first step in continuing my education in the emergency medical field.
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:
Photo courtesy of Boston MedFlight
BOSTON — Kenya Russell, Mike Levasseur and Greg Derosier attended the Fundamentals of Critical Care Support (FCCS) course on July 18th and 19th. Hosted by Boston MedFlight at Hanscom Air Force Base, FCCS was developed by the Society of Critical Care Medicine to help prepare health care personnel to manage critically ill patients for the first 24 hours or until care has been transferred to a tertiary care center or proper consultation can be arranged.
FCCS has been completed by MD’s, RN’s, and Paramedics enabling them to better prioritize the assessment and manage significant changes in the unstable patient. ASM would like to thank Boston MedFlight for their hospitality. Additional information regarding this course may be found at www.sccm.org or for this and other great training opportunities visit www.bostonmedflight.org.
My name is Theresa Stross and I am a Registered Nurse at the Bristol Hospital Cancer Care Center. I am writing you about three of your employees who were at our cancer center on Tuesday July 16. We had a new patient at our facility who on the way out of the bathroom started to collapse in the hallway. Quickly and professionally your three EMT’s who were here because of another patient,jumped into action and assisted our PCA to get the patient to a stretcher.
Right away they worked with the staff here to obtain vitals, start a line, check a blood sugar, and ultimately transfer the patient to the emergency department for further evaluation. They were very nice, kind, and professional not to mention how helpful they were when this unexpected event occurred at a time when the cancer center was very busy. These three men were: Rob Balkun, Cory Lachance, and Mike Makulis.
I thought it was the least I could do to inform you of how well your employees performed. Many thanks again to Rob, Cory, and Mike.
Sincerely,
Theresa and the Staff at the Bristol Hospital Cancer Care Center
HARTFORD — On July 20, 2013 a team from the Ambulance Service of Manchester participated in a Run or Dye event in Hartford.
According to their website, “Run or Dye is the world’s most colorful 5K, is a recreational 5K that celebrates fitness, friendship and fun while blasting participants with safe, eco-friendly, plant-based dye powder. A leader in the fitness literacy movement, Run or Dye’s mission is to encourage better health, fitness and nutrition decisions among its participants and supporters. With races planned in more than 50 high-profile venues across the country, it is expected that more than 500,000 people will Run or Dye in 2013.”
A picture of Team ASM after the event appeared on the Facebook page “The Most Interesting Ambulance Crew in the World”.
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:
ASM’s Stephanie Boutot
MANCHESTER – In June 2013, ASM received a Patient Satisfaction Survey related to an emergency response performed by ASM crewmembers Kenya Russell and Stephanie Boutot. The patient completed the survey and checked all of the Strongly Agree boxes and wrote in the word “Awesome” to describe the service.
Additionally he hand wrote the following:
ASM’s Kenya Russell
“Kenya and Stephanie were caring and professional and friendly and awesome. Stephanie was a great driver who got us through rush hour traffic quickly and safely. Kenya was a wonderfully caring person who put me at ease while taking care of me. I cannot say enough good things about these ladies! I would like to thank them personally!”
– [Patient, 13-37006]
(L to R): Sean Piscopiello and Nicholas Foran.
WETHERSFIELD — In June 2013, Aetna received a Patient Satisfaction Survey related to an emergency response performed by Aetna Paramedics Sean Piscopiello and Nick Foran. The patient’s daughter completed the survey and checked all of the Strongly Agree boxes and wrote in the words “Respectful” and “Professional” to describe the service. Additionally she hand wrote the following:
“My mother lives with me. She woke up extremely short of breath. I am a nurse and check her lungs and vital signs frequently and did so right before calling 911. Ambulance personnel listened to what I had to say and made me feel like I was a part of the team! Thank you.”
– [Patient’s Daughter, 13-36724]
(L to R): Hartford Hospital’s MIke Zacchera and Mitchell Karr
HARTFORD – As of June 26, 2013, Aetna’s Mitchell Karr has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.
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, Mitch’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera after shadowing he and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.
Mitch is originally from California but migrated east with family. He began his career in EMS by volunteering for a fire department in his home town. Realizing he was more interested in the patient care aspect of firefighting, he enrolled in Goodwin College’s Paramedic Program where he graduated in December of 2012. Mitch has said he hopes to make it back to the west coast someday and further his career in healthcare by becoming a mid-level or an MD.
On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish Mitch the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.