On Monday August 5th ASM’s EMT Jeffry Hornish and Paramedic Cody Lemire received Certificates of Recognition from the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Chief, Bruce Dixon presented the certificates during the department’s monthly meeting. Lemire and Hornish were recognized for extraordinary personal actions in the line of duty which lead to the successful resuscitation and saving of a life. Congratulations and great job!
HARTFORD – As of July 15th, 2019, Wayne Buckley has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Wayne started at Aetna in August of 2018. His preceptor was Paramedic Amanda Kneipfer. Wayne offered the following sentiment:
“My name is Wayne Buckley, I was originally hired part time as an EMT-B at Aetna Ambulance Service. My roots began as an EMT with Rocky Hill Volunteer Ambulance Service where I spent a little over five years, as well as volunteering with Glastonbury’s Service. I Graduated from Hartford Hospitals Paramedic Program and recently finished my precepting phase of my education under the tutelage of Paramedic Amanda Kneipfer. I have known Amanda since before my time at Aetna and felt as a preceptor she was knowledgeable and enthusiastic when it came to pulling the best medicine out of her students. I am truly fortunate to have had Amanda as my preceptor and am looking forward to working with the wide variety of people at Aetna Ambulance as well as serving the Community.”
As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Wayne’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 Wayne the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
HARTFORD — On July 15th, 2019, seven EMTs and one dispatcher were added to the Aetna 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.
Matt Kaczynski: PART TIME, EMT. Hello! My name is Matt Kaczynski and I completed my EMT training last summer in New Britain. I will graduate from the University of Rhode Island in December with degrees in Cell & Molecular Biology and Spanish, with the ultimate goal of a career as a physician or physician assistant. I am very excited to apply both my education as a student and training as an EMT, and I look forward to working as a part of a team while learning even more in the medical field!
Kendall Sutton: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! I’m Kendall Sutton, I was formerly a criminology student at Central Connecticut State University. During my time at CCSU, I worked as a security guard. It was there I found my desire to transition into the healthcare field. I most recently have worked as a patient care tech in Hartford. My ultimate goal is to return to school & study to be a chiropractor. In the more immediate future, I’m looking to make the most of my experience in pre-hospital care & hopefully become an EMT-I. I’m thrilled & grateful to be continuing my healthcare journey with Aetna Ambulance.
Piper Skinner-: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name is Piper Skinner, I am a recent graduated of Wagner College in New York where I earned my BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Pre-Med. My future goal is to become a cardiac surgeon but before I go back to school, I want to see medicine from all sides which began with me volunteering in a hospital, working as a medical assistant at an urgent care and now being an EMT for Aetna.
Kellie Butterfield: FULLTIME, EMT. Hello! My name is Kellie Butterfield, I am 24 years old. I graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Once I was out of school I was not sure what I wanted to do. A few of my friends were EMTs and I thought to myself, “Hey I could do that”. I signed up for class and the rest is history. I have been an EMT for about a year now down in Norwich. I know I am still new and have a lot to learn, but so far I love the job. All I wanted to do was help others and in this career that is exactly what I get to do. I look forward to working at Aetna and meeting everyone!
Sara Karr: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Sara Karr. I have just recently graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University. My future educational goal is to attend PA school and pursue a specialty in emergency medicine. In the past I have worked on the ambulance in Naugatuck and in the emergency department at Hartford Hospital. I am very excited to join the team here at Aetna!
Reyes Crispin: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Reyes Crispin. I look forward to starting my career with Aetna Ambulance and my goal is to work towards becoming a paramedic. I look forward to meeting my new work family and begin this new adventure to be able to continue improving my Pt contact skill while continue working as EMT and bring the best of me to the Pt.
Alden Jasper: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, I’m Alden Jasper. I attended Central Connecticut State University. I’m very excited to join the Aetna team. EMS workers do such an important job in the community. I look to getting some real life experience in the field before pursing paramedicine.
MANCHESTER: Ambulance Service of Manchester Paramedic Robert Bilodeau and EMTs Sandra Parker and Amanda Larochelle received the following feedback from a patient satisfaction survey. “From the moment that the ASM crew entered my apartment, I knew I was in good hands. As they began to glean information, it was apparent that they were concerned and extremely professional. They assessed my condition rapidly and began treatment at once. They performed perfectly as a team and also alleviated my anxiety by explaining exactly what and why they were doing it. Once I was in the ambulance, the [crew] gave me anti-nausea medication which gave me immediate relief from discomfort, as well as, anxiety. I am confident it provided a certain level of relief to the ambulance crew as well. As proof of the team’s efficiency, my blood pressure markedly lowered from the time they arrived at my apartment to the time I arrived at the hospital. If you wish to share any or all of this story with the public, you have permission.”
HARTFORD – As of June 12th, 2019, Cole Ashker has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Cole started at Aetna in June of 2016. His preceptor was Paramedic Michael Bouley. Cole offered the following sentiment:
“I’ve worked with Aetna Ambulance as an EMT since 2016, and I just recently graduated from the New Britain EMS Paramedic Program. I had the pleasure of precepting with Mike Bouley, someone I consider not only a phenomenal medic, but a friend. We’ve had a lot highs and lows for these past 8 weeks, and I’ve certainly made my fair share of mistakes in that time. That being said, I wouldn’t have wanted to learn from anyone else. I can confidently say my future successes as an ALS provider will largely be due to his guidance and wisdom. I look forward to working side by side with him and all of Aetna’s exceptional paramedics.”
As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Cole’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 Cole the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
HARTFORD – As of June 10th, 2019, Chris Johnston has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Chris started at Aetna in January of 2019. His preceptor was Paramedic Dan Hope. He offered the following sentiment:
“Chris began precepting in April 2019 and over a period of roughly 9 weeks, I am proud to see the incredible progress he has made leading up to earning his medical control. The precepting process for new paramedics is both challenging and tiresome but Chris kept a great attitude and willingness to learn throughout the entire process. I’m very proud of Chris and his accomplishment and I look forward to working alongside him throughout the weeks to come.”
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.
HARTFORD — On May 20th, 2019, two EMTs and were added to the Aetna 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.
Humza Hashmi: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! I’m Humza Hashmi and I graduated from UConn this spring with a degree in Physiology. I’m especially excited to work at Aetna because I’ve been itching to live a real life and do real healthcare after spending the last few years in classes. My grand plan in life has me pursuing medicine or paramedicine in the vague future but I am perfectly happy staying away from school for a few years.
Alexander Roof: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Alex Roof. I have worked as an EMT-B for the last 2 years in Danbury and Southbury. I look forward to starting my career with Aetna Ambulance and my goal is to work towards becoming a paramedic. I look forward to meeting my new work family and beginning this new adventure!
MANCHESTER — On May 13th, 2019 five EMTs 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.
Kayla Katt: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Kayla Katt. I am 24 yrs old and am from New York, originally, but moved to Connecticut 6 yrs ago to get my Bachelors in Biology from the University of New Haven. I gained my love for EMS when I attended my EMT course in efforts to complete prerequisites to attend PA school. After getting a taste of EMS and serving my surrounding community, I haven’t been able to leave. I am an enlisted member in the Connecticut Air National Guard and I am in the most recent graduating class of paramedics from Capital Community College. I look forward to taking advantage of the experience being provided to me and becoming the best provider possible.
Kenneth Shaffer: FULL TIME, EMT.My name is Kenneth Shaffer, I am 26 years old. I have been an EMT going on 2 years. I fell in love with EMS after seeing parents serve the community as EMT’s as I grew up. I am currently in paramedic school looking to one day become a Firefighter Paramedic. I look forward to the experience and knowledge I will obtain here at ASM.
Stephen Michna: FULLTIME, EMT. Hi there, my name is Stephen and I have served as an EMT since 2006. I worked for a private service in the Boston area for 3 years and have been a member of Harwinton Volunteer Ambulance for 7 years. I enjoy the opportunity to serve my community, and have wanted to be an EMT since I was 8 years old. I also have a background in engineering, and spent several years living in Germany working with wind turbines. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and riding motorcycles. I look forward to joining ASM!
Anthony Freitas. FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name is Anthony Freitas, I am 22 years old from Marlborough, CT. Apart from working out and traveling, pursuing a medical career has been my dream forever. I grew up listening to hospital drama during family dinners and events. Becoming a cardiac monitor technician at St. Francis Hospital, I began to hear and learn more about the medical field, leading me to pursue a profession in healthcare. Currently I am taking classes to become a Physicians Assistant, while obtaining patient contact hours as an EMT. New to EMS, I was fortunate enough to become another team member of a proud and respected company such as ASM. I look forward to learning not only how to do things right, but to do things better than “by the book”. Through experiences and training with ASM, I will become a valued teammate and responder.
Danielle Kamenskiy: FULL TIME, EMT.My name is Danielle Kamenskiy and I am 22 years old. I grew up in Simsbury, but am now living in Vernon. I am a recent graduate of UConn with a degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology, and am hoping to become an ophthalmologist in the future. I obtained my EMT-B certification through CPR Training Professionals. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors or spending time with family and friends. I am passionate about helping others, and I look forward to working with ASM to make a positive impact on my community.
MANCHESTER — On May 15th, 2019, ASM’s Gregory Derosier was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor. His remarkable dedication to both his patients and co-workers has been consistent throughout his career at ASM. Moreover, Greg has been an instrumental piece of ASM’s education and community relations programs. He has developed into a role model for health care professionals and continues to positively influence everyone he interacts with.
Greg expressed his gratitude for the well-deserved promotion by stating the following:
“I received so many text and e-mails from all of you congratulating me; thank you all so much. I have worked for ASM for nearly three decades and seen more than a few changes; one constant has been the friendship and camaraderie of my coworkers. I have been blessed to work with some of the most compassionate, devoted and brightest people. I have had the opportunity to precept employees who have continued to become physicians, PA’s, nurses and managers both here at ASM and abroad. I look forward to working with everyone at ASM and maintaining a kinship so that we may all grow. Working together we are better as individuals and as a company.”
On behalf of the ASM family we would like to congratulate Greg on his promotion and look forward to great things from him.
The “National EMS Memorial Bike Ride” is a long distance bicycle ride from Boston to Washington D.C. every May comprised mainly of EMTs and Paramedics who ride for EMS Line of Duty Deaths and Legacy. Ambulance Service of Manchester hosted approximately 130 riders and support staff on Mother’s Day, May 12th 2019. Bicyclists traveled from Sturbridge Massachusetts to ASM in cold weather rain and even hail during this leg of their journey. When they arrived at ASM, employees pulled together providing a home cooked lunch, hot coffee and blankets as a safe haven from the unsettling weather.
A special thanks to Ambulance Service of Manchester employees Briyanna Decaprio, Michael Sparks, Mike Makulis, Matt Kleeza, Josh Traber, Adam Fine, and Carolyn Edwards. All went above and beyond to provide food, fuel and encouragement to the deserving riders and supporters. We look forward to next year’s ride!
Bike Route:
Orientation (May 10) – Boston in the evening
Day 1 (May 11) – Boston, MA to Sturbridge, MA
Day 2 (May 12) – Sturbridge, MA to New Haven, CT
Day 3 (May 13) – New Haven, CT to Yonkers, NY
Day 4 (May 14) – Yonkers, NY to Princeton, NJ
Day 5 (May 15) – Princeton, NJ to Wilmington, DE
Day 6 (May 16) – Wilmington, DE to Annapolis, MD (join Southern)
Day 7 (May 17) – Annapolis, MD to National Harbor, MD
National EMS Memorial Service at National Harbor May 18, 2019
For additional information please visit www.muddyangels.org
Ambulance Service of Manchester appeared in a Fox 61 news article and segment this past Monday evening alongside Manchester Fire Rescue EMS. Please see below to read the article and click here view the segment by Reporter Jim Altman.
MANCHESTER – You could say they are taking a page from the Nascar playbook because the Manchester Fire Department, joined by the Ambulance Service of Manchester takes a bit of a left turn when it comes to their C-P-R training.
Officially, Battalion Chief Josh Beaulieu, calls it the “Pit Crew Model for Cardiac Arrest Management”, but in life-saving circles it’s known simply as “Pit Crew CPR”. Much like how a racing crew feverishly tends to a car in the pits, so do Manchester Firefighters when it comes to responding to a cardiac arrest patient.
“Everybody has a role,” Beaulieu said. “Those roles might be compressions, it might be the person assigned to deal with the family, it might be the person managing the airway and breathing for the patient.”
Chief Beaulieu, a 21 year vet of the department, added that the town of Manchester has been supportive in providing resources when responding to cardiac arrest calls – as many as ten first responders can answer a life-saving call. He said, “a cardiac arrest requires a lot of work and a lot of hands to save someone’s life and that’s exactly what we are doing.”
HARTFORD – As of April 9th, 2019, Aidan Mace has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Aidan started at Aetna in November of 2018. His preceptor was Paramedic Dan Hope. He offered the following sentiment:
“I recently finished up my paramedic program at Capital Community College. I started as an EMT with AMR, worked at Glastonbury EMS, and am very excited that I’m a part of the Aetna Team since November. The environment at Aetna is very conducive to someone who wants to learn as much as possible. My preceptor, Dan Hope is a wealth of knowledge and I was fortunate enough to see a variety of situations with each of them during my weeks of precepting.”
As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Aidan’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 Aidan the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
HARTFORD — On April 1st, 2019, two Paramedics and three EMTs and were added to the Aetna 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.
Frank Duncan: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, I’m Frank Duncan. After graduating from UConn in 2015, I spent a few years working as an Office Paraprofessional at WH Public Schools. I also had a passion for firefighting so I became a volunteer with the Town of Farmington where I gained my EMT-B certification. My goals are to expand my EMS experience while strengthening my skills as an EMT. I hope to attend paramedic school in the future as I work to become a career firefighter. I look forward to joining the Aetna team and I’m very excited for the opportunity ahead!
Nicole Valente: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. Hi, my name is Nicole. I just turned 30 and was born/raised in the south end of Hartford. I went to high school in Wethersfield and currently reside in Newington. I began my healthcare career as a volunteer EMT in Newington in 2012 and the ER at Windham Hospital as a tech while finishing my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at UConn (2016). I transferred to Hartford Hospital on the Cardiothoracic Surgery/LVAD floor (Bliss 9E) as a PCA in addition to working per diem as an EMT for AMR’s Hartford Division. I recently graduated from the Hartford Hospital (CESI) Paramedic Program. I am considering a future career in medicine as a Physician Assistant. For fun, I love to hike in the White Mountains and am always on a quest to find the hottest cuisine/chili peppers known to man. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the community I grew up in as a Paramedic. I am honored to join the team at Aetna and to continue my relationship with Hartford Hospital.
Shelma Morales: FULLTIME, EMT. I enjoy watching horror movies, listening to music and being outdoors. I love to play sports, especially baseball and volleyball. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, currently live in New Britain. Lastly, I am a first generation college student and aspire to become a PA in the oncology/hematology specialty.
Anthony Fazzino. FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. I am a proud graduate of Hartford Hospital’s Paramedic Program and excited to begin my career in EMS. I recently moved back to Connecticut after living in Hawaii for 4 years. My goal is to continue my education in order to earn my Bachelor’s degree. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and scuba diving. I look forward to being a part of Aetna Ambulance as I continue to improve as a paramedic.
Tyler Driscoll: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Tyler Driscoll. I am from South Windsor and currently reside in Manchester. I have been working as an EMT in East Windsor for 5 years now, and I am excited to learn the Aetna ways and grow as an EMT. I look forward to working alongside some of the best providers in the area! Stay safe out there!
MANCHESTER – As of March 29th 2019, ASM’s Michael Santiana has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. Michael was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in December 2017. He offered the following sentiment:
“I have been at ASM for a little over a year and am truly thrilled to advance towards the next chapter in my EMS career. I am eternally grateful for all the time both Tim Lachappelle and Bob O’Neil dedicated toward molding me into an advanced level provider. Their differing styles of practicing medicine helped me develop my own techniques as well as the ever-important ability to think critically while on scene. I’m excited to apply their teachings related to emergencies and high acuity transfers when I encounter them on my solo shifts. My precepting experience has been incredibly informative and I am excited that I am now cleared for independent dispatch.”
As with all precepting phases at ASM, Michael’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing him and his preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Michael the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
MANCHESTER- On March 28th, 2019 Ambulance Service of Manchester EMTs Themalina Nisyrios and Philip Zetterstrom attended Manchester High Schools Spring Career Fair. The team fielded questions related to job opportunities in the EMS field while interacting with students and staff. This year’s event was attended by over 30 local agencies and businesses.
