Category Archives: Employee Spotlight

Early Praise for ASM’s Jason Bak on a Paramedic Intercept

Posted on by
Reply

ASM's Jason BakMANCHESTER — In May 2013, ASM received a Patient Satisfaction Survey related to a paramedic intercept performed by ASM Paramedic Jason Bak, while completing his precepting phase. The patient checked all of the Strongly Agree boxes and wrote in the word “Wonderful” to describe the service. Additionally he hand wrote the following:

“Jason, the [Paramedic] who came onto the ambulance was amazing. He made me feel very comfortable, that is, I felt safe and in the good hands of someone qualified. He was very reassuring and should be recognized as a very valuable person on your staff.”

– [13-32929]

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s David Noyes Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on by
Reply
(L to R): Hartford Hospital's Mike Zacchera and David Noyes

(L to R): Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera and David Noyes

HARTFORD – As of June 19, 2013, Aetna’s David (DJ) Noyes has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

David’s preceptor was Preston Ryzak. 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, DJ’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.

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.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 8

Posted on by
Reply

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 personnel.
  • Excellent.
  • Professional x 4.
  • Very professional.
  • The best.
  • Good.
  • Great.
  • Efficient x 2.
  • Caring.
  • Excellent. I called approximately 10 times in the past year. I believe the ambulance staff has saved my life each time. Now they know where my extra key is and they use it when I cannot get to the door. Thank you all!
  • Terrific.
  • Keep doing everything you are doing as your company seems to have the key to running a successful business down pat. Great job. (13-29357).
  • Thoughtful.
  • Reliable.
  • Fantastic.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Jason Bak Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on by
Reply

Jason Bak - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER – As of May 15, 2013, ASM’s Jason Bak has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Jason’s preceptors were Paramedics Mike Panciera and Don Hart. 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, Jason’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Jason and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Jason started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in December of 2007, has a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of New Haven and graduated from Goodwin College/Hartford Hospital Paramedic Program. 

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

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Gregory Kendall Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on by
Reply
Greg Kendall - Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.

(L to R): Greg Kendall and Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera

HARTFORD – As of May 13, 2013, Aetna’s Greg Kendall has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Greg’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, Greg’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.

Greg Kendall is 26 years old and grew up in the Bridgeport area of Connecticut. During high school and college he worked as an auto mechanic and earned an Associate’s in Science from Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, CT. He started volunteering in EMS in the Bridgeport area about 4-5 years ago and decided to make EMS a career. He enrolled in Hartford Hospital/Goodwin College’s Paramedic Program and was hired at Aetna.

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 7

Posted on by
Reply

Aetna Ambulance - Ambulance Service of ManchesterMANCHESTER 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  x 10
  • Excellent x 6
  • Great x 5
  • Efficient x 4
  • Competent x 3
  • Helpful x 2
  • Good x 2
  • Friendly x 2
  • Efficient, very professional.
  • Concerned.
  • Did their job perfectly.
  • Highly skilled professionals.
  • Very dependable.
  • Very Good.
  • Compassionate.
  • Excellent service.
  • Excellent staff.
  • Very good service.
  • Knowledgeable.
  • Pleased with service.
  • The two gentlemen were the very best. Thank you.
  • The staff that attended to my father’s needs were excellent. Very caring and attentive individuals.
  • Excellent service. Impressed with professional and kind service. Ryan McConville helped handle the paperwork for the hospital. He was very helpful during this stressful time.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Tim LaChappelle Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on by
Reply

Tim LaChapelle - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER – As of May 6, 2013, ASM’s Tim LaChappelle has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Tim’s preceptors were Supervisor-Paramedics Beth Sheils and Scott Thompson. 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, Tim’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Tim and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

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 wish Tim the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

ASM Supports Celebrate Life Hospice Remembrance Walk

Posted on by
Reply
Home and Community Hospice Remembrance Walk - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

(L to R): ASM’s Nick Raiola and Justin McAuliffe at a standby for Home and Community’s Remembrance Walk

ENFIELD — On May 5, 2013 ASM was on hand to provide standby services to Home and Community Health Service’s George Guyer Memorial Hospice Remembrance Walk at the Asnuntuck Community College Track. Home and Community are a division of Johnson Memorial Medical Center.

The walk raised funds for hospice-related equipment and services such as hospital beds and home health aides for personal care.

ASM Visits Manchester’s Nike Tykes Preschool

Posted on by
Reply

manchester.nike.tykes.preschoolMANCHESTER — On April 26, 2013 ASM Paramedic Kenya Russell and AEMT/FTO Stephanie Boutot visited Manchester’s Nike Tykes Preschool. Kenya and Stephanie gave an age-appropriate talk to the students about what EMTs and Paramedics do and when to call 911. They passed out ASM coloring books and gave a tour of the ambulance.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Mike Weller Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on by
1
Aetna' s Mike Weller

Mike Weller

HARTFORD – As of April 19, 2013, Aetna’s Mike Weller 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, Mike’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital via Mike Zacchera after shadowing Mike and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Mike is 24 years old and has worked as a DJ all over Connecticut and New England. He has worked and volunteered at Cromwell Fire Department and is a graduate of Hartford Hospital-Goodwin College’s Paramedic program.

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

Aetna’s Steve Matters and St. Baldricks – The After Picture

Posted on by
Reply

Steve Matters - Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. I just wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the fundraiser I took part in over the weekend. Although many donations I received were from direct family, I would say 80% came from Aetna employees!!!! I was able to raise over $1,300! Our event total for the day was over $20,000 thanks to members and family from Avon Fire Department, Bradley Airport Fire, Hartford Fire, and New Hartford Fire Department. The funds go directly to childhood cancer research grants.

Thanks again everyone. Have a great and safe day.

Steve

Words That Describe Us: Volume 6

Posted on by
Reply
Aetna Ambulance - Ambulance Service of ManchesterMANCHESTER 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:

  • [Aetna’s] Ryan (835) and Mike (942) were excellent EMTs (13-18633)
  • Professional and highly competent. The medics were wonderful handling a 911 situation. They knew exactly what to do, were calm and very good at relaxing the patient in a stressful and frightening situation. It was helpful having them give the information to the hospital upon arrival and to assist in getting a bed in the ER. (Per the writer’s mother, the patient)
  • Always pleased with service!!!! (SNF)
  • Glad we called Aetna.
  • The best.
  • Very caring for the person in need of care.
  • Caring.
  • Caring professionals.
  • Very professional and caring.
  • I want to thank them for the great care I received!
  • Good.
  • Very good.
  • Serious.
  • Prompt, efficient.
  • Proficient.
  • Did best to put me at ease.
  • Helpful and cared.
  • The entire crew was very pleasant and informative of whatever questions I had asked.

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

Posted on by
Reply

 

 

HARTFORD — On April 11, 2013, three EMTs and two Paramedics 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.

Adam Beschele: PART TIME, EMT. My name is Adam Beschle I’m 23 years old and I’m from Bethel CT. I started out in EMS my senior year of high school back in 2006 with Bethel Vol. Fire and EMS.  I got my EMT in 2008 and started working in 2008 with a management staffing organization in Southbury.  In the beginning of 2011 I started working for a commercial ambulance service in the western part of the state. Currently I am in Paramedic school at Capital in Hartford. In my spare time I go snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, pretty much anything that keeps me outside and active. I have a three year-old daughter named Kiya. I am an Infantryman in the Army National Guard and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009-2010 with the 1-102 INF from CT. I look forward to meeting the Aetna team, continuing my education, and gaining more experience.

Mitchell Karr:  FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Mitchell Karr, I am originally from California but migrated east with my family. I began my career in EMS by volunteering for a fire department in my home town. There I realized I was more interested in the patient care aspect of firefighting, and enrolled in Goodwin College’s Paramedic Program where I graduated in December of 2012. I work part time on an ambulance in East Windsor, CT and have spent the last year working at Hartford Hospital’s Emergency Department as an ER Tech. I am looking forward to, and eager to learn the valuable information and life skills that Aetna and all of its employees have to offer. Someday, I hope to make it back to the west coast and further my career in healthcare by becoming a mid-level or an MD.

David Kemp:     FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Dave Kemp. I am 25 years old, and I currently live in Collinsville, CT, where I volunteer for the town Fire and EMS department. I became an EMT in 2009 while I was studying physical therapy and holistic health at the Eastern Connecticut State University/University of Connecticut. In the spring of 2011, I started working as an AEMT for an EMS Management Service Organization. I earned my paramedic in the fall of 2012 through Capital Community College. Eventually I would like to return to school and work towards earning a bachelors degree in nursing. In my free time I enjoy playing baseball, hiking, kayaking, and skiing. I am excited to join the Aetna Ambulance team, and I look forward to working with everyone.

Joshua Pearson:     PART TIME, EMT. My name is Joshua Pearson I am 23 years old and have lived in Vernon, Connecticut almost my whole life. I graduated from Rockville High School in 2008 at which point I joined the United States Navy, where I worked as a cryogenics technician. I was stationed on the USS George Washington (CVN-73) in Yokosuka, Japan. While on board the George Washington I did three deployments and traveled to seven different countries. My favorite three places I traveled were Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. I enjoyed traveling to different countries because it gives you a perspective of other cultures that you would not normally be able to experience. I have also been a member of the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department since 2006 where I became interested in the medical field. I am a new EMT and am looking forward to starting my career at Aetna Ambulance. My future plan is to heighten my skills as an EMT and in time pursue my paramedic. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, kayaking and generally being outdoors.

Paul van Duinen:      PART TIME, EMT. My name is Paul van Duinen. I started working in EMS about 18 months ago for a commercial company in the greater New Haven area. This is where I realized that I really enjoy the work and wanted to expand my contact with the people that need our help.  I’m very excited to be part of the Aetna team. I look forward to expanding my experience and sharpening my skills while being able to help others. I’m looking forward to a career in EMS. I have an associate degree from Middlesex Community College and hope to attend nursing school in the future. My wife and I have three children. A daughter and two sons. Between the three they take up a lot of time, but time well spent. After that, relaxation comes from mountain biking, skiing, cooking and even doing yard work. I look forward to working with this new group of people since I have heard nothing but the best about them and Aetna Ambulance.

Aetna Promotes Tiago Paula Santos to Field Training Officer (FTO)

Posted on by
Reply

Tiago Paula Santos - Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.HARTFORD — On April 9, 2013 Aetna Ambulance Service promoted Tiago Paula Santos from within its AEMT ranks to the post of permanent Field Training Officer. FTOs are utilized primarily to train newly hired employees in the performance of their duties in the provision of emergency care. Tiago had been an Acting FTO for the last, large hire class.

The FTO and new employee spend several shifts together, with an EMT partner who acts as a driver. During this time the new employee learns the ins and outs of the job done the ASM or Aetna way, including clinical skills, operations, radios, facilities, equipment and much more. FTOs are selected for their knowledge of the company, their positive attitude, willingness to teach and dedication to quality. Our companies are fortunate to have a “deep bench” in this regard.