Category Archives: Employee Spotlight

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Four – 2018

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HARTFORD — On June 25th, 2018, two EMTs, one Paramedic 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.

Hannah Knight: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, my name is Hannah Knight I’m 24 (for a few more days), and I live in Norwich, CT. I have been an EMT and in commercial EMS for about a year and a half now and involved with several fire departments for the last 11 years! My goal is to start medic school in the next year or so. On my off time, I love going to the beach or pool. I’m very excited to start my career here with all of you!

 

Micah Davis: FULL TIME DISPATCHER/EMT. Hello I’m Micah Davis. I’m from West Hartford CT. I’m a volunteer EMT at Rocky Hill. Due to age requirements I’m blessed to get the opportunity to work as a Dispatcher at Aetna, and seek to extend my education all the way to paramedic school in future. My goal is to be the best part of someone’s worst day.

 

Monica Hildebrand: FULL TIME EMT. Hi, my name is Monica Hildebrand. I’m from Middletown, CT where I’ve lived for the past 16 years. I have been an EMT for 4 years. I’ve also been volunteering in Rocky Hill as an EMT for roughly the same amount of time. Additionally, I have worked at CCMC as an EEG tech and I’ve done home healthcare. Currently, I’m finishing up my Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. My ultimate goal is to either go on to nursing or public health. I am very excited for the opportunity to work at Aetna!

Alex Patetta: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Alex Patetta, I am originally from New Jersey, but have lived in Connecticut for the last 5 years. I graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing with a minor in International Business. I was a volunteer firefighter in New Jersey prior to coming to Connecticut. My future goal is to become a career firefighter. Outside of my intended career path, I enjoy focusing on a healthy lifestyle which includes working out and playing sports. I am very excited for this new opportunity as an EMT and look forward to the new experiences it will bring.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Tom MacLean Completes Precepting Phase

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MANCHESTER – As of June 9th, 2018, ASM’s Tom MacLean has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. His preceptors were Paramedic Supervisor Tim Lachappelle and Paramedic Scott Crittenden. Tom was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in September, 2014. He offered the following sentiment regarding his time at ASM:

“I started at ASM nearly 4 years ago and quickly developed a passion for emergency medicine. I graduated from New Britain EMS Academy’s paramedic program this past January and look forward to the experience of working as a higher level provider. I must thank my preceptors for the incredible knowledge they helped instill upon me, as well as the many other coworkers who have supported me during this time. Thank you.”

As with all precepting phases at ASM, his 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 Tom the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Five – 2018

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HARTFORD — On May 14th, 2018, three EMTs, one Paramedic 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.

Ashley O’Connell: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Ashley O’Connell and I am 25 years old. I graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I currently live in Plainville, CT, where I am a volunteer firefighter. My future goals are to become a career firefighter and a paramedic. I have 2 rescue dogs and enjoy running, hiking, and snowboarding. I’m very excited to start as an EMT for Aetna and I’m grateful for the opportunity!

 

 

Tori Thomson: FULL TIME, EMT. I am a recent graduate of UConn where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Master in Health Promotion. Throughout college and graduate school my interest lied in the area of food and nutrition so I also recently finished a dietetic internship to become an RD. However, as a former athlete and nurse’s aide I have always had more of a knack for hands on work. It was with this realization that I decided to take the EMT course at CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor. After a job search for both EMT and RD work, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to become a member of the Aetna team! As a lifelong learner, I can’t wait to see what new challenges await me at Aetna and what direction it will point me for my career.

 

Dennis Wynne: FULL TIME, DISPATCHER. My name is Dennis Wynne. I’ve been a Volunteer Firefighter for the town of Plainville for close to 13 years. I have been dispatching for the same Department for 7 years. On my off time I enjoy spending time with my family and taking small vacations when possible. I’m looking forward to working for Aetna and learning new skills.

 

 

Jayson Braman: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. My name is Jayson and I am from Wolcott, CT but recently moved to East Hartford. I attained my paramedic certification from New Britain EMS Academy and have been working for Wolcott Ambulance for the past year as a paramedic with medical control through St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. Prior to that, I had worked three years as an EMT for AMR and Wolcott.  I also spent 6 years volunteering for Wolcott Fire Dept.  I aspire to continue helping people as I further my education in the EMS field.  I plan to acquire my Respiratory Therapist certification and one day become a flight medic.  In my spare time, I enjoy traveling around the world and being outdoors.

James Davis: PART TIME, EMT. Hello my name is James Davis I am a Connecticut native. I became an EMT because I have a passion for helping others. Along with being an EMT, I am also a career Firefighter. My goal is to expand my knowledge as an EMT and inter-grade that knowledge into my everyday life. I enjoy watching sports, working out, spending time with my family and traveling. I am overly zealous to be part of the Aetna Team!

Schedule of EMS Week 2018 Events and Activities

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Monday May 21st

  • 1800: Johnson Memorial Hospital BBQ. CME follows BBQ at CMEC Ammpitheater (the building on the right as you enter the main hospital driveway).
  • 201 Chestnut Hill Road, Stafford Springs.

Tuesday May 22nd

  • 0730-1200: Hartford Hospital: Annual EMS Week Symposium, ERC 221. A multidisciplinary group if physicians deliver engaging , EMS-specific presentations. No charge, all level of providers are encouraged to attend.
  • To register please email David.Bailey@hhchealth.org.
  • Breakfast provided

Wednesday May 23rd

  • 1200-1500: Windham Hospital BBQ
  • 1200-1400: Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cook-out.
  • 1100-1300: Saint Francis Hospital Lunch.
  • 1730-1900 Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cool-out.

Thursday May 24th

  • 1500-1700: Car Seats and First Responders CME at 275 New State Rd, Manchester (must pre-register with Monica.Lucas@ynhh.org).
  • 1700-2000: Ambulance Service of Manchester Employee BBQ. 275 New State Rd, Manchester.
  • 1700-1900: Saint Francis Hospital Dinner

Road Crew Raffle

  • Employees will be automatically entered into the process. Seven full days of raffling will occur, with two winners selected at random per day. Additionally, one Grand Prize winner will be selected at random on Saturday May 26th.

ASM Employees

  • $10/day for lunch, dinner, or ice cream at Dairy Queen on Hartford Road Manchester. Sunday May 20th – Saturday May 26th.

Aetna Employees

  • $10/day for breakfast or lunch at The Market Restaurant in Hartford.Sunday May 20th – Saturday May 26th.

If your organization, facility or agency is having an EMS Week event in the greater Hartford area and you do not see it listed here, please email it to a member of our management team, fill out the contact form, post it as a comment, or email it to us at info@asm-aetna.com.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Thomas Winterbottom Completes Precepting Phase

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HARTFORD – As of May 15th, 2018, Thomas Winterbottom has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. His preceptor was Paramedic Matthew Campbell. He offered the following sentiment regarding his time at Aetna:

“I started working at Aetna about three years ago. After spending sometime as an EMT, I decided to start the challenge of paramedic school to further my knowledge in the medical field. I graduated from Capital Community College’s paramedic program this past December. I was eager to start precepting and utilize some of the new skills I learned. Special thanks to Matt Campbell for his patience and knowledge provided during precepting. I am excited to practice as a paramedic and continue assisting those in need.”

As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Tom’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 Tom the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Sean Howard Completes Precepting Phase

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HARTFORD – As of May 4th, 2018, Sean Howard has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. His preceptor was Paramedic Matt Carter. Sean began working at with us in October of 2009. He offered the following sentiment regarding his time at Aetna:

“I began my journey into EMS at Aetna nearly 9 years ago, and have been proud to see my work family grow alongside my own. Having recently graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program, I look forward to playing an expanded role in serving one of the finest communities in the country. “

As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Sean’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 Sean the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

ASM Host’s American Red Cross Blood Drive

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MANCHESTER- On Tuesday May 1, 2018 Team ASM-Aetna hosted its first American Red Cross Blood Drive at  ASM’s headquarters. Numerous employees, friends, and family members participated in the day-long event. Program Manager and Coordinator Alissa Haight Aguda offered the following letter of appreciation to those involved.

“On behalf of the American Red Cross and the people we serve, I would like to personally thank you and all the employees at the Ambulance Service of Manchester for the support we received at our Tuesday May 1st 2018, blood drive.

We came close to our drive goal which was 25 units donated. At the drive we had 30 people register resulting in the collection of 21 units of blood. Excellent WORK! These units of blood will help save up to 63 lives and ensure a readily available supply of blood for CT hospital patients. You and your donors are true heroes!

Once again, it has been a pleasure working with you and I am extremely grateful to have your support of the Red Cross’ life saving mission.”

Alissa

Rebuilding Together- Work Day

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MANCHESTER- On Saturday April 28th, 2018 close to 30 ASM employees, friends and family members participated in the Town of Manchester’s 26th Rebuilding Together Event. This “First-Responder Group” made up only a small portion of volunteers as nearly 1000 individuals registered for the work day. Part of a National non-profit organization, Rebuilding Together was formed with the goal of “bringing communities together in efforts to assist those in need of general home repair and improvements.” Teamed up with MPD and MFRE staff, ASM partakers tackled numerous projects ranging from replacing CO and Smoke Detectors to installing a mail box, cleaning up yards, and painting a large back deck. See below for pictures!

Aetna’s Joyce Valentukonis Returns to Duty

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HARTFORD – As of April 10th, 2018, Aetna’s Joyce Valentukonis has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Joyce returned to Aetna on October 4th and resumed her role as an acting Field Supervisor. As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Joyce’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing her and her preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls .On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish Joyce the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

A note from Joyce:

Hello. My name is Joyce. I am returning back to Aetna Ambulance as a part time Paramedic Field Supervisor after a 2.5 year hiatus of staying home with the kids full time. I previously worked at Aetna for 8 years in both a road employee and supervisor capacity. Despite working part time as a lab instructor at a local paramedic program for the past few years, I missed being on the road. I am thrilled to be back and look forward to working with everyone.

ASM partakes in “Rebuilding Together” Event in Manchester

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The Ambulance Service of Manchester is thrilled to announce that it has joined forces with the Town of Manchester Fire Department and Manchester Police Department for The Town’s 26th Rebuilding Together Event. Part of a National non-profit organization, Rebuilding Together was formed with the goal of “bringing communities together in efforts to assist those in need of general home repair and improvements.” On April 11th, ASM employees, and members of MPD and MFRE were sent out in small groups to perform home assessments during phase one of the endeavor. Each team compiled a list of projects in order to help streamline the workday on the 28th.

For more information on Rebuilding Together, please click here!

“Thank You For Giving Me My Life Back”

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Manchester- On March 27th, 2018 ASM Paramedic Chris Myska and EMT Robert Anderson had the rare opportunity to meet a patient they treated one month prior. The patient (shown above), requested to meet the crew in person eager to express her  appreciation for the tremendous care they provided. In addition, the following letter was addressed to Chris and Bob for their efforts.

On February 28th, you were called to XX hospital to transport me to XX hospital due to my having had a heart attack.

On the way to the hospital, I needed CPR and had to be shocked to bring me back to life. My doctor told me that I was dead for a good minute.

I am writing this to thank you for giving me my life back. There is no way that I can repay that. I also want to apologize for scaring both of you that way. I am sure that your hearts were beating a lot harder than mine.

I want you both to know that I am doing well. I had two stents put in and I will be starting cardiac rehab on March 28th, 3 days a week for 12 weeks.

Again, Thank you! Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos and letter appear with permission.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Seven – 2018

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MANCHESTER — On March 19th, 2018 one Paramedic and six 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.

Kylei Koehler: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi! My name is Kylei and I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in the small town of Willington, CT. I received my EMT-B license after completing my course with Code One in the summer of 2017. I am an active member of the Tolland Fire Department as a volunteer EMT and am looking to earn my fire certifications as well. I currently attend Capital College in Hartford and am pursing a degree in Radiology. In my free time I enjoying hiking, fishing and spending time with my dog, Bentley. I am very grateful and excited that I was given the opportunity to pursue a career with ASM and I look forward to serving the community!

Brian Chapdelaine.:FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! My name is. I’m 30 years old. I am from East Longmeadow, MA and currently living in Enfield, CT. I have an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Springfield Technical Community College. I took my EMT course at EMT Academy in Springfield. For a little over a year I have been working as an EMT-B for a private company in Springfield. In September I will be starting the Paramedic Program at GCC in Greenfield, MA. I became an EMT because I have always had a passion for helping those in need and love serving my community. I am also getting married this year so it’s going to be a very busy but exciting year. In my free time I love to watch sports, play video games, hunt, and spend time with my family and friends. I am excited to join the ASM team and be a part of this company has i further my career in EMS!

Owen Cummings: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, my name is Owen Cummings, and I am 21 years old. I grew up in Simsbury CT, and graduated from Simsbury High School. I obtained my EMT certification through the New Britain EMS Academy in the summer of 2017. My passion for this career started as a cadet firefighter in Simsbury. I currently volunteer for New Hartford EMS and Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance. I look forward to learning at ASM, and eventually progressing to a paramedic provider.

 

Tara Monge: PART TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Tara Monge. I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. After developing an interest in the medical field, I enrolled in an EMT course at CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor. I am honored to be able to start my EMT career with ASM and look forward to evolving as a medical professional with them. I expect this new experience will help guide me down my next path in this profession.

Robert Davis: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Robert Davis and I’m 35 years old. I live here in Manchester, and am married with two boys, 5 and 14.  I’m originally from southern Arizona, and grew up just north of the Mexican border. After moving here in 2003, I joined the Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department, where I took my EMT in 2005. After obtaining that, I worked at Campion in Waterbury until 2015.After taking a few years off, I realized how much I missed helping people, and am looking forward to doing so here at ASM.

Rodney Bailey: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. My name is Rodney Bailey. I am 38 years old, originally from Kodiak, Alaska. I currently live in Wallingford, CT. I graduated from Capital Community College in December with my Paramedic certification, and just received my license in January. I served 11 years in the Navy, including one year in Afghanistan in 2008, and served as an instructor for the Florida Highway Patrol for several years. This is my second time as an EMT, never let it lapse for greener grass, and I am Excited about joining the ASM team and am excited for the opportunities that it presents.

Kayla Fortin: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi I’m Kayla and I’m 24 years old. I went to CCSU for athletic training and took my EMT class there as well. I’ve been in commercial EMS for 3 years now, and plan to continue my education in either paramedic or nursing school. I’ll also be a Medical Officer in the Army National Guard this coming August. When I’m not at work, I enjoy eating sushi, being with friends and family, and working out. I’m really excited to be a part of the ASM team!

ASM Holds Years of Service Recognition Event

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MANCHESTER- On March 15th, 2018 the Ambulance Service of Manchester hosted a “Years of Service Recognition Dinner.” The event honored staff members with ten years of service or greater. Quite remarkably, over 50 employees received an award, including several in the 25-35 year range! Without the consistent hard work and dedication of ASM crew members, dispatchers, office personnel, and mechanics, the company would not be where it is today. Thanks for all you do!

ASM Promotes Three to Field Training Officer (FTO)

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MANCHESTER — On March 9th, 2018 the Ambulance Service of Manchester promoted three from within its EMT ranks to the post of Field Training Officer: Bianca Krzynowek, Ryan Bochman, and Kyle Caldwell. FTOs are utilized primarily to train newly hired employees in the performance of their duties as EMTs.

Kyle Caldwell: I have been with ASM now for about 5 years and an EMT for around 6. I started in EMS when I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go in my life or what I wanted to do. After a short stint working for Ellington Ambulance, I landed a job at ASM which has given me a lot of opportunity to grow. I have an amazing wife who has always encouraged me to better myself and been very patient and understanding with all the long days and hours I’ve put into this job. I am very fortunate to have both my wife and this job.

Bianca Krzynowek: My name is Bianca and I have worked at ASM for around 3 years. I am very excited to be promoted to FTO at ASM because I love meeting new people. I also think that knowing how to be safe on scene while doing this job is important and I hope to be able to instill that in my new fellow coworkers so that they can lead safe and prosperous careers in EMS. Right now I live with my German Shepard Toby and my horse, Abe. When I’m not at work I am running, at the gym, snowboarding, riding my horse, or hiking with Toby. I can’t wait to get started FTOing!

Ryan Bochman: I have been an EMT at ASM for a little over 2 1/2 years and an EMT for approximately 9 years. I have been married for almost 4 years and have just become a father to a healthy and beautiful baby boy.  I became interested in the medical field at 17 when I volunteered for Haddam Fire Company as a firefighter/MRT-now EMR. I took great pride in helping people in what might be one of the worst moments of there life. Over my time as an EMT, I have learned a lot from those working around me, as well as assisting in the education of others and students. As I join the ranks of FTO at ASM, I look forward to training and assisting new employees as they transition to working in EMS full time. I look forward to the opportunity to share the knowledge I have learned over the years with newer EMT’s to make them the best medical professional they can be.