To: Mom’s Heroes — Praise for ASM’s Tim Houle and Mikhail Khan

Posted on May 25, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER — In early May, 2015 ASM received a heartfelt Thank You card directed to ASM Paramedic Tim Houle and EMT Mikhail Khan. The card reads:

To: Mom’s Heroes

I want to thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart. To the [Paramedic] who worked directly to my mom – Thank you. We almost lost her after being intubated – She was breathing 0% on her own – 24 hours later, the tube came out and she was breathing 100% on her own. Her odds were slim – yet a miracle occurred.

To the EMT that drove – Thank you so much for your kindness and emotional support. You helped me remain centered and clam which facilitated quick decisions in the ER.

Sincerely,

[Patient’s daughter]

PS – This card is to be directed to the two who responded to the Revolution Bowling Alley call on May X, 2015 in South Windsor, CT. My mom will be moving on to rehab at St. Mary Home in West Hartford.

ASM Responds: Minor injuries reported in bus crash on I-384

Posted on May 13, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

WFSB 3 Connecticut

From WFSB. Read the full story here...

By Joseph Wenzel IV, News Editor

MANCHESTER, CT (WFSB) –

Students were injured after a crash involving a school bus on Interstate 384 in Manchester on Tuesday afternoon, police said.

The two-vehicle crash was reported on the westbound side of I-384 near 4 around 4 p.m. Police said the bus was rear-ended by another vehicle.

Police said 25 children were on board of the bus at the time of the crash.

Officials said the school bus was from Bolton Elementary School headed to East Hartford.

Students were injured in the crash but their injuries are being described as “minor.” Five ambulances were called to the scene and there was possibly 25 patients, state police said.

Officials from Ambulance Service of Manchester said nine students were transported by ambulance to area hospitals, while three students refused care and 18 other students were transported to area hospitals by bus.

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 13

Posted on May 11, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — During April 2015, ASM Paramedic David White and his AEMT partner, Al Pardi, responded to a medical call in Stafford with Stafford Ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Dave wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Hartford Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-29463). The following are comments provided by Hartford Hospital’s Dr. Marcin Dada with some acronyms and patient information removed:

Congratulations everyone on a great care of this antero-lateral STEMI pt last Sunday.

This patient was brought to HH by ASM (prehospital ECG was sent and communicated to the ED attending: Dr. Herbst)

While in the ER, patient arrested with return of spontaneous circulation… and was brought to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

In a nut shell:

1) HH D2B Time = 77 min (off hrs, Sun 3 AM)

1) STEMI Total Ischemia Time = 115 min

In particular, we would like to recognize the teams involved:

1) HH Team – Dr Hirst, Engles and the Cath Lab team – W. Arcisz, D. Jordan, F. Natale.

2) HH ER Team – Dr Herbst, and Snyder, and the ED team: M. Moquin, D, Phillips, S. Ferri.

3) and last but not least : ASM and Stafford Ambulance

Strong Work.

Regards,

Marcin Dada, MD

Co-Director, CPC

Hartford Hospital

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 12

Posted on April 28, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — During April 2015, ASM Paramedic Supervisor Matt Tuttle and his EMT partner, Supervisor Mike Sparks, responded to a medical call in South Windsor. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Matt wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-24713).

ASM’s Matt Tuttle.

“Nice job, Matt. Thanks for calling early.”

– John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

Additionally the patient returned a Satisfaction Survey with every one of the 21 boxes checked Strongly Agree or Excellent. In a follow-up phone call he said that Matt should be commended, that he was “absolutely fantastic”, caring and took the time to explain everything as it was happening. Further, he said, “I have nothing but good things to say about your service.”

Vessel Angiography Findings/Treatment: 100% thrombotic occlusion of Distal RCA; hypotensive, required Dopamine, ejection fraction 55%.

Comments: onset 20 min PTA dispatched 0822; EKG transmitted on scene to ED & med control contacted prior to departure; left scene @ 0840 (South Windsor location)- in ED pt remained on EMS stretcher then to cath lab.

SFH Cath Lab Patient Follow-Up Form

EMS Agency: ASM

Indication: STEMI

First Medical Contact (FMC) (at pt side) Time: 08:28 elapse: 00:00

EMS 12 Lead Acquisition Time: 08:32 elapse: 00:04

EMS STEMI Alert Request Time (source: cmed): prior to dept. elapse: 00:01

EMS 12 Lead Transmit Rec’d Time: 08:36 elapse: 00:04

Arrival Time (SFHED): 09:01 elapse: 00:25

Cath Lab Arrival Time (SFH): 09:17 elapse: 00:16

Procedure Start Time: 09:26 elapse: 00:09

First Device Time: 09:33 elapse: 00:07

————————————————————————————————————–

SFHED Door to First Device: 32 min

FMC to First Device: 65 min

Hartford Firefighters, Paramedics Save Choking 2-Year-Old

Posted on April 24, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

Aetna’s responding Paramedic was Samuel Dybdahl

From NBC Connecticut. Read the whole story here…

[continued…] The fire department posted a letter from Aetna Ambulance on its Facebook page, thanking responding firefighters for their quick thinking.

According to the letter, EMTs and firefighters were called to the city’s South End around noon Thursday. They found the toddler unresponsive with a “complete airway obstruction.” Firefighters performed chest compressions and the Heimlich maneuver.

Medical personnel worked with firefighters to remove the food from the child’s airway and give the toddler oxygen.

Aetna Ambulance director of operations Mark Hannegan said the emergency responders’ teamwork kept the child alive.

“There is no doubt that without quick, calm and professional actions by all on scene, the child would have died,” Hannegan said in a letter to the fire chief thanking the firefighters of Engine 10. “The attending physician called and said that prehospital care ‘legitimately saved this kid’s life.’ He said that the child is doing well.”

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 11

Posted on April 13, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — During March 2015, ASM Paramedic Adam Fine and his partner David Tedeschi responded to a medical call in Coventry with Coventry Volunteer Fire Association (CVFA) ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Adam wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-17116)

ASM’s Adam Fine

“First Medical Contact to device under 90 minutes!!!”

– John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

SFH Cath Lab Patient Follow-Up Form

100% left posterior descending artery ballooned.
Re-clotted, managed medically.

EMS Agency: ASM (Coventry)

Indication: STEMI

First Medical Contact (FMC) (at pt side) Date/Time: 16:31

EMS 12 Lead Acquisition Time: 16:34 elapse: 00:03

EMS 12 Lead Transmit Rec’d Time (source: Lifenet): 16:42 elapse: 00:08

Arrival Time (SFHED): 17:06 elapse: 00:24

Cath Lab Arrival Time (SFH): 17:21 elapse: 00:15

Procedure Start Time: 17:42 elapse: 00:21

First Device Time: 17:57 elapse: 00:15

————————————————————————————————————-

SFHED Door to First Device: 51 min

FMC to First Device: 86 min

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 10

Posted on April 6, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — During March 2015, ASM Paramedic Ted Oliver and his partner David Rice responded to a medical call in Somers with Somers Fire Department ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Ted wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-21457)

“Another great job by our ASM partners and this time with Somers Fire. The bar has been raised now with measuring the time from first medical contact to device in the Cath Lab and this requires a strong team effort to meet the new benchmark. Rapid identification and notification are critical elements to success.”

– John Quinlavin, EMS Manager, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

SFH Cath Lab Patient Follow-Up Form

100% occlusion of the posterior left anterior descending artery.
90% occlusion of the ramus artery (a division of the left main coronary artery)
100% occlusion of the first through third obtuse marginal arteries
80% RCA ejection fraction < 20%. IABP placed. No PCI – CABG performed.

Treatment by EMS and Direct to SFH ED

EMS Agency: ASM (run # 21457) (Somers FD Ambulance transported)

Indication: STEMI

First Medical Contact (FMC) (at pt side) 15:05 elapse: 00:00

EMS 12 Lead Acquisition Time: 15:10 elapse: 00:05

EMS 12 Lead Transmit Rec’d Time: 15:22 elapse: 00:12

Arrival Time (SFHED): 15:56 elapse: 00:34

Cath Lab Arrival Time (SFH): 16:14 elapse: 00:18

Procedure Start Time: 16:17 elapse: 00:03

SFHED Door to First Device: to start proc. 21 min

FMC to First Device: to start proc 72 min

Eleven Children Injured In School Bus Crash In Wethersfield

Posted on April 2, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

Hartford Courant

by Christine Dempsey and David Moran

WETHERSFIELD — About a dozen children have been sent to area hospitals after a school bus crash.

See the original Courant article here...

Police, firefighters and seven ambulances were dispatched to the scene, 52 Prospect Street, shortly before 8:50 a.m., according to an ambulance company spokesman.

The crash has been declared a “mass casualty incident,” with all students on the bus being transported to hospitals, said David Skoczulek of Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.

As of 9:15 a.m., 11 patients have been transported to area hospitals. Seven were sent to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, he said, two went to Middlesex Hospital, one went to Hartford Hospital and one went to St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

The small bus appears to have collided with a Jeep Wrangler, which struck another car. The third vehicle then hit a fourth car.

The school bus reportedly collided with two cars, Skoczulek said. The extent of injuries is unknown.

The term “mass casualty incident” means that more resources are needed because of the number of patients. It doesn’t speak to the extent of injuries, Skoczulek said.

Read the full story here…

Courant Staff Writer David Moran contributed to this story.

Winter Storm 2015 — DESPP Update

Posted on January 27, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

UPDATE from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection:

At 4:45 AM the radar continues to show bands of Moderate snow sweeping from the south east to the west.

Temperatures are mostly in the teens with some sites along the coast in the low 20’s.

Winds out of the north east are gusting to near 40 MPH.

The most recent snow fall reports of 2 to (almost) 11 inches verifies the presence of the more moderate bands of snowfall in the eastern and central portions of the state.

Marlborough – 10.8
Manchester – 7.5
Coventry – 6.5
Thompson – 8.2

Three-quarter to one-quarter mile visibilities also verify the moderate snowfall.

Some drifting has been reported.

The total snowfall forecast may need to be adjusted downward. One to two foot snowfall totals are still possible with this storm – particularly for the eastern half of the state. The western side of the state will probably see snowfall totals between 3 and 12 inches.

External Winter Storm Update from DESPP / DEMHS

Posted on January 26, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

January 26, 2015

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Watch for all of Southern Connecticut for Monday afternoon thru Tuesday night. A long duration (36-hour) very high impact (Blizzard) Northeaster is currently expected. Please see the attached preliminary snowfall forecast.

Here’s a detailed forecast based on the current weather models:

Monday…A weak clipper system is forecast to move east off the North Carolina Coast Monday morning. Light snow is forecast to spread into Connecticut between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The light snow is forecast to increase in intensity during the afternoon reaching a moderate level by 4:00 PM. The impact on the afternoon commute is currently expected to be minor to moderate with a dry powdery snow cover on most roads of around 2 inches.

Monday Night…The storm rapidly intensifies and turns due north (still 150 miles off the coast). Snow is expected to become heavy (snowfall rates 2 – 3″ per hour) by midnight with strong NE winds gusting to 40 MPH inland and 60 MPH at the coast. Near blizzard or blizzard conditions can be expected overnight with temperatures in the upper teens and wind chills near 0 F. Considerable blowing and drifting of snow with a major impact on all travel.

Tuesday…Blizzard conditions thru the morning (snowfall rates up to 4″ per hour) with the snow intensity forecast to lessen to a moderate level by early afternoon. Continued windy during the afternoon with moderate snow falling and gusts to 40 MPH inland and 60 MPH at the coast. Considerable blowing and drifting of snow with highs only in the low 20’s. Major impact on all travel during the day.

Tuesday Night…Snow ending by midnight with total accumulations ranging between 24″ – 36″ (locally higher amounts over 40″ are possible in Eastern CT).

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will continue to monitor this very serious storm

Gov. Malloy: Take Necessary Precautions for Possible Blizzard Conditions

Posted on January 26, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

Blizzard Warning Issued for Entire State, Coastal Flood Watch Also in Effect for Entire Shoreline

(HARTFORD, CT) – With the latest forecast calling for blizzard conditions across parts of the state, Governor Dannel P. Malloy is asking residents to be prepared and take the necessary precautions for a significant snowstorm that will impact the state Monday evening through Tuesday.

“Although storms can be unpredictable, this storm has the potential to have a significant impact on the state and we need to be prepared,” Governor Malloy said. “Just as the state is monitoring and preparing, the public should do the same.”

“The Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) is monitoring this storm very closely and is prepared to coordinate any potential state response,” Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora B. Schriro said.

DEMHS is also participating in National Weather Service conference calls to get the latest information on the storms track and is sending out regular updates to all municipalities and tribal nations.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will have its entire fleet of snow plows, including 12 loader-mounted snow blowers, prepared to deploy. The residual road treatment from the previous weekend storm will help in the efforts to pretreat the road

Governor Malloy will be providing the state with additional updates as conditions warrant.

In order to be prepared for any type of emergency situation, the Governor encourages residents to have an emergency supply kit and follow some basic preparedness tips.

Additional preparedness tips:

In the event emergency travel is necessary, fill up your car with gas, check oil and windshield fluid levels
Sign up for emergency alerts at www.ctalert.gov
And always, check on your neighbor

For additional info on winter weather preparedness go to www.ct.gov/demhs or www.redcross.org.

Bolton Volunteer Fire Department Certificate of Recognition – Life Saving

Posted on December 31, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

Tim Lachapelle - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

ASM’s Tim LaChappelle

On October XX, 2014 Firefighter/EMR Tyler Clark, Firefighter Derrek Kroc, Paramedic Tim LaChappelle and EMT Bob Anderson of ASM Ambulance, responded to a call of a XX year-old female who was having chest pains at 0247 HR. The patient stated that she had been working in the yard during the day and woke up with severe chest pains.

On arrival, the patient was anxiously talking with the responders and then collapsed into cardiac arrest. FF Clark and others immediately started CPR and used a defibrillator to attempt resuscitation. The patient was resuscitated after approximately ten minutes. The patient was transported to the hospital and released to go home seven days later.

Today I present you a certificate for your Extraordinary Personal Actions performed in the line of duty which lead to the successful resuscitation and saving of the life of a citizen of Bolton, CT on October XX, 2014.

(Some information redacted for patient privacy).

Aetna’s Jennifer Pasquale and Michael Glazier Receive ‘Unit Citation’

Posted on November 21, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

ROCKY HILL — On November 14, 2014 Aetna’s Jennifer Pasquale and Michael Glazier who were recently mentioned for excellent care in service in another blog post, received a Unit Citation from the Rocky Hill Fire Department.

The recognition stems from a September 24, 2014 response in Rocky Hill where the two witnessed a significant head-on motor vehicle crash on the Silas Deane Highway. Their quick action and excellence in clinical care were significant to the patient’s outcome.

ASM Responds: Worker burned after explosion at Connecticut Natural Gas

Posted on November 12, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

WFSB.com

WFSB 3 Connecticut

By Joseph Wenzel IV, News Editor

EAST HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) –Connecticut Natural Gas employees were evacuated after a small explosion and fire was reported near the building in East Hartford on Wednesday afternoon.

The small explosion was reported in an outbuilding on Meadow Street, which is used to fill natural gas trucks around 12:30 p.m. The building is in a parking lot and away from other buildings.

The fire chief said a mechanic was filling a truck when a compressor exploded and created a small fire along with the explosion. The worker’s hands and head were burned and the explosion caused the panels of the building to partly pop off.

“It sounded like a dumpster and then all the emergency crews showed up,” said Lucie Wilson of East Hartford.

Sources told Eyewitness News that the explosion shook the building.

The outbuilding holds three gas tanks, all used to fuel the company’s natural gas powered vehicles.

“That system has been in place … CNG uses natural power gas and this is the first time we’ve ever run across an incident like this,” Fire Chief John Oates said.

High Praise for Jennifer Pasquale and Michael Glazier

Posted on November 10, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

October 18, 2014

To Whom This May Concern:

On Saturday morning, September XX at around 4:30am, my husband, [name], and I were involved in a motor vehicle accident on [location in Aetna’s area].

Your ambulance company was called, and two EMS personnel responded to the scene to render medical assistance…I wanted to write and commend them for taking such wonderful care of us. These two [EMS Providers] displayed the utmost kindness, caring, concern and basic life support in what was already a very stressful and upsetting situation.

More often than not people only write to complain but I wanted to write to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to your staff.

Most sincerely,

Patient (14-80011).

(Patient and certain response information redacted for privacy).

ASM-AETNA Blog

Dedicated to providing consistent, timely and clinically excellent service to our patients, clients and communities.

Category Archives: EMS Response

To: Mom’s Heroes — Praise for ASM’s Tim Houle and Mikhail Khan

ASM Responds: Minor injuries reported in bus crash on I-384

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 13

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 12

Hartford Firefighters, Paramedics Save Choking 2-Year-Old

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 11

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 10

Eleven Children Injured In School Bus Crash In Wethersfield

Winter Storm 2015 — DESPP Update

External Winter Storm Update from DESPP / DEMHS

Gov. Malloy: Take Necessary Precautions for Possible Blizzard Conditions

Bolton Volunteer Fire Department Certificate of Recognition – Life Saving

Aetna’s Jennifer Pasquale and Michael Glazier Receive ‘Unit Citation’

ASM Responds: Worker burned after explosion at Connecticut Natural Gas

High Praise for Jennifer Pasquale and Michael Glazier