EAST HARTFORD — On August 20, 2014, two crews from ASM assisted with Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Connecticut by being part of the motorcade and standing by at Goodwin College in East Hartford. Pictures are attached, care of Dan Hammett and Jason Bak. A special thanks to East Hartford Fire Department for their partnership.
MANCHESTER — Show your support for Carolyn Edwards and her recovery.
#CarolynStrong bracelets are now available for a minimum donation of $3.00.
Please see the following ASM employees to purchase one, or three or five or a few dozen:
Stacy Debarge
Lauren Mazzoni
Ryan McConville
Heather Carl
Tim Allbee
Jocelyn Heim (MMH ER)
Genny Geres
Click on the following site for more information on how to donate to support her recovery, buy t-shirts, get updates and otherwise show your support: www.carolynstrong.org.
MANCHESTER — On May 6, 2014 ASM EMT Carolyn Edwards was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. Carolyn is a much loved and cherished member of the ASM team and support for her recovery has been overwhelming, touching and flowing from all directions.
In order to respect Carolyn and her family’s privacy during her recovery and to provide a source of information and support, members of the ASM family and Carolyn’s friends have constructed www.carolynstrong.org.
According to the site, “As a collaboration of friends and co-workers of Carolyn Edwards, we will combine and coordinate efforts for the common cause of benefiting Carolyn and her family in their time of need. We will support their emotional, physical, and financial needs to assist in restoring Carolyn in her optimal health. #Carolynstrong”
To further respect Carolyn’s privacy, the ASM-Aetna blog will not be chronicling her recovery but will continue to provide updates on ways to support her and her family including fundraisers and more.
Johnson Medic Dave White describes his career path.When I returned home in 1998 I joined Sterling Fire Department and went to Fire Fighter-I school and Medical Response Technician training. I felt a greater connection to EMS. I joined two of the local EMS departments; K-B Ambulance and Moosup-Plainfield Ambulance in 1999. I took an MRT to EMT-B bridge class and became Moosup-Plainfield Ambulance’s training officer shortly after I became an EMT-B. I remained active in both departments for the next three years until I moved out of the area. I was hired at ASM in March of 2002 and worked as an EMT-B and Dispatcher for the next two years. I started Paramedic school and returned to working only the road while I attended Hartford Hospital’s paramedic program. For the next 16 months I worked hard and finished first in my class.
In 2005 I became a paramedic and started precepting with Bob O’Neil as my primary preceptor and with Don Hart. After I was cleared and on my own as a paramedic I was lucky to be one of the first full time Paramedics to work out of ASM’s Johnson Memorial Medical Center office. Continue reading
SOMERS — The attached picture is of a mother and daughter who were rescued from a structure fire on December 4, 2013 in a joint effort by several local fire departments and a courageous bystander. ASM’s Johnson Medic (Alpha 5) crew, Don Hart and Ayla Sarles, delivered care with Somers Fire Department once the patients were removed from the building. Read the Patch story here…
Last week Santa arrived to bring them some cheer during a difficult holiday season, courtesy of Somers Fire Department. According to ASM’s Ray Stovall, who took part in the rescue as part of Somers Fire Department, “It was one of the best experiences of my life. The family was so thankful to all involved. Being there restored some faith in humanity. We see so much bad in our jobs that it warmed my heart to see the pure joy on this families face.”
A special note of recognition goes not only to Somers Fire Department but also to Hazardville Fire Department and their Captain Hurley in the rescue of the mother. Ray goes on to say, “As always the Alpha 5 crew did an awesome job on patient care and working with the fire departments on scene.”
MANCHESTER — ASM EMT Sean Norton writes, “You may have seen several ASM employees with oddly shaped facial hair at work lately. This is not only because it looks great but we are doing it to change the face of men’s health. Movember was started to raise money for the research of testicular and prostate cancer as well as mental health.
Some members of ASM’s Movember Team: (L to R) Sean Norton, Jonathan Lentini, Matt Tuttle and Steeve Parent. Missing: Kevin King and Vinnie Maston.
We have a team called Ambulance Service of Moustache that can be found by following the link. That will bring you to my page just click donate and choose our team. Any little bit you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your consideration.”
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”.
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
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.
A rare coincidental, sequential line up at Saint Francis Hospital’s Emergency Department
HARTFORD — Given the current size of the fleets, it is statistically unlikely that three ASM or Aetna ambulances would be seen in sequence anywhere outside of one of the main offices. This picture was taken outside of Saint Francis Hospital’s emergency department in March 2013.
HARTFORD — Aetna’s Steve Matters will be going “under the shears” to raise money or children’s cancer research as part of a St. Baldrick’s fundraiser.
According to the St. Baldrick’s website, “In the 1950s, almost all kids diagnosed with cancer died. Because of research, today about 85% of kids with the most common type of cancer will live. But for many other types, progress has been limited, and for some kids there is still little hope for a cure. St. Baldrick’s is the home of the head-shaving event. It’s an easy and fun way to raise money for a very serious cause—like a walkathon, but without the blisters.”
Steve writes, “I will be getting my beautiful hair completely shaved for this event. To donate a small amount or learn more about St. Baldrick’s you can visit and donate on my secure site at: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/603588.”
ASM’s Justin Rosen Pursues Government Relations Career in Washington, D.C.
My name is Justin Rosen. I am a former Emergency Medical Technician and Field Training Officer with the Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM). I recently left ASM to pursue a government relations career in Washington D.C. After four and half great years with ASM, the time was right for me to finally make the big move.
I joined the ASM team in the winter of 2008 while I was a student at the University of Connecticut. When I was first hired, I thought that working for ASM would be a part-time college job. After a few months, I realized that was not the case. ASM is a family of dedicated, intelligent, and caring people. Everyone from the CEO on down to the road crews makes you feel welcome as soon as you walk in the door. After graduating, I knew that working at ASM would always be much more than a career.
As an emergency worker, we would arrive in people’s lives during some of the worst times. Whether it was a medical emergency or a routine transfer, most people were never excited to enter an ambulance. I enjoyed these opportunities to help ease a patient’s anxiety and make a difference in their life.
After two years at ASM I was hired at the State Capitol and continued with
ASM working evenings and weekends. My work with ASM was instrumental in honing my ability to help constituents and shape policy at the State Capitol. I had the unique ability to see socio-economic programs directly implemented in the greater Manchester area. From there I was able to provide prospective and advice on what worked and what didn’t.
Overall, there is no doubt in my mind that my time at ASM were some of the most positive and influential years of my life. I cannot thank the ASM team enough for the opportunity to have worked there.
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Graham MacDonald, Director of Operations, Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.
As I prepare to leave Aetna Ambulance Service I look back at the many wonderful people that I have had the pleasure to know and to work with. Aetna has always been known as a “family” and I have seen and experienced this first hand. It was an honor for me to have known both Jean and Ethel Grady. This family truly loved their community and always stood ready to help anyone in need.
Aetna Ambulance has excelled over the years and today it is known as one of the best ambulance companies in the state. It is widely respected by the hospitals and facilities that we serve. It has become the sought after place to work for EMT’s and Paramedics coming out of school. Our reputation is based not only upon the dedication and excellence in patient care but the family atmosphere that lives on today.
My time here has been a great experience and I have enjoyed coming to work every day. I will miss the many people that I have worked with both here and the Ambulance Service of Manchester. I am proud to say that it has been an honor for me to be a part of this organization.
Sincerely,
Graham MacDonald, Director of Operations
Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.