Category Archives: From the Team

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

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MANCHESTER — On June 25th, 2018 one Dispatcher, one Paramedic and four 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.

Jonathan Robarge: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. My name is Jonathan Robarge. I am 25 years old. I have been working in commercial EMS for 3 years as an EMT. I attended Capitol Community College to get my paramedic license for the last 18 months. During ride time, I spent a majority of my hours at ASM and was impressed with the feedback and teamwork of the crews I worked with. I am excited to grow as a paramedic in this company. In my off time, I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, traveling and boating with my wife and 9 month old yellow lab Epi.

Megan Stevenson: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Megan and I am 22 years old. I am an East Hartford resident and I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut. I am an active volunteer for the town of Glastonbury EMS and am eager to begin more work with ASM. I plan to graduate from UConn in the spring of 2019 and continue to work and gain experience in the medical field. Following my undergraduate degree, I hope to attend graduate school to pursue a career as a Physician’s Assistant.

Carolyn Edwards: FULL TIME, DISPATCHER. Hi my name is Carolyn Edwards, former full time EMT @ ASM for 5 years (03/2009-11/2014), currently joining the dispatch crew. Took a few general studies classes @ MCC. Interested in learning & getting back to action in the EMS field. Forever immensely grateful for all that has been done for me during my time away from EMS & for all of my teachers (EMS colleagues & coworkers, medical field professionals, professors & patients) that helped me arrive at the humbling truth of how much I had to learn & just how much I didn’t know. I look forward to learning dispatch & many more great times.

Chris Melite: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi! My name is Chris Melite and I am 27 years old. I grew up in the small town of Canton, CT and moved to Vernon, CT two years ago. I received my EMT-B certification from Code One early this year. I am an active member of the Town of Vernon Fire Department as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT. I graduated in 2014 from the University of New Haven with my bachelor’s degree.

In my free time I enjoy working out, hiking, camping, and SCUBA diving. I am very excited to pursue a career with the ASM team, and the opportunities that it presents.

Greg Cataford: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Greg Cataford. I have spent many years working in the service industry. Over the past year, I have been transitioning my focus and passions into the EMS field after completing my EMT certification through New Britain EMS Academy. I have been a full time volunteer at Glastonbury EMS during this time.

I aspire to obtain my paramedic license in the next two years.  I am looking forward to growing personally and professionally during my time at ASM.

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.

ASM Participates in Local Food Drive

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SOUTH WINDSOR- On Saturday June 10th, Ambulance Service of Manchester, South Windsor Police Department, and Masonic Lodge #88 joined forces to collect food and monetary donations at the annual South Windsor Food & Fuel Bank Drive. Donations were accepted at Geissler’s Supermarket and Stop & Shop. At the end of the day, 90 boxes of food (2300 items) went on the shelves along with $1478.83 in cash and gift cards.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered and to those that made contributions!

ASM Teaches CPR to Local Residents

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MANCHESTER- On Thursday June 7, Ambulance Service of Manchester Paramedic and Education Supervisor Melissa Osborne and her EMS Instructor Class helped out the local community by teaching the American Heart Association HeartSaver CPR Training at the Mahoney Recreation Center.  Individuals of all ages attended and learned valuable lessons about CPR from both ASM and AETNA staff.  This class is offered on a yearly basis as part of National CPR & AED Awareness Week.

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.

ASM Teams up with Bob’s Discount Furniture to benefit MACC Charities

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MANCHESTER- On April 23, 2018 Ambulance Service of Manchester employees Chris Tevnan and Kaylyn Fuller joined forces with Manchester Area Conference of Churches for the first annual Bob’s Discount Furniture Food Drive. The event was coordinated by MACC Charities Director & CEO Beth Stafford. Animatronic Bob made an appearance while St. James students helped M.A.A.C. and ASM team members unload the donations.

Heartbreaking Loss of Former ASM Paramedic

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It is with extreme sorrow that we relay this information. Elias Friedman, a former Paramedic with the Ambulance Service of Manchester for many years, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday Morning in New York City. After leaving ASM in 2008, Elias became a Paramedic for SeniorCare EMS in New York City, where he was still employed at the time of his passing. Elias married his wife Rivka this past May, and had his first child, Mayla Leah Friedman only a few days ago. As you’ll note in the article below, Elias has made a lasting impact on his community as an experienced Critical Care Paramedic and volunteer with Hatzalah of the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Despite leaving over a decade ago, his clever and compassionate persona will not soon be forgotten by coworkers and friends here at ASM.

Elias Friedman

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!

ASM Participates in ‘Stop The Bleed” Event

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MANCHESTER-On Saturday, March 31, 2018 the town of Manchester joined with over 600 communities across the nation in observing the inaugural “Stop the Bleed Day” by hosting the American College of Surgeons’ Basic Bleeding Control course. This course, which was offered free of charge to members of the community, provided participants with the knowledge and skills needed to save a life in the event of a serious bleeding emergency. Bleeding is the number one preventable cause of death associated with a traumatic injury, regardless of the cause of that injury.

Manchester’s course was coordinated by Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.  ASM’s Paramedic Greg Derosier and EMT/Field Training Officer Cory Lachance joined representatives from the Connecticut Office of Emergency Medical Services, Manchester Police Department, Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS, Manchester Public Schools, and Manchester Health Department to teach participants hands-on bleeding control techniques.

According to a press release available on the American College of Surgeons (ACS) website:

“Stop the Bleed traces its origins to the aftermath of the Sandy Hook School shootings on December 14, 2012. Shortly afterward, the ACS partnered with law enforcement and other interested national organizations to develop the Hartford Consensus. Out of this Consensus (where the initial meetings convened in Hartford, Connecticut), emerged an emergency response goal to improve survival following mass shootings and other intentional acts of mass violence by empowering civilians to take life-saving action when the need arises, regardless of the situation or cause of the significant bleeding.

After recommendations of the Hartford Consensus were released, Stop the Bleed, a national public awareness campaign was launched in October of 2015 by the White House and then-President Obama, with a call to action to begin training more people to become immediate responders. Stop the Bleed cultivates grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency, thus becoming the first vital link of the trauma care chain of survival.”

If you were unable to attend this course and wish to receive this potentially life-saving training, it is offered on an ongoing basis, FREE of charge, to anyone interested.  Please visit http://bleedingcontrol.org and click “Find a Class” to locate a class near you.

Above Post Drafted by ASM EMT/Field Training Officer Cory Lachance

“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!

Aetna Paramedic Receives Challenge Coin

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Aetna Paramedic Sam Dybdahl received a “Challenge Coin” from the gentleman (a Vietnam Veteran), pictured above, for the tremendous care rendered to his family member. Originally a military tradition, challenge coins are presented to individuals who have demonstrated a significant achievement. Sam has over a decade of experience as Critical Care Flight Paramedic. Sam is also an active member of the Armed Forces who has served overseas.

Aetna Appears on Local News!

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Aetna Ambulance Field Supervisor Bob Mara was interviewed yesterday evening by FOX 61 Reporter Jim Altman. In the segment, Bob discusses the necessary steps Aetna takes in preparation for winter storms to ensure that both the crews and ambulances are ready respond. In order to safely and promptly reach residents, Aetna increases staffing and strategically places ambulances at staging areas proven to reduce response times. As portrayed in the interview, crews will be posted at these locations even during the storm.

To watch the segment in its entirety, please click here!