Words That Describe Us: Volume 3

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:

  • “Very capable and understanding considering my complete confusion and surprise as to my incident. Everything was as good and efficient and capable as anyone could hope for or expect.”
  • “Fantastic. Could not ask for any better service. It was perfect.”
  • “Excellent service. I was very pleased with the ambulance service my husband received. I have no complaints.”
  • “Very helpful and reassuring to my personal needs.”
  • Great x 2
  • Excellent x 2
  • Very professional
  • Good
  • Super
  • Competent
  • Outstanding
  • Supportive
  • The best!
  • Fabulous
  • Conscientious.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Jeff D’Albero Completes Precepting Phase

Aetna's Jeff D'Albero

Jeff D’Albero (left) is congratulated by Supervisor Chuck Roode

HARTFORD – As of October 10, 2012, Aetna’s Jeff D’Albero 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, Jeff’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing Jeff and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Jeff is 25 years old and lives in New London with his fiance Mariaha, and two year old Caleb. He has been involved in fire and EMS since obtaining  his EMT certification when at age 16. He is a graduate of the paramedic program at Capitol Community College in Hartford and began working as a paramedic in Bridgeport. He also works as a part time Firefighter for the Town of Waterford.

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

Praise for Aetna’s Tiago Paula Santos

Tiago Paula Santos - Aetna Ambulance Service

Aetna’s Tiago Paula Santos

HARTFORD — In an email from October 10, 2012:

“I would like to express my praise for Tiago. On September xx, 2012 he transported my mother to Saint Francis Hospital with a broken leg. He took great care of my Mom and was very compassionate. On October xx, 2012 he transported her to a doctor’s appointment and provided excellent care. I found him to be very patience with my Mom and he had a great concern for her well being  He is a great asset to your company and makes not only the patient but the family feel good. Please let him know that my Mom and I appreciated everything that he did for her.”

Sincerely,

[Patient’s Daughter – #12-79510]

Wishes on Wheels: ASM Convoys for the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Make-a-Wish Foundation - Ambulance Service of Manchester

Johnny Loukides and Family with ASM’s Stephanie Boutot

HARTFORD — On Sunday, September 17th, the Ambulance Service of Manchester participated in the 13th annual “Wishes on Wheels” Truck Convoy to benefit the Make-a-Wish Connecticut Foundation. Last year’s event raised $50,000.

Stephanie Boutot drove ASM’s entry, a Mercedes Sprinter, as part of her fourth year in the event. Johnny Loukides and his family  chose the ambulance as their ride for the convoy.

Names and pictures appear with express permission of the individuals shown. Read a Hartford Courant article about the event here…

ASM Ambulance Among the Other Wishes On Wheels Trucks

ASM Ambulance Among the Other Wishes On Wheels Trucks

Meet the Newest Members of the ASM Team

MANCHESTER– On September 14, 2012, two EMTs were added to the ASM 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.

Steeve Parent: Full time EMT. Steeve, 25, is from Ashford and has been an EMT for just over one year. He attended EO Smith High School and the University of Connecticut. He previously worked for a commercial ambulance service in Norwich, CT and as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT at Ashford Fire Department. Steeve enjoys sports, movies and whitewater kayaking as hobbies.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 2

Aetna Ambulance - Ambulance Service of ManchesterMANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna 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.

Some of the answers included:

  • “One suggestion is hire more outstanding, professional, compassionate individuals like Matt and Jackie. Coming from a healthcare provider, these two were fantastic.”
  • “Continue to hire good quality people like the crew that took care of me!”
  • “You saved my life! Thank you!”
  • “[Your] service is admirable”

EMS is often a thankless field. We feel that expressions of appreciation deserve to be shared and constructive comments deserve to be acted upon. An effort is made to share positive and/or constructive comments with the field staff and with the public we serve. Some of the other responses we have received are highlighted throughout our blog and on our website.

If we have treated you and you would like to request a blank survey please call our office at (860) 647-9798 or send your comments to us at PO Box 300, Manchester, CT 06045-0300. Or, simply click the Leave a Reply link below.

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

HARTFORD– On August 9, 2012, six EMTs and three Paramedics 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.

Laura Adamowich: Part time EMT. My name is Laura Adamowich and I’m 23 years old. I first started my EMT class a little over a year ago, the day after I moved back to my hometown of Bristol, Connecticut from Virginia, where I had graduated from Liberty University with my Bachelor’s in History. I’ve been volunteering as an EMT since last fall when I received my certification and look forward to starting my career in EMS with Aetna. While working, I will also continue pursuing my Master’s degree part-time online through Northeastern University. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy reading, gardening, music, photography and media, and exploring the rich history that Connecticut has to offer. I’m excited about the future I have ahead of me at Aetna, and look forward to continuing to learn and grow as an EMT!

Jeff D’Albero: Full time Paramedic. My name is Jeffrey D’Albero, I am 25 years old. I live in New London with my fiance Mariaha, and two year old Caleb. I have been involved in fire and EMS since I obtained my EMT when I was 16. I decided to further my education in 2010 when I started the paramedic program at Capitol Community College in Hartford. Upon completion I received my credentials and began working as a paramedic in Bridgeport. I also work as a part time Firefighter for the Town of Waterford. I enjoy SCUBA diving, crossfit, and spending time with friends and family. I am excited to join the Aetna Ambulance team and am looking forward to work.

Travis Dixon: Full time EMT. I am a full-time EMT and am 33 years old.  After a year of college at the University of Connecticut majoring in Business Management I enlisted in the US Marine Corps in Infantry. After 9/11 I began working at CCMC in the Human Resource Dept.  However in 2003 I was deployed for the invasion of Iraq where I traveled to Okinawa, Japan, Bahrain, Crete, Thailand, Kuwait and various other countries all within a year. When I returned I began working at Hartford Hospital but eventually decided to become self-employed. It was a visit to my mother’s house one day that changed my life.  She wasn’t home however my aunt from Florida was staying with her for the summer.  I found my aunt on her bedroom floor, suffering from a stroke.  It was a Paramedic that first responded.  It was that intense event that opened up my eyes to the EMS field. I have a five year old son who LOVES trains and is beginning kindergarten in September.  He is excited to see his Daddy on an Ambulance, helping people.

Michael Joseph: Full time EMT. Hello, my name is Michael William Edgar Joseph. Yes, I have four first names but I usually only use one or two of them. I graduated from UConn with a chemistry degree in 2009 and have been doing a little bit of everything since. I lived in Spain for a couple years working on farms then came home to work a couple jobs in chemistry and tutoring. My ultimate plan is to go to medical school although I want to get more hands on experience working with patients. Honestly I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity than to work as an EMT for Aetna. I’m really looking forward to learning all that I can so please feel free to share your wisdom with me. As for interests outside of healthcare, I like languages, traveling, the great outdoors, my dog and making movies with my friends and family.

Camillo Quezada: Part-time EMT. My name is Camilo Quezada and I’m 23 years old. I’m fluent in Spanish and enjoy gaming in my spare time. EMS is my passion and to further my career I have enrolled in Medic class inHartford. I have a great girlfriend who also started working inHartfordand we’ve decided to relocate to the area soon.  I began researching EMS providers in the area and was immediately impressed by Aetna’s reputation. After meeting with the staff and looking around the campus I knew this was a place I could work for many years and be fulfilled. Looking forward to meeting the team and continuing my education.

Angel Rodrigues: Full time EMT. The main reasons why I began a career in EMS is to help others in need, to give back to my community and polish my skills as an EMT-B. I took the EMT course through Hartford Hospital because I’ve heard they’re tough and go in-depth with the material. My mentality is, if you can do it, so can I. And if so, go earn it. I enjoy playing baseball, football, and basketball. I love to go hiking during my days off and swim in the pool. During my down time, I like to sit outside and read. It’s called practicing medicine, and I know that there is no such thing as the “perfect EMT/medic”, but I do want to be on top of the game.

Taylor Salva: Full time Paramedic. I’m a new Paramedic. I graduated from Capital Community College in October of last year. I’ve lived in the New London/Groton area all my life, until my wife, daughter, step daughter and I recently moved to Griswold. I enjoy boating, fishing and shooting. I’ve worked as an EMT basic, a firefighter, and ER technician for some time now and am excited to start my paramedic career.

Mike Weller: Part time EMT. I’m Michael Weller and I’m 24 years old. For the last five years I have been working as a DJ all over Connecticut and New England. I have been slowly transitioning out of the DJ business to focus more on a career in EMS. I originally got my EMT certification and firearms training in order to become a police officer. After several months in the process of looking for a law enforcement job I started working in EMS and I found I really liked it. For a little over a year I have worked at Cromwell Fire Department and I decided it was a good time to commit to the medical field. I am currently enrolled in Hartford Hospital-Goodwin College’s Paramedic program (expected graduation in December ’12) and I have thought about continuing my education to possibly become a CRNA.  I like to snowboard in the winter and mountain bike in the summer and to generally stay as active as possible.  I would describe myself as outgoing and easy to get a long with and I look forward to the new people I will meet at Aetna.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 1

Aetna Ambulance - Ambulance Service of ManchesterMANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna 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 last question of the survey asks the respondent, “Please use one word to describe us.” The respondents also use the line to express how they felt about the service as well. Here are the responses we have received, in order, in the two months this question has been asked:

  • Perfect
  • Very involved
  • Awesome
  • Respectful
  • Competent
  • Efficient and thoughtful
  • Super
  • Excellent x 7
  • Great service and response
  • Wonderful x 2
  • Lifesavers
  • Satisfied
  • Good x 2
  • Effective
  • Prompt
  • Professional x 2
  • Humanitarians
  • Reassuring
  • Very Comforting
  • Outstanding x 2
  • Fantastic
  • Great x 2

EMS is often a thankless field. We feel that expressions of appreciation deserve to be shared and constructive comments deserve to be acted upon. An effort is made to share positive and/or constructive comments with the field staff and with the public we serve. Some of the other responses we have received are highlighted throughout our blog and on our website.

If we have treated you and you would like to request a blank survey please call our office at (860) 647-9798 or send your comments to us at PO Box 300, Manchester, CT 06045-0300. Or, simply click the Leave a Reply link below.

Meet the Team: ASM’s Vinnie Maston

ASM's Vinnie Maston

ASM’s Vinnie Maston

At the age of 28-years-old this is my tenth year in the pre-hospital emergency medical system.  I got my start at Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance Corps (TVAC) at the age of 18.   Five months after joining TVAC I completed an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course and proudly acquired my EMT certification.  Over the next two years as a member of TVAC I gained my EMT-Intermediate level through more education and became an advisor of TVAC’s Explorer post.

In August, 2003 I was employed by an EMS Management and Staffing Service.  My role included staffing Volunteer Ambulance companies throughout the state of Connecticut.  By staffing twelve different volunteer ambulance associations and receiving medical control through seven hospitals my knowledge and adaptability was expanded upon. Continue reading

ASM’s Alpha Five: Volume 3: Don Hart

STAFFORD SPRINGS — Beth Van Alstyne, Director of Critical Care Services for Johnson Memorial Medical Center in Stafford Springs, wrote a complimentary endorsement for ASM’s Don Hart. Don is a seasoned paramedic and a known fixture at JMMC. He has been stationed on ASM’s Alpha 5 (also known as The Johnson Medic) for several years. Read more about The Johnson Medic here…

ASM's Don Hart at Johnson Memorial Medical Center

ASM's Don Hart at Johnson Memorial Medical Center

Here is an excerpt from Beth’s note: “Don has become an integral part of the JMH ED family!  Everyone throughout the hospital knows Don and even where “Don’s desk” is located in the ED.  He is even a stop on every ED tour!  Don is the epitome of selfless hard work and team spirit.  He is always willing to help out.  He is friendly, courteous and compassionate with all patients and will assist patients and visitors as appropriate. 

As a medic, Don is top notch.  Continue reading

ASM’s Beth Sheils is Lead Instructor for Capital Community College Paramedic Program

ASM's Beth Sheils

ASM's Beth Sheils

HARTFORD – As of January 11, 2012 Ambulance Service of Manchester’s Beth Sheils became Capital Community College’s Paramedic Program lead instructor for the night program. In this role, Beth leads didactic instruction for the 18-month program, guiding 20 paramedic students through extensive education and training in the delivery of emergency medical care.

Beth is a Paramedic Supervisor for ASM. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Mount Holyoke College and a Masters in Public Health from the Boston University School of Public Health, and is herself a graduate of the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. Continue reading

Aetna’s Leslie Prado Competing in Triathlon to Benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Leslie Prado

Aetna's Leslie Prado

Hello Family and Friends. It has always been a goal of mine to do a triathlon for a good cause. And this year, I am swimming, biking and running to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT).

I have committed myself to raise $800 by June 10th, 2012 for this incredible organization that leads the way in funding research to treat blood cancers and in providing financial aid to patients and their family. Seventy-five percent of all the money we raise goes directly to the LLS mission of funding research based on medical need without regard to commercial return or market size. Continue reading

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Rory Leslie Completes Precepting Phase

ASM's Rory Leslie with East Hartford Daisy Scouts

ASM's Rory Leslie with East Hartford Daisy Scouts

MANCHESTER – As of May 23, 2012, ASM’s Rory Leslie 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 Supervisors Vinnie Maston and Beth Sheils. 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, Rory’s final approval came from ECHN after shadowing Rory and his preceptor (by proxy) in the field as they responded to emergency calls. Continue reading

Aetna Promotes Terry Perry to Field Training Officer (FTO)

Aetna's Terry Perry

Aetna's Terry Perry

HARTFORD — On April 11, 2012 Aetna Ambulance Service promoted Terry Perry from within its EMT ranks to the post of Field Training Officer: FTOs are utilized primarily to train newly hired employees in the performance of their duties as EMTs.

Terry was hired by the Grady family to work for Aetna in September 2006 as an Emergency Medical Technician. He has worked in the EMS field for 16 years including in the Emergency Department at Hartford Hospital, and truly enjoys what he does. He subsequently worked for the hospital in the Continuing/EMS Education Department. Continue reading

ASM Promotes Three to Field Training Officer (FTO)

MANCHESTER — On April 10, 2012 the Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM) promoted two from within its EMT ranks to the post of Field Training Officer: Stephanie Boutot and Ray Stovall. FTOs are utilized primarily to train newly hired employees in the performance of their duties as EMTs. (Third FTO removed).

ASM's Stephanie Boutot

ASM’s Stephanie Boutot

Stephanie Boutot: I am a proud mom of five kids: Andrew, Dylan, Joey, Jeremy, and Zoey. I have been married 20 years to my husband and friend Nelson and was a stay-at-home mom before joining the ASM team almost four years ago (August 15, 2008 and I bring cake or cupcakes every anniversary!) I originally became an EMT to volunteer on my local fire department and found out it could be a paid job. I feel like it was a secret, I wish I had Continue reading