Words That Describe Us: Volume 71

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER 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 part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

  • Ambulance crew arrived in a timely manner & were very professional.
  • Caring.
  • Outstanding EMTs/Paramedics. (R and T). R should be a doctor. I received excellent care, better than at that of the hospital staff. My problem was just about resolved before we arrived at the hospital. (15-54573; R. Gonska, T. Halligan).
  • The two gentlemen were very kind and courteous.
  • The people that came to take care of my husband were fabulous. They took care of him right away and knew what was wrong and kept me informed of his condition. All the way to the hospital and even before they left the hospital they still came and told me what to expect at the hospital. I had to send them off with lots of hugs and many thank you’s. They saved my husband’s life. They are angels sent from God. (15-87782; T. Wain, J. Barletta).
  • Great service – No complaints.
  • Calming.
  • A safe and reassuring trip – thank you!
  • Good service!
  • I was very satisfied with the service I received. The paramedics were very caring and put me at ease. Their assistance was very much appreciated. They are excellent at what they do. (15-85909; M. Traber, K. King).
  • Professional + kind.
  • Thank you.
  • Professional.
  • Very kind, helpful and very concerned + professional. Nice people.
  • Caring professionals.
  • Excellent crew.
  • They were wonderful. Ambulance was here so fast. Very professional. (15-83949; S. Lowe with Rocky Hill Volunteer Ambulance).
  • M and T were wonderful. They were kind and so professional handling my 79 year old mother. (15-87245; M. Tuttle, T. George).
  • EMT-P was great ! (15-90872; W. Schnepp).
  • Comforting.
  • Excellent. Would strongly recommend ambulance service to anyone and everyone. (15-91733; R. O’Neil, J. Bush).

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 16

Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabSTAFFORD SPRINGS — During January 2016, ASM Paramedic David White and his partner Ray Philbrick 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 Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#16-0017.

“Here is the full feedback report. Great job!!” – John Quinlavin, Manager, Emergency Medical Service, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

SFH Cath Lab Patient Follow-Up Form Treatment by EMS and Direct to SFH ED

EMS Agency: Ambulance Service of Manchester & Stafford Ambulance

Indication: STEMI

First Medical Contact (FMC) (at pt side) Date/Time: 1/1/2016 01:00          elapse:  00:00

EMS 12 Lead Acquisition Time:                                           01:02          elapse: 00:02

EMS STEMI Alert Request Time (source: cmed):                01:19          elapse: 00:17

EMS 12 Lead Transmit Rec’d Time (source: Lifenet):          01:19          elapse: 00:17

Arrival Time (SFHED):                                                         01:41          elapse: 00:22

Cath Lab Arrival Time (SFH):                                              02:03          elapse: 00:22

Procedure Start Time:                                                          02:20          elapse: 00:17

First Device Time:                                                                02:46          elapse: 00:26

————————————————————————————————————–

SFHED Door to First Device:                                                65 min

FMC to First Device:                                                              106 min

Vessel Angiography Findings / Treatment: 100% SVG-RCA lesion open not stented.

Comments: Onset chest pain 00:00. Once patient on EMS stretcher Asystole, went to start CPR, patient responsive prior to any compressions.  This occurred again during transport.  STEMI team paged prior to arrival at 0122.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 70

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER 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 part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

  • They were there when I need the help.
  • Skilled, professional, sensitive and personable. J (15-73140; M. Tuttle, T. George).
  • Very compassionate.
  • November 17 my husband (Ret. Fire Chief) experienced a near syncope incident. Our son (Lieut.- area Fire Dept.) was present and called 911. The ambulance arrived promptly, with several responders, and transported him to Manchester Memorial Hospital. They were courteous, respectful, thorough, patient and professional. It is a comfort to be assured that when health issues do present themselves we are in good hands with Ambulance Service of Manchester. Thank you. (15-85885; M. Traber, K. King with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • The crew were very good at their jobs. I felt very well care for + made me feel very comfortable. Thank you! (15-70012; T. Webster, R. Turkington).
  • Professional and caring.
  • Kind
  • Prompt, efficient, caring. Excellent [report] in the emergency room giving them the background. (15-85548; R. Leslie, T. Luetjen).
  • Compassionate. Worked hard – save my life – I am very grateful. Thanks to all! (15-87758; G. Kendall, R. McDonald).
  • Professional x 2.
  • The EMT staff understood my reasons of hospital choice.
  • Prompt & caring.
  • Friendly and knowledgeable – caring.
  • Very professional. We are all very grateful. Thank you.
  • Great crew! Very knowledgeable and cared about my daughter’s safety. (15-75521; R. Bilodeau, R. Anderson).
  • Excellent. No further comment is needed. Professional + efficient. (15-86718; J. Rassmussen, R. Fraley).
  • Very polite + professional.
  • The people who took me to the hospital were very nice.
  • Professional and caring.
  • Extremely kind.

ASM’s Josh Traber Receives a Thank You Visit

Traber's Visitors AMANCHESTER — On December 28, 2015 ASM Paramedic Josh Traber was visited by a family who wanted to thank them for caring for their three year old son Wesley. In June of 2015 Wesley had an allergic reaction to peanuts in South Windsor and was treated by Josh. Since that time he has asked each time he has seen an ambulance whether each one was “his ambulance”.

Wesley’s mom brought cookies and Josh gave Wesley and his older brother a tour of the ambulance. She said via email after their brief reunion, “Josh was wonderful to us that day.  He made me feel calm and at ease, and I am grateful for that.  The job you all do is really a gift, and you touch so many lives on a daily basis it takes a special person to do what you do.”

*Pictures and details appear with express permission.

Praise for ASM’s Russell Jones and Andrew Wysocki

From an email received in December 2015:

CCMC Toy Drive

ASM’s Russell Jones

On Wednesday we received an admission from the emergency room at [hospital].  The ambulance transport provider was ASM.

Upon arrival to the unit the EMTs from ASM as always were both professional and friendly.  They have always taken part in the “welcoming” portion of our admissions process and their friendliness has been noted in our patient satisfaction surveys as well.

In addition, they have always been very observant and informative of the condition of the patient from the time they pick up the patient and throughout the transport.  In this particular instance, the EMTs were extremely informative and attentive to information and observations of the patient in the ED and shared an abundance of information for us to continue in the patient’s care and most especially to address the patients immediate respiratory needs.

Andrew Wysocki

ASM’s Andrew Wysocki

The EMT gave a peer to peer report that was impeccably professional and quite informative and extraordinarily impressive to myself, the charge nurse and also caught the attention of the nursing supervisor and our Medical Director. After the crew left the Medical Director stated that he had never heard that thorough of a report given to a receiving institution regarding a patient.  He stated, “we need more health care professionals like that”.

Mansfield Center for NursingThank you again to all the staff at ASM for the continuing professional and excellent service provided to MCNR.  We truly appreciate all of you!

Regards,

Clinical Care Coordinator

Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Joshua Pearson Completes Precepting Phase

Matt Campbell (L) and Joshua Pearson.

Matt Campbell (L) and Joshua Pearson.

HARTFORD –  As of December 19, 2015, Aetna’s Joshua Pearson has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Josh started at Aetna in April of 2013 and graduated from the Paramedic Studies Program at Capital Community College. His preceptor was Paramedic and Field Supervisor Matt Campbell. The full precepting phase can take ten to 12 weeks or more as the paramedic is prepped for the realities of the field. Josh served in the United States Navy for four years.

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

Stores, Emergency Personnel ‘Stuff A Truck’ To Help Families

South Windsor Toy DriveHARTFORD COURANT

by Quron Walker

Local first responders, along with Stop & Shop, 1739 Ellington Road, and Geissler’s Supermarket, 965 Sullivan Ave., held the annual “Stuff A Truck” event on Dec. 12 to gather money, food, and toys for South Windsor families in need.

The South Windsor Police Department partnered with the South Windsor Fire Department, and Ambulance Service of Manchester helped as well. The organizations worked together to collect food and toys at the locations.

Read the whole article here…

Nora Young, an EMT with Ambulance Service of Manchester, said she was happy with the turnout and with how residents support one another, as well.

“People always want to help their community out,” she said. “We just give them a place to do it.”

Words That Describe Us: Volume 69

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER 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 part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

  • Fantastic.
  • Very satisfied with service.
  • Kind. Reassuring. I was diagnosed with T4 Fx – Broken Ribs & chest wall contusion – I am doing much better – Thank you so much for your care. (15-75390; M. Hoyt, R. Jones with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Professionals.
  • Very courteous and efficient.
  • Professional.
  • Wonderful, professional teamwork. (15-82319; R. Bochman, K. Twohig with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Kind.
  • Courteous and friendly.
  • Excellent! Thank you very much!
  • Professionalism, great crew.
  • Kind and caring.
  • I could not have asked for anyone nicer than the ones that took care of me. Absolutely the nicest, caring and talented beyond words. They were reassuring and made me very comfortable. Everyone was really impressed with the quickness of the service. Thank you all so much. (15-83478; M. Tuttle, R. Fross).
  • Everyone was caring + professional. No one overwhelmed our daughter. They eased their way into her “space” and made her feel comfortable by talking about Frozen + all the purple she was wearing. J  (15-85347; R. Bilodeau, S. Boutot).
  • Excellent service.
  • Great.
  • Best ever.
  • Professional.
  • The service was excellent and I was treated very well. (15-82357; J. Rodriguez, B. Gregorieff).
  • These people were just great! (15-83135; R. O’Neill, M. Khan).
  • Skilled and compassionate.
  • Compassionate + efficient. Being my first ambulance experience, if ever I should need your service in the future I would feel confident I would get excellent care. (15-85431; T. Wain, J. Barletta).

ASM’s Mikhail Khan Becomes a Citizen of the United States

HARTFORD — On December 4, 2015, surrounded by his friends and family, ASM EMT Mikhail Khan took the Naturalization Oath  of Allegiance to the United States of American and officially became a US Citizen.

Mikhail Khan Oath of Allegiance

On behalf of the ASM Family, we are tremendously proud of Mikhail. Please take a moment to congratulate him.

Aetna’s Matt Campbell Promoted to Field Supervisor

Matt Campbell AHARTFORD — On December 4, 2015 Aetna’s Matt Campbell was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor.

According to Matt, “I have been with Aetna Ambulance since September 2011 and have enjoyed every day coming to work since.  I have been in EMS since 2007 and have not looked back. I started out my career in Boston at a private service. When I realized that I love this job and wanted to become a Paramedic, I enrolled in Paramedic classes at Comprehensive Medical Teaching Institute (CMTI).

“When I was in school I met my wife while she was attending college in Boston. We now have a family that is growing very fast. My wife and I have a two year old boy and are now expecting twin girls. I have been a Paramedic for over six years now. I became a preceptor for Aetna in early 2012. I am very exited to work with all my colleagues in my new position as Field Supervisor. Aetna is in a true fashion is a family; we stick side-by-side and work day-by-day together. I work with the highest level of professionals In the business every day.  I want to thank all of my Aetna family for all of your support. Let’s wish and hope for further success in our careers together.”

On behalf of the Aetna family we would like to congratulate Matt on his promotion and look forward to great things from him.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 68

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER 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 part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

  • E. Thepsiri and J. Basora were 2 outstanding EMS providers. My two “Top Guns”. (15-78017).
  • Fantastic and thank you.
  • Professional.
  • Your ambulance + crew took good care of me.
  • Very efficient and caring. Appreciated the teamwork. Very fortunate to have this excellent service. The response was appreciated.
  • Caring + professional.
  • Very thankful and grateful for your service! Hoping we won’t need you again. As a former EMT – al crewmembers worked as a team. I felt the EMS person from EH was very professional and took charge. (15-71526; T. Armas, C. Heitman with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Very caring and helpful.
  • Compassion! I was terrified not being able to breat and they immediately took over and made me feel a bit more at ease. Very professional but comforting!! Thank you all!! (15-72772; M. Tuttle, J. Startup with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Exceptional.
  • Very professional, knowledgeable + caring.
  • Very professional and caring.
  • The crew was very professional. Couldn’t ask for better. (15-78310; G. Kendall, R. McDonald).
  • Very professional.
  • They were very helpful! Thank you for being there!
  • Efficient.
  • Professional x 4.
  • Excellent!
  • Awesome crew!
  • Very attentive.
  • Crew was very pleasant, knowledgable. I was very impressed with their service. (15-79633; W. Schnepp, M. Kleza).
  • They performed in a very professional way.
  • Friendly – eased my fears.
  • Comfortable to be taken care of by.

Remembering Karri Isham

Read Karri’s obituary here…

Rest in Peace, Karri.

Posted under one of the attached photos:

I just wanted to tell you guys thank you for the remembrance for my sister Karri. I wish I could have been there to meet all of you. She talked about all of you a lot. You all meant a lot to her. She always told me you were her family in Connecticut.

Thank you again.

Corina

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Six, 2015

HARTFORD — On November 6, 2015, three EMTs and three 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.

Amy Bastien:   FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, my name is Amy Bastien, I’m 27 years old, and I live in New Britain, CT. I graduated from UMass Amherst in 2010 with a B.S. in Business Management. After college, I spent a few years traveling and living abroad. In that time, I learned a lot about myself volunteering at clinics in underserved populations, and began to feel compelled to help those who cannot help themselves. It is my hope to gain as much experience as possible as an EMT with Aetna, in order to proceed to a physician assistant program. It is my life goal to continue on a path of providing comfort and care to those in need. In my spare time, I hang out with my dog, play co-ed soccer, and train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Team Link. I am greatly looking forward to working with Aetna and am very thankful for the opportunity to do so.

Melissa Bilgen:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Melissa and I am 26 years old. Born in Hartford, CT but holding dual citizenship in Turkey. I graduated from UCONN Storrs in 2012 with a B.A. in Biology and minor in Anthropology. I joined the Army National Guard in 2013. I am currently a 68W, Combat Medic, in the 102d Infantry. I am one of two females integrated into the Infantry Unit which is exciting. Ever since I became a Combat Medic I always knew I wanted a career in the medical field. The way the human body works and reacts to things is fascinating to me. I also want to keep my skills set up if I deploy. I strive to one day be a paramedic. In my free time I am very much into fitness. My favorite classes are Core, HIIT, and Yoga.

Michael Bouley:    FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Michael Bouley, I am 29 years old and I am originally from Manchester, CT, presently living in Tolland, CT. After high school I attended Central Connecticut State University, studying a broad number of subjects, primarily western philosophy and sociology. I took my EMT course through Hartford Hospital, and absolutely loved the unique experience, and the opportunity to help people that EMS affords. I have been a volunteer EMT with Windsor EMS for the last three years, and particularly enjoyed the responsibility of being a field training officer teaching new EMTs. I recently graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program, and I am very excited to begin my career as a part of the Aetna Ambulance team and to further my knowledge and experience in the field. In my spare time I like hiking with my two dogs, camping, painting miniatures, and playing video games, I am an avid reader, and love learning about history, philosophy, and science. I look forward to working for a company that has such a strong reputation, and hope to meet everyone soon!

Tessa Gilbert:  FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Tessa Gilbert, I am 25 years old and currently live in Ledyard, CT. When I was younger my dad was in the military so I have lived many places on the East Coast as well as in Alaska. I have been in commercial EMS for a company in Norwich for two years.  I started in EMS after graduating from UCONN with a Psychology degree and really enjoyed many aspects of the job. I decided after about five months in EMS that I enjoyed it so much that I enrolled and am about to complete the Paramedic Program at Goodwin College. When I am not working or in class I like to work out and stay active. This includes hiking, swimming, completing Tough Mudders, volleyball, soccer, traveling, and paddle boarding. I mostly try to stay in good shape since I also really enjoy eating and trying new restaurants/food. I also enjoy watching movies and Netflix binging.  I aspire to eventually become a flight medic and one day a CRNA. I am really excited to begin working and expanding my skills and experience with Aetna.

Ryan Sullivan:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Ryan Sullivan and I am 22 years old. I graduated from UCONN in May 2015, with a major in molecular and cell biology and a minor in math. As an undergraduate I thought I wanted to pursue research as a career. But after working in chemical engineering, allied health, and epigenetic labs, I realized that research was not for me. In my final semester I took an EMT training course that UCONN offered, just because I thought it would be fun. I really enjoyed the course and after graduating, I knew I wanted to stick with it. Now I am very interested in the medical field, and I hope to one day go to medical school. In my free time I like to play video games, hang out with friends, and scuba dive. I also want to pick up skydiving as a hobby. I am looking forward to working with everyone at Aetna Ambulance, and I hope my time here will be the start to a great career in medicine.

Karri Isham (1958-2015)

Karri Isham B

Karri Isham

Karri Dee Isham, age 57, died at Manchester Memorial Hospital in Manchester, Connecticut, on Monday, November 2, 2015. She fought a long, hard battle with the complications from Cowden Disease and multiple cancers.

She was born February 25, 1958, in Wyoming, graduated in 1976 from Central Kitsap High School in Silverdale, Washington, and received a degree in Special Education from Central Washington University. Karri taught for several years in Port Orchard, WA and in Wyoming. When she volunteered for the local hospital, she became interested in EMS and enrolled in classes. She then moved to Connecticut in September of 2000 to take an EMT job with the Ambulance Service of Manchester in Manchester, CT.

Karri was always involved in her community, volunteering for many charity events. She was also active with Manchester CERT. She was always there to help friends in any way that she could. Karri and her family are grateful to her friends and PCAs who took care of her during the final stages of her illness.

Karri Isham

Karri with Christian Haag and Stephanie Boutot at a rainy 2009 Emergency of Hunger Food Drive.

Karri’s remains will be received by her family on the West Coast.

In CT, an informal gathering to celebrate Karri’s life will be held between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 8, at the Ambulance Service of Manchester, 275 New State Rd, Manchester, CT.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 67

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER 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 part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

  • Good crew.
  • The team was competent and caring while at home as well as at the hospital. (15-72950; S. Norton, S. Boutot with assistance from F. Tomboly).
  • Wonderful.
  • R. was wonderful. He put me at ease. Made me laugh. (15-72911; R. Gonska, J. Barletta).
  • Very professional. I will say [they] were outstanding.
  • I am [patient’s] wife who called 911. It was such trauma for me I really don’t remember much but knew my husband was in good hands. Thank you again. They made a great team! (15-73328; R. Gonska, J. Monahan).
  • Very professional, caring, serious.
  • Very knowledgeable + efficient.
  • Very pleasant in a tense situation. Very professional. (15-73029; K. Russell, S. DeBarge with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • Very professional + informative.
  • Very knowledgeable + compassionate. Friendly – he made me feel better! (15-71156; J. Platero, B. Deoliveira).
  • Professional + caring.
  • Excellent service and care.
  • Very good.
  • Arrived promptly. Well informed. (15-75491; R. McConville, M. Buerk).
  • Skillful, comforting, integrity. The quality of service was excellent. I felt very safe. (15-75677; R. Davenport, W. Valencia with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
  • From start to finish I am very pleased. J + A took my son to Children’s and calmed me down + took great care with my son. (15-75041; A. Wysocki, J. Bush with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Professional and efficient.
  • The whole crew was professional + comforting.
  • Compassionate.
  • Excellent.
  • Professional.
  • Very caring.