Three Sprinter Ambulances Arrive to Replace Last Fords

Posted on April 30, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER — On April 28, 2014 three more blank Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulances arrived at Aetna’s fleet maintenance area at ASM from American Emergency Vehicles in North Carolina.

The change will mean that both Aenta Ambulance and the Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM) will be fully switched to Dodge and Mercedes Sprinters within the Type II category. This will leave only three Type III Fords for use as specialty bariatric units and none within the day-to-day fleet, a change several years in the making.

The three additional, unmarked ambulances will soon be sent out to receive the high-visibility Battenburg markings, rear chevrons and company logos. Operating fuel-efficient, safe and modern Sprinter ambulances is part of Aetna and ASM’s continued commitment to the communities we serve.

Aetna and ASM Upgrade Transport Ventilators

Posted on April 17, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

Oxylog 3000 004 HARTFORD and MANCHESTER — By the end of April 2014 Aetna Ambulance and the Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM) will upgrade to a industry leading medical device known as the Draeger Oxylog 3000 Ventilator; “the ventilator of choice for emergency and transport ventilation.” Better to have one, according to a Draeger tag line.

Aetna and ASM are entrusted with the safe transport of long-term ventilator dependent patients from premier rehabilitation long-term acute and chronic care hospitals such as the Hospital for Special Care. ASM also provides medically appropriate Specialty Care Transport services to the areas regional hospitals, transporting ill and injured patients to tertiary care centers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Oxylog is capable of replicating complex, in-hospital ventilator settings such as IE ratios, CPAP, assist control, SIMV and more.

The use of Draeger Ventilators is part of Aetna and ASM’s long-term commitment to providing cutting edge emergency medical care and our vision of putting gold standard clinical resources and equipment at the fingertips of our skilled EMS providers.

ASM Adds Second Type III Bariatric Ambulance

Posted on April 7, 2014 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER — On March 21, 2014 the Ambulance Service of Manchester put in service a second Type III ambulance for the transport of morbidly obese patients as well as for use with certain flight, specialty and critical care transport teams. The ambulance is identically equipped to ASM and Aetna’s existing bariatric ambulances, complete with a Stryker Power-LOAD stretcher lift system.

Capable of lifting a maximum patient weight of 700 pounds, it is the company’s belief that the Stryker Power-LOAD is the safest overall bariatric ambulance equipment. Read more about what makes the Power-LOAD system the safest...

Adding an additional bariatric ambulance is part of ASM and Aetna’s continued commitment to the communities and clients the companies serve.

Aetna and ASM Invest in New Defibrillators

Posted on December 6, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

medtroniclifepak1000-2 MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and the Ambulance Service of Manchester have purchased new LifePak 1000 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for use on every Basic Life Support unit in both fleets. As one of (reportedly the first) commercial ambulance service in Connecticut to equip every BLS unit with this life saving piece of equipment, it was critical to continue the capability with new technology.

Each Paramedic Unit at Aetna and ASM use LifePak 15s capable of wireless transmission of 12-lead EKGs, external pacemaking, cardioversion, CO detection, non-invasive blood pressures and end tidal CO2 monitoring (specification arrangement also known as fully configured). LifePak 15s are used on a daily basis whereas AEDs see use on a rare occasion but have a significant impact for those patients. Typically the CPR and defribillation performed when these AEDs are used is the first skilled services provided to a patient in a life threatening situation.

Ambulance Service of Manchester – Episode 1: Introduction

Posted on December 3, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 6

Posted on October 30, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath Lab FARMINGTON — On October 21, 2013 a Paramedic Unit from Aetna Ambulance (David Noyes and Kelly Shapiro) responded to a sixty-two year old patient with a significant cardiac history, who had been having chest pain for an hour. They did a 12-lead ECG, which revealed a massive inferior infarction. They called in a STEMI Alert to the John Dempsey Hospital ED. Based on their radio patch, Dr. Sasha Gorenbeyn immediately activated the cath lab (16 minutes before patient arrival).

The patient received a heparin bolus in the ED, and then went right up to the cath lab on the EMS stretcher. The patient was found to have a 100% occluded SVG (saphenous vein graft) to the PDA (posterior descending branch). He underwent a successful thrombectomy and stenting restoring perfusion.

He is doing very well thanks to the great job by the combined EMS/Hospital STEMI Team. Kudos also to the staffs of the ICU and cardiac step down for their outstanding re-covery care. 41 Minute Door-to-Balloon time! The patient was discharged home yesterday doing very well. “Thanks again, and extend our compliments to your crew for a job well done.”

*Individually identifiable protected health information has been removed in accordance with Aetna’s HIPAA-related Privacy Policies.

Comfort, Safety, Space Features Added to Bariatric Ambulance Stretchers

Posted on October 21, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

1363718992_IMG_8412 MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — The specialty bariatric stretchers operated by Aetna and ASM have now been equipped with Stryker’s Expandable Patient Surface (or XPS) system.

The XPS System consists of a new wider mattress and new side rails that fold out instead of down. The side rails are not intended to support the patient primary body weight. Instead they are intended to enhance patient comfort.

XPS_Large According to the Stryker website, “XPS is adjustable with seven locking positions and includes a wider mattress that reduces transfer gap and designed with patient comfort in mind. This solution helps address growing obesity trends and supports a variety of patients and environments.”

Emergency ID Card Available on ASM-Aetna Website

Posted on June 21, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

File of Life MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — On every 911 call, EMS providers have a specific set of information they must obtain in order to appropriately treat the patient and transfer care to the receiving facility. Having this information handy not only saves time, it could have a significant impact on emergency care.

In order to best serve our patients we have added an Emergency ID Card system, sometimes called a File of Life, to our website. It can be found by going to www.asm-aetna.com and clicking on Emergency ID.

This webpage allows any user to fill in a series of text boxes and provide for the fire department, police and/or EMS professionals all of the critical information that is needed for their care.

Use this form in advance of an emergency, keep it up-to-date and post it in a conspicuous place such as on the refrigerator.

Colorado Article on Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances References ASM

Posted on June 13, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

Insider_072512_ChipBailey_350 FORT COLLINS, CO. — The Ambulance Service of Manchester was referenced in an industry article about the University of Colorado Health System’s decision to purchase Mercedes Sprinter ambulances for their fleet. The excerpt appears below and read the original article here…

“…It didn’t take long to learn that the Mercedes model was making major inroads into the American ambulance industry. Numerous U.S. ambulance services had begun using the model, including Acadian Ambulance, the nation’s largest privately held medical transportation company, and the Ambulance Service of Manchester, which serves the Hartford and Manchester region in Connecticut. The service has 48 ambulances, 33 of which are Mercedes built by American Emergency Vehicle, the manufacturer of the UCHealth ambulance.

“We couldn’t be happier with our Mercedes ambulances,” reports Wayne Wright, president and CEO of Ambulance Service of Manchester. “We’re happy in every respect. They handle well. Patients and our employees like them.”

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 5 – Update

Posted on February 4, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

An update was received to the story found here in the form of an email directly from the patient:

“You and you partners responded to a 911 call at my house. I was having a massive heart attack. I only remember being carried down the stairs. Thanks to you and your partners, I’m here at home about to have my 33 year [anniversary] with my wife to celebrate. I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The original story:

According to Aetna Ambulance Service Supervisor Paramedic Joyce Valentukonis:

Assigned to Aetna 201, Alpha/Monitor 6,
The 12-lead was transmitted with success and then a radio patch notifying of a STEMI alert was given.
Just prior to arriving the patient went into cardiac arrest.
The patient was resuscitated upon arrival of parking lot (eyes open and talking). In the hallway, patient went into cardiac arrest again.
As of today: patient is extubated and talking.

Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath Lab Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): EMS-to-balloon time: 61 minutes.

The patient’s spouse returned a Patient Satisfaction Survey with perfect scores and a note that says, “Thank you for saving my husband’s life.”

ASM’s Alpha Five: Volume 5: The New Alpha Five

Posted on January 11, 2013 by ASM-Aetna

“Johnson Medic” transitioned into a 2012 Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance.

STAFFORD SPRINGS — As of January 11, 2013, the Johnson Medic, also known as Ambulance Service of Manchester’s (ASM) Alpha Five will be operating a brand new Mercedes Sprinter. The vehicle replaces the 2007 Ford that has been stationed at Johnson Memorial Medical Center for since it came into use.

The Mercedes Sprinter has many upgrades from the Ford, including LED interior and emergency lights, improved fuel economy, increased leg room, high visibility Battenburg and rear chevron markings, increased patient compartment headroom, ergonomic equipment mounting, sliding side entry and more.

Ambulance Service of Manchester: Johnson Memorial Medical Center - Stafford Springs, CT Alpha Five is the first Paramedic Unit at ASM to transition to a Mercedes and the last to have operated a Ford. All other Paramedic Units are operating Dodge Sprinters. To learn more about the Johnson Medic program, click here… Continue reading →

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 5

Posted on December 5, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

Kudos from the Cath Lab

Field Care: The story says it all… Sunday 8:00 am. According to Aetna Ambulance Service Supervisor Paramedic Joyce Valentukonis:

Assigned to Aetna 201, Alpha/Monitor 6,
The 12-lead was transmitted with success and then a radio patch notifying of a STEMI alert was given.
Just prior to arriving the patient went into cardiac arrest.
The patient was resuscitated upon arrival of parking lot (eyes open and talking). In the hallway, patient went into cardiac arrest again.
As of today: patient is extubated and talking.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): EMS-to-balloon time: 61 minutes.

The patient’s spouse returned a Patient Satisfaction Survey with perfect scores and a note that says, “Thank you for saving my husband’s life.”

Out with the Old, In with the New

Posted on October 9, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER — A side by side comparison of the Ambulance Service of Manchester’s Unit 514 as the Ford model is decommissioned in favor of the Mercedes Sprinter. Click on each picture to expand.

Stryker Power Stretcher System Deployed on Bariatric Ambulances

Posted on October 3, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

The safest bariatric ambulance loading system in use today.

POWER Load Stretcher - ASM Aetna Ambulance

HARTFORD and MANCHESTER, Connecticut — On October 1, 2012, Aetna Ambulance and the Ambulance Service of Manchester installed and deployed Stryker Power-LOAD stretcher lift systems in each of the company’s two bariatric ambulances.

Capable of lifting a maximum patient weight of 700 pounds, it is the company’s firm belief that the Stryker Power LOAD is the safest overall bariatric ambulance equipment for a number of reasons:

Power-LOAD is the best product for protecting the dignity of the patient. There are no industrial winches or uneven, ten foot track systems. There is no large rear deployment area that has the patient sitting out exposed to the elements.
Power-LOAD is the best system for protecting the well-being of the ambulance crew. Patient and stretcher lifting is done entirely by the powered system and not by the backs of the crew. The system reduces stretcher drops and makes the best use of its low center of gravity.
Power-LOAD is the best method for healthcare facilities as it is not large and unwieldy. It is easy to maneuver and fits into any space where a standard stretcher would fit.

Equipping our bariatric units with the Power-LOAD stretcher lift system is part of Aetna and ASM’s long-term commitment to the safety of our patients and employees.

Read the Hartford Courant Article here: Ambulance Service Of Manchester And Aetna Ambulance Get New Equipment For Obese Patients…

Continue reading →

Aetna and ASM attend Mercedes Sprinter Adaptive Electronic Stability Program

Posted on August 7, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

: Activating ESP by initiating a tipping of the vehicle

: Preparing the demonstration of Adaptive ESP at Giants Stadium

: Aetna and ASM’s Pete Fiore

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — On August 7, 2012, members of Aetna and ASM’s Operations team and the Fleet Service Manager attended a training and demonstration session of the Adaptive Electronic Stability Program. ESP is standard on the Sprinter Ambulances that Aetna Ambulance and ASM operate. The training was held regionally at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Operating Mercedes Benz Sprinter Ambulances equipped with Adaptive ESP is part of Aetna and ASM’s long-term commitment to the safety of our patients and EMS crews. Aetna and ASM are in the process of transitioning to all Sprinters for the regular fleet and currently operate 33 Sprinter Ambulances.