ECHN was honored to host a First Responder’s Day celebration on October 28th, 2020 at Manchester Memorial Hospital. We are grateful for our First Responder’s commitment to serving and protecting people within our community and thank them for their endless dedication and bravery. They are an integral part of our healthcare team and we are proud to have them as partners!
Tiffany Gelsomino,
Director of Business Development, ECHN
MANCHESTER- On Monday October 19th, 2020 Ambulance Service of Manchester hosted its fifth American Red Cross Blood Drive at ASM’s headquarters. Here are the results:
“On behalf of the American Red Cross and the hospital patients we serve, I wanted to say thank you for hosting our blood drive at ASM-Aetna on Monday, October 19th. We couldn’t help the hospital patients in need without dedicated sponsors like you that allow the Red Cross to collect lifesaving blood, plasma, and platelets. We are so grateful to have your support!
I am happy to report that we had a fantastic turn out on Monday with 28 successful donations. That is 4 donations over our goal. Wahoo! Here is a quick recap of the results:
33 donors registered, 1 QNS, 2 first time donors, 3 donors deferred and 28 units collected
With this, we will be able to help 84 hospital patients in need of blood, plasma and platelets. Thank You!“
Special attention was taken to ensure all of the employees, community members, and Red Cross staff maintained proper social distancing and followed all CDC guidelines during this event.
We wanted to share this picture that arrived last week. The artist, Jackson Burnham is just eight years of age and happens to be Ambulance Service of Manchester EMT, Ashley Hoddy’s Nephew. Thank you for supporting our crew members and team Jackson!
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 most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following:
Ambulance Service of Manchester sends Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients every month. The final part of the survey asks that the patient or family member use a word or phrase that describes the ambulance crew. Listed below are the words used to describe our amazing employees.
MANCHESTER: Ambulance Service of Manchester Paramedic Robert Bilodeau and EMTs Sandra Parker and Amanda Larochelle received the following feedback from a patient satisfaction survey. “From the moment that the ASM crew entered my apartment, I knew I was in good hands. As they began to glean information, it was apparent that they were concerned and extremely professional. They assessed my condition rapidly and began treatment at once. They performed perfectly as a team and also alleviated my anxiety by explaining exactly what and why they were doing it. Once I was in the ambulance, the [crew] gave me anti-nausea medication which gave me immediate relief from discomfort, as well as, anxiety. I am confident it provided a certain level of relief to the ambulance crew as well. As proof of the team’s efficiency, my blood pressure markedly lowered from the time they arrived at my apartment to the time I arrived at the hospital. If you wish to share any or all of this story with the public, you have permission.”
MANCHESTER- On Wednesday May 1st, 2019 Team ASM-Aetna hosted its third American Red Cross Blood Drive at ASM’s headquarters. Numerous employees, friends, and family members participated in the day-long event. Aetna and ASM have committed to hosting a drive at least twice a year. Thank you to all of the new and returning donors and we look forward to the next event!
A note from Red Cross Account Manager for Donor Recruitment
Alissa Haight Aguda:
“ASM smashed it out of the park on Wednesday. To recap our results we had 30 presenting donors, 3 deferrals for a grand total of 27 successful donations. This will ultimately help 91 hospital patients in need of blood plasma and platelets!”
“Thank you so much again for your dedication to the American Red Cross!”
SOUTH WINDSOR – In early January, The Ambulance Service of Manchester received a hand written thank you note addressed to Paramedic David Pozniak and EMT Mike Sparks. The note, as depicted below, is in regards to a transport completed a few weeks prior.
The two guys were the best. They actually made me forget my pain. God Bless them! I’ve told everyone how good they were and I will highly recommend them.
In mid-November, Aetna Ambulance Service received the following letter from the son of a recently treated patient.
To Aetna Ambulance Management:
Please accept this letter of appreciation regarding the below:
Aetna Ambulance was dispatched to my house in [xx] by 911 and they arrived very promptly. Miracle after miracle happened from that moment. My father’s heart went flat while the ambulance crew was trying different techniques to bring the heart beat up and THEY DID. This wonderful crew rushed him to [xx hospital] where a pacemaker was placed, the only option for my father to live. While speaking to all kinds of doctors in the ER in regards to my father’s condition, doctor [xx] stated that he was very impressed with the ambulance crew that brought him in the ER. It was very pleasing to hear that.
Late evening, when we were still in the ER waiting for the available bed in the ICU, a young man entered the room and asked about my father’s condition. He also stated the he brought him in the morning to the ER and was so happy to see him alive. I almost cried. This was Matthew Carter- Paramedic for Aetna Ambulance. Dear Matthew, if you are reading this letter, I would like to thank you again for everything you and your crew did to keep my father alive. Please extend my appreciation to Trisha Webster- EMT, Tessa Harrington-Paramedic and Alex Zhakov- EMT. It is really wonderful to know that there are people in this world who care. Thank you guys again from me and my family!!!!!!
Matthew, just in case you are wondering how my father is now: he has a permanent pacemaker placed on [xx 2018] and is now in short term rehab.
BOLTON- On Tuesday September 18th, 2018 ASM received the following letter from Bolton Fire Chief Bruce Dixon and 9-11 Event Coordinator James Aldrich.
Dear Kim,
We thank you, Steve, Brian and all the folks at ASM/Aetna for supporting the 9-11 event this year in Bolton. Paramedic Chris Myska and EMT Tiffany George did an excellent job of representing your firm. On behalf of the Town of Bolton and a grateful Fire Department we also want to thank you and your team for all that you day in and day out to help the citizens of Bolton.
Rocky Hill Fire Department
Deputy Chief’s Office
RE: EMS Response– July XX, 2018
To: Joe Grayeb, Chief Rocky Hill Volunteer Ambulance Association
Chief Grayeb,
“I would like to take a moment and commend the EMS Staff of Aetna Ambulance for their response to the [recent motor vehicle accident]. While the outcome was not successful for all the patients involved, the care provided by the crews from Aetna Ambulance was outstanding. They quickly determine the needs of the scene, allocated units to each patient and had the most critical patients en route to the hospital in a timely manner under extreme conditions.
I most cases EMS crews are never around to hear the praise that they deserve. I ask that you pass this information along to the appropriate people so in this case they receive the recognition they earned.”
Sincerely,
Mark C. Gentile
Deputy Chief
MANCHESTER- In mid-July, a patient recently treated by Paramedic Matt Traber, EMT Tracy Luetjen and student observer Briyanna Decaprio visited Ambulance Service of Manchester’s Headquarters after sending in the following request.
“I was in [an accident recently] after having a [medical emergency]. [I so badly want to meet the crew who responded to thank them]. My memory is so spotty and I was completely out of it but I can vaguely remember faces. What I will absolutely never forget was how incredibly compassionate everyone was.”
“I met the crew who helped me today and couldn’t be any more grateful for having the chance to do so. You guys are the best!! Thanks for all you’ve done for me and all you do for everyone else in the community.”
Photo and quotations appear with permission.
MANCHESTER- In late June 2018, ASM Paramedic Greg Derosier and EMT Heather Marshall received a handwritten card from a patient’s wife expressing her sincere gratitude for the service they provided. The card reads:
“I wish to thank you for the wonderful care and kindness shown to my husband when you transported him from [Hospital] to [Hospital]. You were both so considerate to myself and [my husband] and you helped to put a smile back on my face. Thank You! After talking to you both, I knew my husband was in the best of care.”
WETHERSFIELD — In late June, 2018, Aetna received another heartfelt Thank You letter directed to Paramedic Michael Bouley and EMT Brandon Butler. The card reads:
“Your EMT/Paramedic’s were very professional. They explained in full detail how they would carry me in a special chair down 14 stairs (I live in raised ranch). I felt very, very confident in their strength, calmness and positive attitude. If I have need in the future for transportation to the hospital, I would like your company to assist me. Thank you.”
MANCHESTER- On Tuesday May 1, 2018 Team ASM-Aetna hosted its first American Red Cross Blood Drive at ASM’s headquarters. Numerous employees, friends, and family members participated in the day-long event. Program Manager and Coordinator Alissa Haight Aguda offered the following letter of appreciation to those involved.
“On behalf of the American Red Cross and the people we serve, I would like to personally thank you and all the employees at the Ambulance Service of Manchester for the support we received at our Tuesday May 1st 2018, blood drive.
We came close to our drive goal which was 25 units donated. At the drive we had 30 people register resulting in the collection of 21 units of blood. Excellent WORK! These units of blood will help save up to 63 lives and ensure a readily available supply of blood for CT hospital patients. You and your donors are true heroes!
Once again, it has been a pleasure working with you and I am extremely grateful to have your support of the Red Cross’ life saving mission.”
Alissa
