Aetna's Ashley Harkins and Hartford Hospital's Mike Zacchera

HARTFORD – As of April 26, 2012, Aetna’s Ashley Harkins has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Ashley’s preceptor was Paramedic Preston Ryzak. 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, Ashley’s final approval came from the Hartford Hospital EMS/Trauma Coordinator who shadowed Ashley and her preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

On behalf of the Aetna Family, we welcome our newest Paramedic, Ashley Harkins and would like to wish her the best of luck. We are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.