Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires eight – 2019

Posted on July 24, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — On July 15th, 2019, seven EMTs and one dispatcher 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.

Matt Kaczynski: PART TIME, EMT. Hello! My name is Matt Kaczynski and I completed my EMT training last summer in New Britain. I will graduate from the University of Rhode Island in December with degrees in Cell & Molecular Biology and Spanish, with the ultimate goal of a career as a physician or physician assistant. I am very excited to apply both my education as a student and training as an EMT, and I look forward to working as a part of a team while learning even more in the medical field!

Kendall Sutton: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! I’m Kendall Sutton, I was formerly a criminology student at Central Connecticut State University. During my time at CCSU, I worked as a security guard. It was there I found my desire to transition into the healthcare field. I most recently have worked as a patient care tech in Hartford. My ultimate goal is to return to school & study to be a chiropractor. In the more immediate future, I’m looking to make the most of my experience in pre-hospital care & hopefully become an EMT-I. I’m thrilled & grateful to be continuing my healthcare journey with Aetna Ambulance.

Piper Skinner-: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name is Piper Skinner, I am a recent graduated of Wagner College in New York where I earned my BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Pre-Med. My future goal is to become a cardiac surgeon but before I go back to school, I want to see medicine from all sides which began with me volunteering in a hospital, working as a medical assistant at an urgent care and now being an EMT for Aetna.

Kellie Butterfield: FULLTIME, EMT. Hello! My name is Kellie Butterfield, I am 24 years old. I graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Once I was out of school I was not sure what I wanted to do. A few of my friends were EMTs and I thought to myself, “Hey I could do that”. I signed up for class and the rest is history. I have been an EMT for about a year now down in Norwich. I know I am still new and have a lot to learn, but so far I love the job. All I wanted to do was help others and in this career that is exactly what I get to do. I look forward to working at Aetna and meeting everyone!

Sara Karr: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Sara Karr. I have just recently graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University. My future educational goal is to attend PA school and pursue a specialty in emergency medicine. In the past I have worked on the ambulance in Naugatuck and in the emergency department at Hartford Hospital. I am very excited to join the team here at Aetna!

Reyes Crispin: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Reyes Crispin. I look forward to starting my career with Aetna Ambulance and my goal is to work towards becoming a paramedic. I look forward to meeting my new work family and begin this new adventure to be able to continue improving my Pt contact skill while continue working as EMT and bring the best of me to the Pt.

Alden Jasper: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, I’m Alden Jasper. I attended Central Connecticut State University. I’m very excited to join the Aetna team. EMS workers do such an important job in the community. I look to getting some real life experience in the field before pursing paramedicine.

ASM and Aetna Attend 4th of July Game

Posted on July 8, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

The New Britain Bee’s celebrated the Fourth of July by honoring First Responders Thursday night. The Bee’s provided ASM and Aetna with 50 free tickets to the 6:35pm game against the Somerset Patriots. Fans enjoyed food and Fireworks, as the two teams battled to a 0 – 0 tie.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Cole Ashker Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on June 17, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD – As of June 12th, 2019, Cole Ashker has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Cole started at Aetna in June of 2016. His preceptor was Paramedic Michael Bouley. Cole offered the following sentiment:

“I’ve worked with Aetna Ambulance as an EMT since 2016, and I just recently graduated from the New Britain EMS Paramedic Program. I had the pleasure of precepting with Mike Bouley, someone I consider not only a phenomenal medic, but a friend. We’ve had a lot highs and lows for these past 8 weeks, and I’ve certainly made my fair share of mistakes in that time. That being said, I wouldn’t have wanted to learn from anyone else. I can confidently say my future successes as an ALS provider will largely be due to his guidance and wisdom. I look forward to working side by side with him and all of Aetna’s exceptional paramedics.”

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

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Chris Johnston Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on June 14, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD – As of June 10th, 2019, Chris Johnston has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Chris started at Aetna in January of 2019. His preceptor was Paramedic Dan Hope. He offered the following sentiment:

“Chris began precepting in April 2019 and over a period of roughly 9 weeks, I am proud to see the incredible progress he has made leading up to earning his medical control. The precepting process for new paramedics is both challenging and tiresome but Chris kept a great attitude and willingness to learn throughout the entire process. I’m very proud of Chris and his accomplishment and I look forward to working alongside him throughout the weeks to come.”

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

Inaugural ASM vs Aetna Softball Game

Posted on June 10, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

On Sunday, June 9th Aetna and ASM came together to compete in the 2019 “You’re Killing Me Smalls,” softball tournament. On this beautiful sunny day, players, friends and family enjoyed food, drinks and games while the teams battled it out. Highland Park Market graciously donated ice cream for both the players and the spectators. Aetna took the lead,winning the first two games, showing that they came to play. ASM fought back,winning the next two games, setting up a winner take all final game to determine the champion. In the end ASM defeated Aetna 20 – 13 and took the trophy home. The trophy will remain with ASM until next year’s games! All proceeds from the event will be donated to Pancreatic Cancer Research.

Message from ASM’s coach:
I would first like to say thank you. Without the players, fans and management this would never have been possible. We were looking for good weather, we got that for sure. We asked for two good teams and what we got was two great teams. Everyone played their hearts out. I truly appreciate all the thanks received from everyone. A coach is nothing without great players so, I thank you again and I look forward to coaching in the future.

Congratulations!!!
Tim LaChappelle

Stay tuned for kickball, it’s next!

Aetna Works With CCMC For “Safe Kids CT” Event

Posted on May 29, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

In mid may, Aetna Ambulance Service EMT, Matt Flynn and Field Supervisor Bob Mara, joined forces with the CCMC Trauma Injury Prevention Team to connect with 100 students from the CREC School in Bloomfield. The visit focused on teaching kids the value of 911 and how children can be part of the solution during a medical emergencies. Safe Kids Week, May 5-12, 2019, is a time to celebrate kids, prevent injuries and save lives.

Aetna Assists With “Stop the Bleed” Event in Hartford

Posted on May 28, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD- In mid may, Hartford Hospital Trauma Department, CESI and Aetna Ambulance Service teamed up to provide ‘Stop the Bleed” awareness training. As provided by the Department of Homeland Security, “Stop the Bleed is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.”

Aetna’s Matt Campbell, along with members of the CESI and Hartford Healthcare Trauma Teams spent the afternoon demonstrating how to properly apply a tourniquet. For a link to a News 8 segment outlining the event, please CLICK HERE!

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires two – 2019

Posted on May 23, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — On May 20th, 2019, two EMTs and 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.

Humza Hashmi: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! I’m Humza Hashmi and I graduated from UConn this spring with a degree in Physiology. I’m especially excited to work at Aetna because I’ve been itching to live a real life and do real healthcare after spending the last few years in classes. My grand plan in life has me pursuing medicine or paramedicine in the vague future but I am perfectly happy staying away from school for a few years.

Alexander Roof: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Alex Roof. I have worked as an EMT-B for the last 2 years in Danbury and Southbury. I look forward to starting my career with Aetna Ambulance and my goal is to work towards becoming a paramedic. I look forward to meeting my new work family and beginning this new adventure!

Aetna Attends Hartford School Career Day

Posted on May 22, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD- On May 16th, 2019, Aetna Paramedics Jay Braman and Emma Becroft spent the morning at Naylor School for career day. Jay and Emma spoke with roughly 100 eager 7^th and 8^th graders about a different career possibilities in the EMS field. Hartford Fire Department and U.S. Army Recruiters also attended as students, teachers, and even parents joined in the conversation.

Team ASM-AETNA Blood Drive Results

Posted on May 8, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

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!

Image result for american red cross blood drive

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!”

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Aidan Mace Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on April 26, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD – As of April 9th, 2019, Aidan Mace has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Aidan started at Aetna in November of 2018. His preceptor was Paramedic Dan Hope. He offered the following sentiment:

“I recently finished up my paramedic program at Capital Community College. I started as an EMT with AMR, worked at Glastonbury EMS, and am very excited that I’m a part of the Aetna Team since November. The environment at Aetna is very conducive to someone who wants to learn as much as possible. My preceptor, Dan Hope is a wealth of knowledge and I was fortunate enough to see a variety of situations with each of them during my weeks of precepting.”

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

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Five – 2019

Posted on April 10, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — On April 1st, 2019, two Paramedics and three EMTs and 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.

From left to right, Nicole Valente, Anthony Fazzino, Shelma Morales, Tyler Driscoll, and Frank Duncan.

Frank Duncan: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, I’m Frank Duncan. After graduating from UConn in 2015, I spent a few years working as an Office Paraprofessional at WH Public Schools. I also had a passion for firefighting so I became a volunteer with the Town of Farmington where I gained my EMT-B certification. My goals are to expand my EMS experience while strengthening my skills as an EMT. I hope to attend paramedic school in the future as I work to become a career firefighter. I look forward to joining the Aetna team and I’m very excited for the opportunity ahead!

Nicole Valente: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. Hi, my name is Nicole. I just turned 30 and was born/raised in the south end of Hartford. I went to high school in Wethersfield and currently reside in Newington. I began my healthcare career as a volunteer EMT in Newington in 2012 and the ER at Windham Hospital as a tech while finishing my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at UConn (2016). I transferred to Hartford Hospital on the Cardiothoracic Surgery/LVAD floor (Bliss 9E) as a PCA in addition to working per diem as an EMT for AMR’s Hartford Division. I recently graduated from the Hartford Hospital (CESI) Paramedic Program. I am considering a future career in medicine as a Physician Assistant. For fun, I love to hike in the White Mountains and am always on a quest to find the hottest cuisine/chili peppers known to man. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the community I grew up in as a Paramedic. I am honored to join the team at Aetna and to continue my relationship with Hartford Hospital.

Shelma Morales: FULLTIME, EMT. I enjoy watching horror movies, listening to music and being outdoors. I love to play sports, especially baseball and volleyball. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, currently live in New Britain. Lastly, I am a first generation college student and aspire to become a PA in the oncology/hematology specialty.

Anthony Fazzino. FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. I am a proud graduate of Hartford Hospital’s Paramedic Program and excited to begin my career in EMS. I recently moved back to Connecticut after living in Hawaii for 4 years. My goal is to continue my education in order to earn my Bachelor’s degree. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and scuba diving. I look forward to being a part of Aetna Ambulance as I continue to improve as a paramedic.

Tyler Driscoll: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Tyler Driscoll. I am from South Windsor and currently reside in Manchester. I have been working as an EMT in East Windsor for 5 years now, and I am excited to learn the Aetna ways and grow as an EMT. I look forward to working alongside some of the best providers in the area! Stay safe out there!

Upcoming Charity Events

Posted on March 18, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

Team ASM-AETNA will be participating in two large charity events in the coming months. The first, an American Red Cross Blood Drive, will be hosted at Ambulance Service of Manchester’s headquarters on New State Road on Wednesday May 1st, 2019. Employees, friends, family and community members are all encouraged to register.

Team ASM-Aetna is also returning to Hubbard Park on June 15th, 2019 for the Purple Stride Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer. Details on how to join our team will be avaiable in the coming weeks.

Team ASM-Aetna Participates in 2019 CT Brain Freeze!

Posted on March 6, 2019 by ASM-Aetna

Year two fundraising for Team ASM-Aetna was a great success. Through the efforts of employees, family members, and friends, over $1,700 was raised for Brain Tumor Research. All proceeds were donated to the National Brain Tumor Society. Thank you to everyone involved for your generous contributions and dedication to the cause. Please enjoy pictures from the event below!