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

HARTFORD — On January 7th, 2019, one Paramedic and five 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.


Hijab Khan: PART TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Hijab Khan and I am a new EMT at Aetna Ambulance. I am 21 years old and received my EMT-B certification a little more than a year ago. I am a Junior, Allied Health major at the University of Connecticut. My goal is to go onto a graduate from a PA program and become a Physician Assistant. I chose to complete an EMT program because I thought it would be a good fit for me. I’m very excited to begin working as an EMT for Aetna Ambulance Service!


Christopher Johnston: FULL TIME, PARAMEIDC: My name is Chris Johnston. I grew up in East Windsor, and I currently live in Windsor Locks with my fiance. Since being certified as an EMT in 2002, I have volunteered in a few towns, including Broad Brook, Bloomfield and Suffield. I have spent a few years working full time in New Haven and Glastonbury. Some of my passions include being a CPR instructor and EMT skills adjunct. Outside of work, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time with our dogs. I am excited to say that I am a recent graduate of the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. I look forward to joining Aetna’s ranks and to grow as a provider, as I transition into my new role as a paramedic.


Parker McKinney: PART TIME, EMT: Hi there, my name is Parker McKinney. I recently became certified as an EMT this past fall after finishing up my second year at the University of New Haven. Since then I have been working for New Britain EMS, where I am currently employed. I am looking forward to growing as an EMT and getting as much experience as I can in order to better prepare me for paramedic school in the near future. I look forward to being a part of the AETNA team and furthering myself in the emergency medical field!


Katherine Stewart: FULLTIME, EMT: Hi, my name is Kate. I obtained my EMT-B after graduating with my Bachelor’s in 2015. I have since used my certification for volunteering and for working in the emergency department. My goal is to sharpen my practical skills while I progress through my medical career. I am excited to become a part of Aetna’s team.


David O’Brien: PART TIME, EMT. My name is David O’Brien and I became an Emergency Medical Technician 3 1/2 years ago. I was a Full Time EMT here at Aetna over 2 years ago and am very fortunate to be back. I am looking forward to continuing my education and build upon my experience base while working with some of the best EMT’s and Paramedic’s in the area.

CT Children’s and State Police Toy Drive in Pictures – 2018

The 2018 “Stuff a Cruiser” Toy Drive was again a great success. Below you will find a collage of pictures from the days spent collecting toys for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Thank you to ASM and Aetna employees, friends and families for their continued involvement and dedication to this event.

STATE POLICE “STUFF A CRUISER” TOY DRIVE UNDERWAY

Friday, December 14, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, December 15, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday, December 16, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Locations:

Walmart Manchester – 420 Buckland Hills Dr, Manchester, CT
Click for Google Maps driving directions

Walmart East Windsor – 44 Prospect Hill Rd, East Windsor, CT
Click for Google Maps driving directions

Walmart Cromwell – 161 Berlin Rd, Cromwell, CT
Click for Google Maps driving directions

Aetna Participates in Wethersfield First Responder Food Drive

Wethersfield- On Sunday, November 11th 2018, Aetna employees attended a Food Drive at Stop and Shop (1380 Berlin Tpke) hosted by Wethersfield PD, FD and EMS. Greg Kendall and Madison Nixon teamed up with members of the Wethersfield agencies to collect goods for donation to the local food bank at event end.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Five – 2018

HARTFORD — On November 5th, 2018, five EMTs 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.


Alex England: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Alex England. I graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Physiology and Neurobiology as well as a Bachelor’s in Molecular and Cell Biology. I have been an EMT for two years and have been working in the Saint Francis Emergency Department as a Technician. My professional goal is to become a Doctor. My fields of interest include Emergency Medicine, Orthopedics and Family Medicine. I am excited to be joining the Aetna team this fall as an EMT-B.


John Magnuson: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is John Magnuson. I am 22 years old from North Haven CT. This past spring, I completed EMT training at Code One. I also hold certifications in Firefighter I and II as well as HazMat Awareness and Operations. In my free time, I am a volunteer firefighter in North Haven and I also enjoy snowboarding, kayaking and quading. I am looking forward to starting my career at Aetna and continuing my education to one day become a paramedic. My future plan is to become a Fire Medic. I’m excited to start working with all of you!


Kelsey Lopata: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, I am Kelsey. This past spring I was certified as an EMT through Code One in East Hartford. I searched for a career in the medical field and found EMT a great entry point. I am excited that I received a position at Aetna and look forward to furthering my experience as a medical professional.


Aidan Mace: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, my name is Aidan Mace. I’m currently finishing up my paramedic program at capital community college. I’ve been an EMT for just over two and a half years. I started at AMR and have worked at Glastonbury EMS for the last almost two years now. I’m excited and looking forward to being a part of the Aetna team.

ASM & Aetna Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer-2018

Year two fundraising for Team ASM-Aetna was a great success. Through the efforts of our employees, family members, and friends, we were able to raise a total of $1,700 for Breast Cancer Research. In addition, Team ASM-Aetna returned for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk this past Sunday, at the XL Center in downtown Hartford. Thank you to everyone involved for your generous contributions and dedication to the cause.

Aetna Participates in Hartford Yard Goats Halloween Event!

HARTFORD- On Sunday, October 28th, 2018 Aetna Ambulance, along with numerous  local business and sponsors participated in “Connecticut’s largest Halloween Trick or Treat” community event at  Dunkin’ Donuts Park. Thousands of children and families attended, but Aetna was well prepared thanks to the efforts of Supervisor Bob Mara.

Team ASM-AETNA Blood Drive Results

MANCHESTER- On Wednesday October 2nd, 2018 Team ASM-Aetna hosted its second 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 twice a year. The next event is scheduled for 5/1/2019.

Image result for american red cross blood drive

A note from the Red Cross:

Thank you for helping to save lives with the American Red Cross. When you made the commitment to sponsor a blood drive, you helped save lives. Your efforts have helped boost the community blood supply and ensure hospital patients have the lifesaving blood they need.

Your Recent Blood Drive Results:Your blood drive registered 27 donors and collected 26 pints of blood. You and your team also registered 9 first time donors.

Thank you for your gifts of time and support. We truly appreciate your generosity. The patients who have benefited from the blood collected at your blood drive are beyond grateful.

No Shave November 2018!

No Shave November is officially here! ASM and Aetna are encouraging employees to put down their razors in an effort to raise awareness for men’s health!

 

 

 

 

 


Official Rules for Team ASM-Aetna

  • Road personnel are required to follow all OSHA requirements and adhere to the grooming policies outlined in the ASM and Aetna employee manuals.
  • One “Beard” Team Captain from ASM and one “Beard” Team Captain from Aetna will be selected based on popular vote at month end.
  • Alternates from each company will selected following results in the same fashion.
  • Anonymous votes will be collected inside dispatch at 10-1 for ASM and Station A for Aetna.
  • Prizes for the four respective winners will be distributed by the management team in early December.
  • ASM and Aetna will be contributing to the Movember Foundation at the end of the month. Employees, family members and friends have the opportunity to contribute as well by following the link to Team ASM-Aetna provided below.

To learn more about the cause and donate to the Movember Foundation please:

CLICK HERE!

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Emma Becroft Completes Precepting Phase

HARTFORD – As of October 15th, 2018, Emma Becroft has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Emma started at Aetna in February of 2018 and graduated from New Britain EMS Academy’s Paramedic Program. Her preceptor was Paramedic Dan Hope who shared the following sentiment:

“I met Ms. Becroft as a brand new paramedic preceptor. Throughout this process, I have watched Emma shine through a process that is both physically and emotionally challenging. We had our arguments, our laughs, our frustrations and our celebrations, but nothing made me happier than to see her become the provider I knew she could be. I cannot express how honored and how proud I am of her accomplishment and I look forward to working alongside her in the days to come. Emma, my friend; you have earned every bit of the congratulations, praise and love you have received throughout this very challenging process.”

As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Emma’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing her and her preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish Emma the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Mercedes Bariatric Ambulances Arrive for Duty at Aetna and ASM

HARTFORD and MANCHESTER, Connecticut — Recently Aetna Ambulance Service and the Ambulance Service of Manchester took delivery of two new bariatric Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances from American Emergency Vehicles (AEV) increasing the overall bariatric fleet to four vehicles. The new ambulances have an upgraded design with a longer wheel base and larger load capacity. ASM and Aetna firmly believe that the ergonomic advancements will improve both patient care and comfort. As with our previous bariatric ambulances, each new unit is equipped with Stryker Power-LOAD stretcher lift systems capable of lifting a maximum patient weight of 700 pounds. Fitting our bariatric vehicles 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. 

Praise for Aetna Paramedics

Aetna Ambulance Service Paramedics Dan Hope Emma Becroft were recognized yesterday by Hartford Hospital for their outstanding performance while assessing and transporting a patient in late August. While in the midst of the precepting process, Dan and Emma responded to a call in the city. Their assessment included a 12-lead EKG which was indicative of a STEMI. The crew wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Hartford Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. Both team members received jackets from the Hartford Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute (displayed above). Please join Aetna in congratulating Emma and Dan.

Extreme Heat Warning

Occasionally we will share severe weather information consequential to public health, public safety and EMS response. Below is a warning issued by the National Weather Service.

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS

MORNING TO 9 PM EDT WEDNESDAY…

* HEAT INDEX VALUES…100 to 105 degrees.

* TIMING…Today and Wednesday.

* IMPACTS…The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during

outdoor exertion or extended exposure.

* LOCATION…Parts of the Connecticut River Valley and most of

eastern Massachusetts, especially in urban areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Take extra precautions, if you work or spend time outside. When

possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or

evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat

stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when

possible and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the occupational safety and

health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks

in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by

heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke

is an emergency, call 9 1 1.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in

vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during

warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal

temperatures in a matter of minutes.