Aetna Paramedic Sam Dybdahl received a “Challenge Coin” from the gentleman (a Vietnam Veteran), pictured above, for the tremendous care rendered to his family member. Originally a military tradition, challenge coins are presented to individuals who have demonstrated a significant achievement. Sam has over a decade of experience as Critical Care Flight Paramedic. Sam is also an active member of the Armed Forces who has served overseas.
Andover Volunteer Fire Department
February XX, 2018
On Feb XX ASM Alpha 1 responded to [a residence] in Andover for a cardiac arrest. The crew was Cody Lemire and Valerie Adams. We just received a phone call from the patient’s wife. She is extremely grateful for our services. She is so thankful and said everybody did a wonderful job. I was hoping you would be able to relay this to your outstanding crew and thank them and all your crews for the wonderful job they do and the fabulous care they provide to our patient’s every day.
Regards,
Mindy Hegener
Deputy Chief
Andover Volunteer Fire Department
Aetna Ambulance Field Supervisor Bob Mara was interviewed yesterday evening by FOX 61 Reporter Jim Altman. In the segment, Bob discusses the necessary steps Aetna takes in preparation for winter storms to ensure that both the crews and ambulances are ready respond. In order to safely and promptly reach residents, Aetna increases staffing and strategically places ambulances at staging areas proven to reduce response times. As portrayed in the interview, crews will be posted at these locations even during the storm.
To watch the segment in its entirety, please click here!
Year one fundraising for Team ASM-Aetna was a great success. Through the efforts of employees, family members, and friends, a total of $1,175 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!
Thanks to the support and dedication of ASM and Aetna employees, Team ASM-Aetna ha reached its goal of 15 participants for the CT Brain Freeze this coming Sunday, March 4th! For anyone interested in joining, the deadline for online registration is tomorrow, February 27th. All proceeds go directly to the National Brain Tumor Society.
Click below to join!
http://events.braintumor.org/connecticut-brain-freeze/
MANCHESTER — On Valentine’s Day, the staff and residents of Arbors of Hop Brook Retirement Community graciously hosted a “Love our First Responders” breakfast demonstrating their appreciation and respect for The Ambulance Service of Manchester, Manchester Police Department, and Manchester Fire Department. Members of each agency were invited to the facility for breakfast sandwiches, candies and a chance to socialize with thankful residents.
HARTFORD — On February 8th, 2017, eight 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.
Andrew Choi: PART TIME, EMT. I am 25 years old and currently attending Central Connecticut State University to attain my B.S in biology. I spent my formative years in West Hartford, CT and now reside in Manchester, CT. I received my EMT certification at Bristol Hospital EMS and volunteered for about a year at Newington EMS. I became an EMT to gain patient care experience in my strive to become a P.A. I am thrilled to continue my education in the medical field and very grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the Aetna team.
Brianna Senato: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. Hi, my name is Brianna and I am from Maryland but have been in Connecticut for 5 1/2 years now. I first obtained my EMT in the ARMY and worked as an EMT in AMR Waterbury for 4 years. I recently completed and graduated Paramedic School at New Britain EMS Academy. In my down time I enjoy weightlifting and cooking. My future goal as a Paramedic is to be a Fire Medic, Flight Medic or Maryland State Trooper Flight Medic and I am excited for the opportunity and experience at Aetna.
Madison Nixon: PART TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Madison Nixon and I am 22 years old. I recently graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from Bryant University and realized I wanted a career change. I am currently on path to apply to PA school and hope to gain patient care hours with Aetna Ambulance! I grew up and currently reside in Wethersfield, CT. I am also a medical scribe through Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center and I work in the Department of Bariatric Surgery. However, I hope to one day work in Obstetrics or Pediatrics. I spend all my spare time at the gym as I am currently training for a NPC competition. I am extremely passionate about fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle. For this reason, I chose to become a healthcare provider!
Chevaughn Smith: PART TIME, EMT. My name is Chevaughn Smith and I am 21 years old. I am originally from Jamaica, and currently reside in Windsor CT. At the moment I am finishing up my Bachelors of Science degree as an Allied Health Sciences major at the University of Connecticut. I became an EMT to gain patient experience to develop proper bedside manner to become a better care provider for my future plans. I hope to one day attend medical school and pursue a career as an electrophysiologist. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the Aetna Team, and look forward for the journey ahead. I am also a die-hard giants fan.
Katherine Garger: PART TIME, EMT. My name is Katherine Garger. I am 21 years old and I am currently a senior at UConn majoring in biology. In the future, I hope to become a PA in either the NICU or pediatric oncology. I was born in Chicago, Illinois and lived in Arizona for many years before moving to Connecticut. In my free time, I like to read, hang out with my three dogs and take long walks on the beach.
Emma Becroft: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. Hi my name is Emma and I am from Wallingford, CT. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Biomolecular Sciences from CCSU. I worked in a genomics research lab throughout my time at CCSU. More recently, I went to paramedic school at New Britain EMS Academy. In my downtime I enjoy hiking and kayaking with my two German Shepherds, as well as weightlifting. I look forward to starting my paramedic career at Aetna.
Paige Vosburgh: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Paige Vosburgh. I am 24 years old and originally from West Hartford, CT. I recently finished my EMT course at New Britain EMS Academy. After spending the last several years a full time Nanny, I’ve decided to take the leap into the world of EMS. In my free time I enjoy snowboarding and spending time with my family on the beaches of Cape Cod. I can’t wait to see where this new path takes me and am thrilled to be a part of the Aetna team!
Brittany Lemire: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, My name is Brittany Lemire and I am 22 years old. In May I graduated from Elms College with a B.A. in Biology and a minor in in Business Management. I received my EMT certification from CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor. My goal is to gain patient care experience before applying to PA school. I love to watch sports and enjoy traveling. I am excited to be a part of the Aetna team!
MANCHESTER – As of January 30th, 2018, ASM’s Chris Myska has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. His preceptors were Paramedic Supervisor Tim Lachappelle and Paramedic Mike Levasseur. Chris was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in July, 2017 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. He arrives to the organization with a great deal of previous experience, having spent 8 years in the US Air Force, where he serves as an Aeromedical Evacuation Specialist in the grade of Technical Sergeant. He is a combat veteran, having served multiple deployments in the Global War on Terror. He also brings the experience of a 5-year tenure as an Emergency Department Medical Technician at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford.
As with all precepting phases at ASM, his final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing him and his preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls.On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Chris the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
For the month of February, Aetna and ASM will be ordering pins in recognition of American Heart Month. Crew members, dispatchers and office personnel may purchase a pin for a donation of one to five dollars. All proceeds with be donated to the American Heart Association at month end.
On March 4th, Team ASM-Aetna will be partaking in the 2018 Connecticut Brain Freeze. Those interested gain the opportunity to plunge into the ocean to raise awareness/resources for brain tumor-specific programs. Please consider joining the fun! For instructions on how to register, copy the link below and follow the instructions provided.
1. Select “Register”
2. Select “Join as a New Participant”
3. Team Name – “Team ASM-Aetna”
4. Select “Join” and follow prompts
http://events.braintumor.org/connecticut-brain-freeze/
Further out…
ASM/Aetna will be hosting an American Red Cross blood drive for employees at our headquarters in Manchester on Tuesday, May 1st 2018.
April- Autism Awareness Month
May- ALS Awareness Month
MANCHESTER-The results are in for the first ASM Coat Drive! Thanks to employees, family members and friends, a total of 26 jackets along with multiple, hats, coats and scarves were collected. ASM’s Laura McHugh was the driving force for this initiative. All donations were delivered to the Manchester Area Conference of Churches (M.A.C.C.) clothing store “Community Threads” located at 466 Main Street in Manchester. A quote from Laura, the event organizer is provided below.
Thanks so much to everyone involved! Year one turned out to be more of a success than anticipated. It’s amazing to see how your compassion for helping others does not end with patient care. Can’t wait for next year’s results!
MANCHESTER – In early January, The Ambulance Service of Manchester received a hand written thank you note addressed to Paramedic Robert Balkun and EMT Mike Sparks. The note, as depicted below, is in regards to a transport completed a few weeks prior.
The EMT team tried to make the transport as pain free as possible. They kept talking to me the entire ride to the hospital. Someone stayed with me the entire time at the hospital (I was alone) until I was put into an ER room.
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.
..WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST FRIDAY…
…WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON…
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Very cold wind chills possible.
Travel will be very difficult to impossible. Tree branches could
fall as well. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches, with
localized amounts up to 15 inches, are expected. Wind chills
could range from 5 below zero to 25 below zero.
* WHERE...Portions of northern Connecticut and central and
western Massachusetts.
* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 1 AM EST Friday.
For the Wind Chill Watch, from Friday morning through Saturday
afternoon.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Be prepared for significant reductions in
visibility at times. Cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero
will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed
skin.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are occurring. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
A Wind Chill Watch means there is the potential for a combination
of very cold air and the wind to create dangerously low wind
chill values. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for
updates on this situation.
Photo above from The Weather Channel
Manchester- In early December, Ambulance Service of Manchester employee, Laura McHugh, motivated by her experience as a road crew EMT, took it upon herself to set fourth an annual coat drive to benefit MACC and HVCC local charities. She describes her inspiration for setting things in motion in the note below.
Despite participating in “Stuff a Cruiser” and “Emergency for Hunger” for the past couple of years, I still felt there was more that I could be doing for my community. While on calls, I was constantly disheartened by seeing not only patients, but their family members, and even bystanders without seasonally appropriate clothing. It constantly left me wondering how I could help. Earlier this year while going through winter clothes, I realized I had more than I needed for my family and decided to donate what I could. With the help of Patrick Gleason, Ambulance Service of Manchester employees have begun collecting new and gently used jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves. Donating an old winter jacket could be a small gesture from us, however, this could make a world of a difference to someone in our community. Please help us “Give the Gift of Warmth.”
The 2017 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. The Toy Drive took place December 14th-17th at Toys R Us locations in Manchester, Newington and West Hartford and brings in cash donations and toys for children treated at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center locations through
out the year.
Aetna Ambulance Service is happy to release the third issue of The Grady Report, the Aetna employee newsletter. Released quarterly, The Grady Report features numerous articles outlining company news and events, training opportunities, case studies (periodically), health and wellness tips, and more. Additionally, each issue will contain an Employee Spotlight article, recognizing an EMT or Paramedic that has demonstrated a commitment to patients and co-workers alike via positive attitude, work ethic, and overall inspiring demeanor. Please enjoy!
