SOUTH WINDSOR – In early August, The Ambulance Service of Manchester received a hand written thank you note addressed to Paramedic Genevieve Geres and EMT Tracy Luetjen. The note, as depicted below, is in regards to a transport completed a few weeks prior.
I am ever so grateful for your patient, reassuring help on a very frightening morning for me. At every turn, you did not demean or minimize my experience. I truly felt I had competent advocates at my side.
MANCHESTER — On July 24th, 2017, two Paramedics and six EMT’s were added to the ASM 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.
Christopher Myska: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. My name is Chris and I am 27. I went to medic school at Capital Community College. I have been interested in patient care since watching MASH as a kid. I am a Flight Medic with the US Air Force Reserves and have been since 2010.
I am newly married and spend most of my free time outside with my wife and my dog Ellie. I have spent the last 4 years working for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center as an ER Tech.
Nicole Niwinski: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name is Nicole Niwinski and I am 24 years old. I have my Associates from Manchester Community College and have been working for the last few years an Associate Manager of a window covering company. I took my EMT course with Glastonbury EMS in 2016 and have been very excited about it since then. My goal is to continue in the field of EMS, and become a paramedic. I train martial arts, and enjoy rock-climbing and hiking.
Gabner Alcime: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. Hello my name is Gabner L. Alcime. I am originally from Miami, FL but I’ve lived in Port Charlotte, FL for all of my teenage and adult life. I received my EMT Certification in May of 2006, and my Paramedic Certification in 2012, as well as, my Associate in Science. I spent ten years serving as EMT/Paramedic for Lee County EMS, FL. My younger brother is also a Paramedic with the same company and two of my cousins are EMT’s there as well. I served as an AHA instructor for both Lee County EMS and at the same college, received my schooling. I also served as a Lab Instructor at the college for the EMT program. I’m really grateful for all the opportunities the EMS field has provided me over the years. I recently obtained my NREMT-P when I decided to relocate with my family to Windsor, CT where my wife is from. In the future, I plan to get my Bachelor’s Degree, and become a filed training preceptor. Aside from EMS, I am also a Wedding DJ, and enjoy being active in the gym and playing sports. Looking forward to being part of the ASM team.
Kristi Glowacki: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Kristi Glowacki and I have been an EMT for just over 2 years. In that time, I have helped to instruct EMT students, teach communities looking to learn CPR, and volunteered as an EMT for the City of Bloomfield. Before accepting a position with ASM, I also worked in an Emergency Room as a Tech. Being in an ER teaches you how to work fast and think quickly. However, not every patient or call is an emergency. Some just need to know that you’re listening and care. It’s for the same reason that in my spare time I’m teaching my rescue dog, Alpha, to be a therapy dog. If you ever want to talk to someone who is dog crazy you’ve found the right person!
Patrick Zimny: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Patrick Zimny. I am 22 years old and from East Hampton, CT. I’m a student at Manchester Community College working towards a degree in Criminal Justice. I received my EMT-B certification at the end of 2016 and later joined the Manchester Fire Department 8th District as a volunteer. In my free time I enjoy the outdoors, running, reading, and spending time with my nephews and niece. I am grateful for the opportunity to work for ASM and to further my career as a first responder. I look forward to joining the team!
Racquel Vaughn: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Racquel Vaughn and I am 28 years old. I am from East Hartford, CT. I took my EMT class at New Britain EMS Academy in New Britain, CT. I completed the course in the winter of 2016 and began volunteering for the town of Newington, CT for about 1 year. My goal is to go back to school and become a paramedic after gaining some more experience. I am so happy to be joining the ASM team and looking forward to learning and helping the community.
Cody Desilets: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi my name is Cody Desilets. I’m 21 and from Windham, CT. I’ve been a volunteer firefighter in Windham for about 6 years now in which I obtained my EMT and held it for the past 4 years. In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors like fishing, hiking and kayaking.
Erica Clayton: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Erica Clayton. I am 22 years old and a recent graduate of Western New England University with a B.S. in Health Sciences and minors in Chemistry and Psychology. During my schooling, I shadowed and worked with a Physician’s Assistant in the Rockville and Manchester emergency rooms acquiring approximately 250 hours of experience. That time helped me to fall in love with emergency medicine. This lead me to the decision to obtain my EMT certification while in my senior year of college.
My future goal is to become a Physician’s Assistant working in pediatric emergency medicine. I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity to work at ASM and cannot wait for the journey that is to come.
MANCHESTER — On July 17th, 2017 ASM’s David Pozniak was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor. His remarkable dedication to both his patients and co-workers has been consistent throughout his career at ASM. He has developed into a role model for health care professionals and continues to positively influence everyone he interacts with.
Dave expressed his gratitude for the well-deserved promotion by stating the following:
Having started as a brand new EMT seven years ago, I have been witness to our continued growth and expansion in the communities we serve. ASM has remained on the cutting edge of care in the ever evolving field of EMS. I am honored and humbled to become part of the supervisor team and look forward to working with everyone to continue making ASM a great place to work.
On behalf of the ASM family we would like to congratulate Dave on his promotion and look forward to great things from him.
GLASTONBURY-The Ambulance Service of Manchester is proud to announce the release of a dedicated paramedic intercept vehicle to the Town of Glastonbury. As of today, July 17, 2017, “Alpha 8,” will now be posted within the confines of the town on a 24 hour basis, 365 days a year. ASM has been fortunate enough to serve as the primary service area responder at the ALS level for the Town of Glastonbury for several decades. Glastonbury Emergency Medical Services (GEMS), current PSA holder at the BLS level, has graciously designated a space at their headquarters to house the intercept car. The long-time partnership between GEMS and ASM continually proves beneficial to town residents. The addition of Alpha 8 will further this relationship and help to ensure that the patient care experience remains as seamless and gratifying as possible.
The Ambulance Service of Manchester is happy to release the second issue of Pulse, the ASM employee newsletter. Released quarterly, Pulse 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!
HARTFORD — On June 26th, 2017, seven 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.
Luisa F. Marulanda: PART TIME, EMT. Hello everyone! My name is Luisa Marulanda and I am 24 years old. I’ve been a BLS instructor and EMS administrator for two years at CPR Training Professionals where I also received my EMT certification. I realized a few years ago that my calling involved a career that allows me to help others. This led me to become an EMT and begin my journey as a first responder. My ultimate goal is to become a Paramedic. I plan to accomplish this in the near future and after gaining experience as an EMT for Aetna. Thank you for the opportunity.
Kristen Wall: PART TIME, EMT. Hi! My name is Kristen Wall. I am 22 years old and just graduated from the University of Maryland where I studied Kinesiology. I have lived in Avon my whole life and have returned after college to gain some more medical experience before hopefully matriculating to an east coast PA school. Ultimately, I am hoping to be a PA specializing in emergency medicine. In my free time, I like to work out and travel. I just returned from Europe where I was backpacking for 3 weeks!
Anthony Chirico: PART TIME, EMT. I am 21 years old and currently a senior at UCONN. I am pursuing a B.S. in Biology and Psychology. After college, I plan on applying to medical school or PA school. I have been a Connecticut resident for my whole life. I live in Glastonbury currently, but I grew up in Manchester, Connecticut. Outside of work, I like to get active! I enjoy hiking, skydiving, biking, and traveling. I look forward to working for Aetna Ambulance and I am happy to be a part of the team!
Kristen Askin: FULL TIME, EMT. I’m 27 and originally from Boston, but have spent most of my life in Danbury. I’ve been working at Nelson Ambulance since February 2016, and volunteering for Newtown Ambulance since November 2015. I got into EMS after lifeguarding for 3 years on Candlewood Lake in Danbury. I graduated from WCSU with a BA in writing but have found being a first responder to be a much more rewarding experience. I plan to attend the medic program at Capitol Community College. Outside of work I enjoy reading and kayaking.
Nick Caisse: PART TIME, EMT. My name is Nick Caisse. I’m 24 years old and from Portland, CT. I currently reside in East Hampton, CT. I joined the military 7 years ago as a Military Police Officer and deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 to 2013. In 2014, I re-classed to a Combat Medic and became the Training NCO of a medical unit within the state. I began volunteering in my local community where I decided to pursue EMS as a career. I’m currently coming off of active duty and attending a Paramedic program either at Capitol Community College or New Britain EMS Academy starting this September with the goal of eventually becoming a Flight Medic. I’m excited, and thankful for the opportunity to work with and learn from all of you!
Nicole Kozlak: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Nicole Kozlak and I am from Torrington, CT. I am 22 years old and I just graduated from UConn with a B.S. in Allied Health Sciences and a minor in Molecular and Cell Biology. I have been an EMT for a year and a half and I am a volunteer EMT with Winsted Area Ambulance Association. For the final two years at UConn, I was one of the instructors for the EMT class offered at the Storrs campus. I really enjoyed teaching and interacting with students and helping them to develop their skills. I also just recently became a CPR instructor. I plan on applying to PA school within the next year and a half and am very interested in Emergency Medicine and Orthopedics. I’m so grateful to now be a member of the Aetna team and can’t wait to start learning and gaining experience!
Lauren Hartwell: FULL TIME, EMT. I graduated from CCSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Bio-molecular Science. I started in EMS in 2014 at Vintech Ambulance Service in Litchfield County. Future plans involve either further school for a PA degree, or pursuing a career in pharmaceutical sales. Traveling is my passion and seeing the world is my goal.
SOUTH WINDSOR- Earlier this month, crews from the Ambulance Service of Manchester assisted South Windsor Community Center TRIAD with a food drive at both Geissler’s Supermarket and Stop and Shop. Members of the Hartford Evergreen Lodge #88 of Freemasons were also on site participating in the event. Please note ASM EMT’s Charlie Lodge and Elizabeth Miller contributing in the pictures provided.
Over the course of the next several weeks, ASM will be featured in a television commercial recently produced by Eastern Connecticut Health Network. EMT’s Erind Muco and Chris Tevnan can be viewed within the advertisement along with a clip of a Mercedes Sprinter ambulance. The commercial represents a portion of the comprehensive campaign; demonstrating just a few of the technological advancements offered within ECHN’s community setting.
Please click the link below to check it out!
The annual Connecticut EMS Expo is the largest emergency medical services conference in New England. In addition to offering numerous classes and workshops, the event is a tremendous networking opportunity. Several forms of entertainment are offered as well, including the popular cornhole tournament. Please note ASM Paramedic’s Jeff Rasmussen and Dave Pozniak at this year’s event. According to Jeff, attending both the golf tournament and weekend lectures/ activities has become a yearly tradition.
HARTFORD – As of May 19th, 2017, Aetna’s Camilo Quezada has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. His preceptor was Paramedic Matt Carter. Camilo started at Aetna in August of 2012, and graduated from Capital Community College Paramedic Program.
As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Camilo’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 Camilo the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
HARTFORD – As of May 23rd, 2017, Aetna’s Cora Gingras has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. Her preceptor was Paramedic Greg Kendall. Cora started at Aetna in December of 2016. She graduated from the Goodwin College/Hartford Hospital Paramedic Program after studying psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Cora’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 Cora the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
MANCHESTER- On Tuesday May 30th, 2017 employees from the Ambulance Service of Manchester were invited to East Hartford Middle School’s Special Education Department, in order to familiarize students with emergency personnel. ASM EMT’s, Kyle Caldwell and Kaitlyn Duley, fielded questions and interacted with schoolchildren to provide them with a sense of understanding of the first responder community. The event was coordinated by Special Education Teacher Christine Sposito, who acts as the program leader for East Hartford Middle School’s progressive “Independent Living Skills Class.” In addition to a general overview of EMS life by the crew, the students received an equipment demonstration, tours of the ambulance, and a mock patient care scenario.
EMS Week 2017
Monday, May 22nd
Tuesday, May 23rd
Wednesday, May 24th
Thursday, May 25th
Friday, May 26th
If your organization, facility or agency is having an EMS Week event in the greater Hartford area and you do not see it listed here, please email it to a member of our management team, fill out the contact form, post it as a comment, or email it to us at info@asm-aetna.com.
Mike Makulis has worked in the Emergency Department at Manchester Memorial Hospital for nearly 38 years, and has been an employee at the Ambulance Service of Manchester for over 26 years. On April 13th of this year, he underwent 11 hours of surgery related to a vascular issue that almost took his leg. Due to severe complications, an additional surgery was required on April 14th. The second surgery lasted for over four hours, and successfully established blood flow to his leg. Both of these extensive procures have left Mike unable to return to work at either job until further notice. In addition to supporting him emotionally, we are hoping to help him with some of the financial difficulties he will face as a result of being out of work.
There will be a fundraiser for Mike on May 25th, from 6 to 10 pm at the Elks Club of Manchester, located on 30 Bissell Street. Tickets are available from the Charge Nurse in the Manchester Memorial Emergency Department, or at ASM from either Ryan McConville or Patrick Gleason. Please help us celebrate Mike’s recovery with food, refreshments and raffles! Tickets are $30 per person. If you are unable to attend the festivities, please consider making a donation. Thank you in advance for your generosity. If you have any questions, please call 860-647-9798 x258
ASM and Aetna would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the nurses our employees interact with on a daily basis. Your continued dedication and compassion remains an essential aspect of the patient care experience. Please know that your efforts will never go unnoticed.
