Aetna’s Bob Mara Promoted to Field Supervisor

Posted on March 1, 2017 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD- On February 17th, 2017, Aetna’s Bob Mara was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor.

Bob is a graduate of Assumption College in Worcester, MA where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology. He pursued a certification in Advanced Personal Training following graduation, and eventually assumed ownership of a gym in West Hartford. In addition to concentrating on Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Bob had the opportunity to work with professional athletes, and prepare members for fire and police physical agility testing.

In 2006, after 20 years in personal training and 10 years as a volunteer EMT in his hometown, Bob joined Aetna as a full time employee. He has continued to advance his education by taking numerous courses in the study of biology, chemistry and mathematics. He has persistently demonstrated his commitment and value to the company by becoming cross-trained as a Dispatcher, assisting new employees as Field Training Officer, and serving as a Union Steward mediating conversations between employees and management.

On behalf of the Aetna family, we would like to congratulate Bob on his promotion and look forward to great things from him.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Seven – 2017

Posted on February 23, 2017 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER — On February 23, 2017 seven EMTs 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.

William Lund: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is William Lund and I am 25 years old. I am originally from Monson, MA. I was a four year college athlete at Westfield State University (soccer), and currently I am an Active Air Force Reservist, serving as a Medical Technician. It is through the Air Force that I received my EMT certification. My hobbies include anything outdoors but specifically fishing, camping, snowboarding, soccer, and corn hole.

Jenna Kinghorn: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jenna Kinghorn. I am twenty-one years old. My interest in EMS came about when I started school, still not knowing what I really wanted to be, or what I wanted to do with my life. I began volunteering at Manchester 8th District Fire Department and quickly realized that I was more drawn to the medical calls. Shortly after, I enrolled in Hartford Hospital’s accelerated EMT program, and I knew I made the right decision. I immediately established a strong passion for emergency medicine. I have spent the past few months working in the Emergency Department at Hartford Hospital and while I loved the fast paced work environment, I am very excited to experience the first responder side of patient care through my role at ASM. My future goal is to become a K9 Officer. I believe ASM will help me achieve this goal by the experience I will be gaining in emergent situations, and provide me with the confidence and skill set needed for public safety. I am grateful for my opportunity to work at ASM, and I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the team.

Chris Dibenedetto: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Chris Dibenedetto I am 28 yrs, old, and from Manchester. I started working in the medical field as a Medical Assistant in 2010 at a doctors office. From there I took a job at ST. Francis Hospital. I received my EMT License in the summer of 2016, and started working as an ER Tech at the hospital. What made me want to become an EMT is the fact that I like being hands on with patients, and out in the field when a patient calls for help. A few hobbies of mine are being outdoors in the summer time, hanging out with my dog, or working on my car and traveling to different states to be in shows.

Orlando Diaz: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Orlando Diaz I’m 22 years old. I currently live in Meriden. I’m a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT for the town of South Meriden. I’ve been there for over a year now. That’s where I received my experience so far as an EMT. I joined the South Meriden Fire Department to become a career firefighter one day, but the more EMS calls I go on, the more I fall in love with EMS. Eventually, I’m hoping to become a Paramedic. I love helping others, I’m a people person. Making people smile makes my day a lot better. I’m thankful ASM has given me a chance to get the EMT experience I need to become a Paramedic one day. I’m looking forward to learning and contributing as much as I can to ASM, and all of our communities.

Elizabeth Dowdy: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Liz Dowdy. I am 24 years old, and originally from Wethersfield, but currently live in Rocky Hill, CT. I have worked as a waitress for five years and have been coaching the Wethersfield High School Gymnastics team for the past two years while going to school. During my time in college, I studied Criminal Justice for three years and decided to expand my education in Emergency Services and obtain my EMT certification. I took my EMT class in the Fall of 2016 in East Hartford, and developed a strong interest in EMS. I am beyond grateful to have this incredible opportunity to not only work for such a great company as ASM, but to also gain new experiences while caring for the community.

Kaitlyn Duley: FULL TIME, EMT. I am 25 years old and a student at Capital Community College where I am working towards my nursing degree. When I found out that my school offered an EMT-B program, I thought that it would be a great opportunity for me. I quickly fell in love with emergency services, and I am thrilled to become a part of the ASM team! In my free time I enjoy riding my horse Mark, and spending time with my family. I am a lover of nature and being outdoors, and basically anything to do with animals!

Brian Silver Jr: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Brian Silver Jr. I am 24 years old. I was born and raised in Michigan. I moved to the East Coast in 2011 and then moved to Connecticut in 2014. I currently live in Ellington, CT. I took my EMT class in the winter of 2015 at CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor, CT. I graduated from my class in the spring of 2016. Once I completed the class, I went on to be certified in the state of Connecticut. After earning my certifications, I started volunteering for the Somers Fire Department. I one day hope to become a paramedic, and further my career in EMS and emergency medicine. I am looking forward to joining the team here at ASM. In my free time I enjoy going for walks, spending time with my wife, reading and anything outdoor related.

Winter Storm Tracking

Posted on February 9, 2017 by ASM-Aetna

Occasionally we will share severe weather information consequential to public health, public safety and EMS response. Below is a warning issued by CT DESPP-EMHS.

WINTER STORM WARNINGS ARE NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE STATE…

BLIZZARD WARNINGS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND…

HEAVY SNOWSTORM UNDERWAY ACROSS SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND…

STATUS OF THE STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER – ACTIVATED

At 7:45 AM: Moderate to heavy snow was falling across the state. Roads are quickly

becoming snow covered with lowering visibilities. Temperatures are currently in the

upper 20’s and low 30’s across the state. Northeast winds are sustained at 10 – 15

MPH, gusting to 30 MPH at times along the coast.

Rest of This Morning: Snow, heavy at times with near blizzard conditions and

snowfall rates up to 3” per hour. A major impact on travel is expected with several

inches of snow on most roads. Very slick driving conditions are expected with low

visibilities down to ¼ mile at times. Northeast winds will increase to 15 – 25 MPH,

gusting to 35 MPH at times along the coast. Temperatures will continue to fall into

the upper 20’s by noon.

This Afternoon: Snow beginning to taper off during the early afternoon and ending by

5:00 PM. Blowing and drifting of the snow is expected with north winds gusting to 20

– 35 MPH. The impact on the afternoon rush hour is expected to be at the high end of

moderate with some snow cover remaining on most roads and temperatures in the

upper 20’s.

Total accumulations are currently forecast to range from 12″ – 16″ statewide with

isolated higher amounts especially in eastern CT. The snow is expected to be dryer in

northern and central CT and somewhat wetter along the southeast coast. No icing or

significant coastal flooding is expected with this storm. The overall impact of this

event is expected to be major.

The next update will be sent out by the Department of Emergency Services and Public

Protection Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security at 10:00 AM.

Winter Storm “Chris” Update

Posted on February 8, 2017 by ASM-Aetna

Occasionally we will share severe weather information consequential to public health, public safety and EMS response. Below is a warning issued by CT DESPP-EMHS.

WINTER STORM WARNINGS ISSUED FOR THE ENTIRE STATE…
HEAVY SNOWSTORM EXPECTED ON THURSDAY…
STATUS OF THE STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER – MONITORING

As colder air moves into our area tonight a low pressure system is forecast to form along the cold front in Virginia. This low is forecast to move quickly to the Northeast as the storm intensifies Thursday morning off the Del-Mar-Va Peninsula. The storm is forecast to generate a large area of moderate to heavy snow which will impact southern and central New England on Thursday. The following forecast is based on a blend of the GFS and NAM models and currently has a good confidence level:

Tonight: Becoming cloudy with temperatures dropping into the mid 30’s. Snow is expected to move into the state between 5:00 – 7:00 AM Thursday morning. The snow is expected to become moderate within 2 hours of starting. Temperatures continuing to fall into the low 30’s by daybreak.

Thursday Morning Rush Hour: Moderate snow becoming heavy at times with 2+ inches of snow on roads and snowfall rates of 1″ – 2″ inches per hour by 9:00 AM. The impact on the morning rush hour is expected to start as moderate and become major by the end of the rush hour. Very slick driving conditions are expected with low visibilities down to (1/4) mile at times. The snow is expected to continue heavy at times thru the morning with temperatures continuing to fall into the upper 20’s by noon.

Thursday Afternoon: Snow tapering off during the early afternoon and ending by 4:00 PM. Some blowing and drifting of the snow is expected with north winds increasing to 20 – 30 MPH. The impact on the afternoon rush hour is expected to be moderate with some snow cover remaining on most roads and temperatures in the upper 20’s.

Total accumulations are currently forecast to range from 8″ – 14″ statewide with isolated higher amounts. The snow is expected to be dryer in northern and central CT and somewhat wetter in southern CT. No icing or significant coastal flooding is expected with this storm. The overall impact of this event is expected to be moderate to major.

Updated 2-7-17 at 430PM

A Special Note…

Posted on January 23, 2017 by ASM-Aetna

GLASTONBURY – In early January, The Ambulance Service of Manchester received a hand written thank you letter addressed to Paramedic Robert Balkun and EMT Stephanie Boutot. The note, as depicted below, is in regards to a transport completed a few days prior.

Please thank the team that transported my husband from Glastonbury to St. Francis. Their knowledge and expertise, I am sure, saved his life. We are deeply appreciative and thankful.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Four – 2016

Posted on January 17, 2017 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — In December, 2016 two Paramedics, and two Dispatchers 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. Bios from our new Dispatchers are currently pending, we eagerly anticipate introducing them as well.

Alex Bowyer: FULL TIME, Paramedic. I am 25 and from Bethlehem CT. I attended Moravian College in Bethlehem PA. I graduated with a BA in Sociology with a concentration in Law and Society, and a minor in music in 2013. I started with the Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Department as a first responder 3 years ago. I have been working as an EMT for Campion Ambulance Waterbury Division for the past 2 years. I attended the Goodwin College Paramedic Program, and completed my field internship at Valley EMS. I plan on pursuing a career as a fire/medic. Outside of work I enjoy camping and riding my motorcycle.

Cora Gingras: FULL TIME, Paramedic. I started in EMS in high school when I joined the fire department. I was a member for 5 years when I transitioned over to the ambulance. I have been working as a Volunteer in my town for the last 4 years. Before coming to Aetna I have worked commercial ems for 3 1/2 years. I recently graduated paramedic school at Goodwin college. My future plans are to go to nursing school.

Annual CCMC, CSP, ASM & Aetna Ambulance Toy Drive

Posted on January 10, 2017 by ASM-Aetna

The 2016 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.

A Warm Thank You for Ryan McConville

Posted on December 21, 2016 by ASM-Aetna

South Windsor – In early December, Ambulance Service of Manchester received an email containing a warm thank you for Paramedic Ryan McConville. The note, as depicted below, is in regards to a transport completed a few weeks prior.

A few weeks ago I had back surgery and between not sleeping and the pain meds ..my daughter got nervous because I was groggy and called 911 ( as she should have)! I ended up being ok and things turned out fine.

But I am writing about one of your paramedics, Ryan McConville. He went above and beyond to make sure I was physically and emotionally safe… once he assessed me and determined I was stable he spent time comforting me because I was upset over the misunderstanding. He was professional, extremely knowledgeable, and had a way about him that made a scary situation much less so for my family and myself. I will never forget his calmness and abilities. I felt like even though my call was not of a serious matter… I think he he treats each case as though they all matter…no matter how critical or not. When you are laying on that stretcher it is scary and important to you and to have a caregiver treat you as though you matter is priceless.

People always write to complain but not as much to compliment. So I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know what an asset you have to your team. I will never forget his kindness and professionalism.

“They were very professional and kind.”

Posted on December 16, 2016 by ASM-Aetna

SOUTH WINDSOR – In early December, Aetna Ambulance received a hand written thank you letter addressed to Paramedic Ryan Gonska and EMT Cole Ashker. The note, as depicted below, is in regards to a transport completed a few days prior.

Just a short note to express my appreciation for 2 of your employees [Ryan] and Cole. [They] picked me up [at a] walk-in clinic [and brought me] to St. Francis Hospital. They were very professional and kind. All around good guys. Thank you.

“Just Keep Looking At The One!”

Posted on December 14, 2016 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD – On December 10, 2016, Aetna Ambulance received a letter from Hartford Hospital’s Management Team, regarding the exceptional actions of Paramedic, Nick Foran. After noticing his kind gesture (depicted below), Karen Teixeira, a triage nurse, drafted a letter to the Hospital’s Management Team. Her letter prompted an outpouring of gratitude and self reflection from Danette Alexander, Nurse Director of Emergency Services. Read both the letter and note below.

The letter from Karen Teixeira:

A medic from Aetna brought in a homeless man tonight that was seen and released. Later, this medic came up to me asking where the patient was; I looked in the tracker and told him that it looked like the patient had been discharged. He was disappointed. He then told me that the patient was homeless and that all of his clothes were wet, especially his gloves. I noticed the pair of gloves in this medic’s hand. I asked him if they were for the patient, he said they were. I told him that he may be in the waiting room because we typically allow homeless patients to stay in the reception area if the weather is cold. He proceeded to look in the waiting room and found the patient. He was relieved that he was able to find the gentleman to give him a pair of dry gloves so that he wouldn’t get frost bite.

The note from Danette:

This is a beautiful story.

I believe it is our mission: To help. To help in any way we can. It is not a little thing to allow the homeless a warm shelter—even for just a few hours.

The empathy shown by this medic was not a little thing.

It is the only thing.

I try to learn each day so I can be a better person. Not just for me or my family, not just for all of you but I try to be better so I can help those who need us most.

Sometime it is overwhelming to look at all the people who need us. It is often daunting to the ED; the needs of all the service lines and the patients who makeup each of these patient populations. It is disheartening to listen to feedback from people that feel we fell short of their expectations.

Yes, we can be better. There is always room for improvement (I am the first to admit that I can be better).

But you need to know how proud I am of all of you and the work you do every day. Try not to be overwhelmed. We will help each patient. One at a time and do the best we can.

Mother Teresa said, “If I look at the mass, I will never act. If I look at the one, I will.”

Just keep looking at the one. We will be ok.

High Praise for Aetna Crew!

Posted on December 7, 2016 by ASM-Aetna

FARMINGTON – December 2016, EMTs Jennifer Grayson and Roberto Rizza received high praise recently from a patient’s daughter following a transport to her home. Aetna Ambulance sends Patient Satisfaction Surveys to a randomly selected group of patients, allowing them the opportunity to provide feedback about their ambulance transport. The last section of the survey allows the patient, or family member, to write about their experience. In this section, the daughter boasts of professionalism, compassion and friendliness. She goes on to say, “it was the best experience we have had.”

The full note reads:

The EMTs, Jen and Rob, were professional, compassionate, friendly, and took care of transferring my 92 year old mother home. My mother is frequently a hospital patient and requires an ambulance transport home. This is the first time that we have had an Aetna transport and it was the best experience we have had. I will be sure to request Aetna in the future.

Mannequin Challenge at “Emergency of Hunger” Food Drive

Posted on November 21, 2016 by ASM-Aetna

South Windsor – In an effort to attract holiday shoppers and boost spirits during the “Emergency of Hunger” Food Drive this past weekend, participants created a Mannequin Challenge Video. ASM employees, along with members of the South Windsor Rotary Club, Fire Department, and Police Department improvised and filmed the video while collecting goods. The video has been viewed over 32,000 times on South Windsor PD’s Facebook page alone!

Check out the video below!

South Windsor and the food drive Mannequin Challenge pic.twitter.com/G3GOFt4Snr

— South Windsor Police (@SWPD_PIO) November 20, 2016

On Veteran’s Day!

Posted on November 11, 2016 by ASM-Aetna

The Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC and Aetna Ambulance, Inc. would like to thank all past and present Veterans for their service to the United States of America. A special thank you to our employees that have served and continue to do so today. We are fortunate to have such patriotic individuals representing our team.

“I was very grateful that my son and I were in such capable hands.”

Posted on November 7, 2016 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER – In late September Ambulance Service of Manchester received a letter of praise for EMT Jonathan Bush and EMT Chauntelle Masslon from the mother of a patient that they transported from a facility to Brainard Airport.

The letter reads:

“I am writing to commend two of your employees – Jonathan Bush and Chauntelle Masslon who, on [a date in September], transferred my son from [a facility in Hartford] to Brainard Airport for a flight to [a facility in New Jersey]. My son suffered a [neck injury] on [a date in September] and had to be handled very carefully. Your employees also had to work side by side with the medical personnel that would be accompanying my son on the plane.

Jonathan and Chauntelle were very professional while dealing with my son and the other people involved. They were so calm and efficient. The drive to the airport went smoothly as well as the transfer to the plane. Not only did they tak good care of my son, they also took care of me. I was grateful to that my son and I were in such capable hands.

They did a great job and I just wanted [ASM] to know that.”

ASM Participates in Foster Family Farm’s Public Safety Day

Posted on November 4, 2016 by ASM-Aetna

SOUTH WINDSOR – On October 10th, Foster Family Farm hosted a Public Safety Day honoring 1st Responders. As shown in the picture to the left, the maze was cut to portray Police, Fire and EMS. Crew members from ASM, along with representatives from South Windsor Fire and Police Departments were on hand to showcase their respective rolls in emergency response.