MANCHESTER — Year likely 1997. Shown is Alpha 1.
At that time Alpha 1 and Alpha 2 were this model ambulance with the distinct mini-mod, curved side style. They were affectionately known by what nickname?
Answer: The Ice Cream Trucks
Photo courtesy of Mikey Makulis.
MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.
The final part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”
Some of the answers/responses included:
HARTFORD COURANT
By Jesse Leavenworth
MANCHESTER — Donations to the Emergency of Hunger Food Drive show the region’s generosity has not diminished.
Police, firefighters, emergency medical providers and other volunteers gathered food and other gifts over the past two weekends at supermarkets in Manchester, Rocky Hill, South Windsor, Vernon and Windsor.
Estimated totals were: 26,000 food and personal care items; $23,000 in cash, checks and gift cards; and 870 turkeys and hams, organizer Dave Skoczulek of Ambulance Service of Manchester said Tuesday.
Total donations for the seven years that first responders have run the drive are 210,000 food and personal care items, $143,000 in cash, checks and gift cards and over 6,000 turkeys and hams. Read the whole story here….
MANCHESTER — On November 21, 2015 the Little Manchester Road Race (LMRR) for children, a precursor to the Thanksgiving Day race, asked that each runner bring a non-perishable food item for donation.
Those items were ultimately transported and donated to MACC Charities food bank in Manchester to coincide with the ‘Emergency of Hunger’ Food Drive being run in six towns over the weekend.
The LMRR component of the food drive was a huge success, bringing in over 1300 non-perishable food items for those in need. Pictures of the haul being loaded into an ASM ambulance are attached here, courtesy of Stephanie Boutot and Russell Jones.
HARTFORD — Aetna’s Matt Campbell and Justine Monahan assisted a film crew completing a sequence in Hartford in October of 2015. After speaking with the movie’s director and vetting the film’s concept and basic content Aetna Ambulance elected to help the director capture a few key scenes.
A large portion of the movie was filmed in Africa with the final portions filmed here in Hartford. The final title has not been worked out but the movie’s themes revolve around change, redemption and family as well as darker topics like escaping drugs and alcohol.
HARTFORD — On November 6, 2015, three EMTs and three Paramedics were added to the Aetna team. As part of our continued growth ASM and Aetna 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.
Amy Bastien: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, my name is Amy Bastien, I’m 27 years old, and I live in New Britain, CT. I graduated from UMass Amherst in 2010 with a B.S. in Business Management. After college, I spent a few years traveling and living abroad. In that time, I learned a lot about myself volunteering at clinics in underserved populations, and began to feel compelled to help those who cannot help themselves. It is my hope to gain as much experience as possible as an EMT with Aetna, in order to proceed to a physician assistant program. It is my life goal to continue on a path of providing comfort and care to those in need. In my spare time, I hang out with my dog, play co-ed soccer, and train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Team Link. I am greatly looking forward to working with Aetna and am very thankful for the opportunity to do so.
Melissa Bilgen: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Melissa and I am 26 years old. Born in Hartford, CT but holding dual citizenship in Turkey. I graduated from UCONN Storrs in 2012 with a B.A. in Biology and minor in Anthropology. I joined the Army National Guard in 2013. I am currently a 68W, Combat Medic, in the 102d Infantry. I am one of two females integrated into the Infantry Unit which is exciting. Ever since I became a Combat Medic I always knew I wanted a career in the medical field. The way the human body works and reacts to things is fascinating to me. I also want to keep my skills set up if I deploy. I strive to one day be a paramedic. In my free time I am very much into fitness. My favorite classes are Core, HIIT, and Yoga.
Michael Bouley: FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Michael Bouley, I am 29 years old and I am originally from Manchester, CT, presently living in Tolland, CT. After high school I attended Central Connecticut State University, studying a broad number of subjects, primarily western philosophy and sociology. I took my EMT course through Hartford Hospital, and absolutely loved the unique experience, and the opportunity to help people that EMS affords. I have been a volunteer EMT with Windsor EMS for the last three years, and particularly enjoyed the responsibility of being a field training officer teaching new EMTs. I recently graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program, and I am very excited to begin my career as a part of the Aetna Ambulance team and to further my knowledge and experience in the field. In my spare time I like hiking with my two dogs, camping, painting miniatures, and playing video games, I am an avid reader, and love learning about history, philosophy, and science. I look forward to working for a company that has such a strong reputation, and hope to meet everyone soon!
Tessa Gilbert: FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Tessa Gilbert, I am 25 years old and currently live in Ledyard, CT. When I was younger my dad was in the military so I have lived many places on the East Coast as well as in Alaska. I have been in commercial EMS for a company in Norwich for two years. I started in EMS after graduating from UCONN with a Psychology degree and really enjoyed many aspects of the job. I decided after about five months in EMS that I enjoyed it so much that I enrolled and am about to complete the Paramedic Program at Goodwin College. When I am not working or in class I like to work out and stay active. This includes hiking, swimming, completing Tough Mudders, volleyball, soccer, traveling, and paddle boarding. I mostly try to stay in good shape since I also really enjoy eating and trying new restaurants/food. I also enjoy watching movies and Netflix binging. I aspire to eventually become a flight medic and one day a CRNA. I am really excited to begin working and expanding my skills and experience with Aetna.
Ryan Sullivan: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Ryan Sullivan and I am 22 years old. I graduated from UCONN in May 2015, with a major in molecular and cell biology and a minor in math. As an undergraduate I thought I wanted to pursue research as a career. But after working in chemical engineering, allied health, and epigenetic labs, I realized that research was not for me. In my final semester I took an EMT training course that UCONN offered, just because I thought it would be fun. I really enjoyed the course and after graduating, I knew I wanted to stick with it. Now I am very interested in the medical field, and I hope to one day go to medical school. In my free time I like to play video games, hang out with friends, and scuba dive. I also want to pick up skydiving as a hobby. I am looking forward to working with everyone at Aetna Ambulance, and I hope my time here will be the start to a great career in medicine.
MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.
The final part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”
Some of the answers/responses included:
(L to R): Eric Thepsiri, Julio Henriques, Jason Basora.
HARTFORD — In October 2015 Aetna received a photograph from Artist Julio Henriques of him standing in Bridgeport Burn Center with an Aetna Ambulance crew he called his two ‘Top Guns’.
On October 18th Mr. Henriques was burned on his hands, arms and face while cooking; a 911 call in South Windsor that was responded to by Ambulance Service of Manchester paramedics. Henriques, who has been working with his hands as an artist since 1961, was transported to Hartford Hospital. Due to the sensitivity of the areas involved, he was treated and then transferred by Aetna Ambulance’s Eric Thepsiri and Jason Basora to Bridgeport for burn care.
Mr. Henriques was very taken with the Aetna crew who transported him, also describing them as top shelf, sharp, attentive, sincere, disciplined, and pros. He wanted to share his thanks and the picture with all involved.
An example of Julio Henriques’ work from 1991 during Desert Storm:
Note: All personal and medical information contained herein appears with the express permission of the patient.
ASM’s Nora Young (L) and Laura McHugh
MANCHESTER — On October 24, 2015 Ambulance Service of Manchester EMTs Nora Young and Laura McHugh set up an “Amb-boo-lance” near Pinewood Furniture as part of Downtown Manchester’s Halloween Happenings.
Nora and Laura gave out treats to the trick-or-treaters making their way to each store and business taking part in the event on Main Street.
MANCHESTER — In October 2015 the newest version of ASM’s livery, decals and markings were on display on new additions to the fleet, awaiting state inspection.
The Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances utilized by Aetna and ASM are products of American Emergency Vehicles in North Carolina. The previously blank ambulances received high-visibility Battenburg markings, rear chevrons and company logos which are now completely produced and applied in-house.
The newest Sprinters have updated front-end styling including headlight, hood, grille and turn signal changes as well as a radical change in the emergency signal LED light bar. Operating fuel-efficient, safe and modern Sprinter ambulances is part of Aetna and ASM’s continued commitment to the communities we serve.
MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.
The final part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”
Some of the answers/responses included:
MANCHESTER — On October 14, 2015 five EMTs and one Paramedic 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.
Ashley DeBisschop: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Ashley DeBisschop and I am 27 years old from Willimantic, Connecticut. I studied Bio-Chemistry and Anthropology at Eastern Connecticut State University and completed my EMT program through CodeOne at QVCC in Danielson. I am a volunteer EMT for the South Windham Fire Department and celebrated my second year in July. It has been a very rewarding and educational experience. I have gained valuable knowledge and look forward to conintuing that at ASM. I am eager to advance my skills and learn from my fellow colleagues. In the future, I hope to further my education by attending a paramedic or nursing program.
Ashley Linardo: FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Ashley and I am 29 years old currently living in Vernon, CT. I am a recent graduate of Capital Community College Paramedic program. I started off in the medical field five years ago as a Patient Care Technician and a volunteer firefighter. Immediately after volunteering for the fire department, I knew that I wanted to pursue my career in emergency medicine. I got my EMT a few years ago and started working on a town ambulance and also worked in an emergency department. Shortly after that, I started pursing my paramedic degree. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, watching football, and doing anything that involves being outdoors. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the ASM family!
Cameron Raymes: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Cameron. I am 23 years old and have lived in Connecticut my whole life. I am a graduate of the University of Connecticut Storrs with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in biological sciences. I am an aspiring physician assistant primarily with interests of helping people in emergency medicine. I have held jobs ranging from a preschool to a research lab to a doctors office. In my free time, some of my outside interests include traveling, skiing, wake boarding, mountain biking, golfing, and Brazilian jiu jitsu.
Eliot Snoek: FULL TIME, EMT. Hailing from South Windsor, I am a graduate of the University of New Haven with a B.S. in Biology, and minors in Chemistry and Psychology. My interests range all over the place, including motorsports, rugby, programming, audio tech, horticulture, scuba diving, and every now and then a musical instrument or two. As you may have guessed, I’m also into helping people out on some of the worst days of their lives – one of my favorite parts of EMS. Planning to venture into the nursing field, for now I am enjoying exploring the pre-hospital side of patient care. I currently volunteer with Bloomfield Volunteer Ambulance, and am excited to get started in my position at ASM!
Tyler Wallace: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Tyler Wallace. I am 20 years old and I was born in East Hartford, Connecticut. I obtained my EMT certification at the age of 18, after high school, and started to volunteer to build up my skills. When the opportunity arose to apply for a position at ASM I applied as soon as I could. I did so because I remember at a young age seeing ASM’s EMT’s and Paramedics treating their patients as if they were their own family members and seeing the impact of such care. From that point on I knew I wanted to do something that could impact our community in this way. What better way to do so than to become a team member at the Ambulance Service of Manchester? I look forward in growing and learning with such a positive and rewarding organization.
Luke Zalewski: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Luke Zalewski, I am 22 years old, and from Burlington, CT. In my spare time I enjoy participating in physical activities, watching sports, and riding motorcycles. I recently graduated from the University of Connecticut with an Allied Health major and a Psychology minor. During my time at UCONN I competed as a Division I athlete on the Varsity Swim Team. I started my EMT career with the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department two years ago, and soon after became an employee for Bristol Hospital EMS. With the experience gained at these institutions, I was able to solidify my passion for healthcare. My goal is to attend a PA program and enhance my medical abilities. I look forward to becoming an employee at ASM, and improve as an emergency professional.
MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.
The final part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”
Some of the answers/responses included:
GOV. MALLOY SAYS STATE IS MONITORING FORECAST FOR HURRICANE JOAQUIN, ADVISES RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED FOR POSSIBLE SEVERE WEATHER
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today said that his office and state emergency management officials are closely monitoring the activity of Hurricane Joaquin, which is currently in the Atlantic Ocean, and is advising Connecticut residents to closely follow weather reports and prepare for the possibility of its arrival in the region over the next five days.
“We are monitoring the storm closely, and our state emergency management officials have been in regular contact with the national weather service. While there are many variables with this storm, we are paying close attention to its track,” Governor Malloy said. “Just as the state and its agencies are monitoring the weather and preparing appropriately, residents should do the same and closely watch forecasts over the next few days.”
Officials with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection are prepared to coordinate any potential state response and are participating in ongoing National Weather Service conference calls to receive the latest information on the storm’s track.
MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.
The final part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”
Some of the answers/responses included: