Thank You Card to ASM’s Rob Bilodeau and Joe Startup

Posted on June 12, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

SOUTH WINDSOR — In early June, 2015 ASM received another heartfelt Thank You card directed to ASM Paramedic Rob Bilodeau and EMT Joe Startup. The card reads:

“Dear Sirs:

I wish to thank the 2 men who helped me so much the night of March 13^th. They transported me all the way from South Windsor to Backus Hospital at my request. They could not have been kinder and more respectful then they were. I feel they saved my life. It seems I had double pneumonia and heart problems brought on by becoming very ill and being 80 years old. I went from the healthiest 80 year old to the sickest 80 year old in just two days. How wonderful for me that such men [worked on] this ambulance.”

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Joseph Tyree Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on June 10, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

Jen Pasquale and Joseph Tyree

HARTFORD – As of May 15, 2015, Aetna’s Joseph Tyree has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Joe started at Aetna as an EMT-Basic in October of 2009 and graduated from the Hartford Hospital-Goodwin College Paramedic Program. His preceptor was Paramedic Jennifer Pasquale. The full precepting phase can take ten to 12 weeks or more as the paramedic is prepped for the realities of the field.

As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Joe’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 Joe the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 56

Posted on June 10, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

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 question in the survey asks “Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our service?” And, “Please use one word to describe us.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

Competent, friendly + concerned, professional. Thank you so much!
Very good.
Thank you – my husband doesn’t remember the ambulance – but it seemed you did a good job.
Wonderful!! Thanks guys!!
Efficient.
Professional, concerned.
Professional.
I was in great pain and happy to see you arrive. I felt secure in your hands. Thanks!
Very professional.
Caring.
Calm Confident Personable Friendly
Excellent x 2.
They made me feel safe.
Very caring with a lot of respect. (15-26933; M. Tuttle, S. Yenco).
All was good. I will use you again and would tell everyone I know to use you. The Paramedics were a comfort. They made me feel so good. (15-28199; J. Rassmussen, T. Luetjen).
We appreciate all of your help with everyone on the crew. (15-28920; S. DeBarge, L. McHugh with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
Professional/caring/friendly.
Fabulous! Everyone was kind and assuring, making me feel safe. Was much appreciated at the time. (15-26927; S. Norton, J. Startup with East Hartford Fire Department).
The crew was great. Professional, friendly.
Very personable + “upbeat” personalities, making a scary situation easier, while making me feel secure. (15-27322; K. Russell, S. Boutot with Manchester Fire Rescue EMS).
Comforting. Capable. We were in good hands. We felt cared for. (15-29282; R. Houser, J. Martinez).
Concern + passion about the person.
They were great.
The vehicle + personnel were most professional.
Very good.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Christopher Willey Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on June 8, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD – As of June 5, 2015, Aetna’s Christopher Willey has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Chris started at Aetna as an EMT-Basic in November of 2014 and graduated from the Hartford Hospital-Goodwin College Paramedic Program. His preceptor was Paramedic Matthew Campbell. The full precepting phase can take ten to 12 weeks or more as the paramedic is prepped for the realities of the field.

Originally from New Jersey, Chris moved to Killingworth at age fourteen and moved to Manchester after college. He went to the University of Connecticut for Psychology and Anthropology.

As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Chris’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 Chris the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 55

Posted on May 29, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

The final question in the survey asks “Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our service?” And, “Please use one word to describe us.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

My husband and I would like to thank Paramedics for saving our daughter’s life. Thank you for coming to our house very quickly and taking care of our [daughter]. Truly appreciated! (15-15010; T. Salva, J. Basora).
Caring and adept!
Compassionate.
Caring people.
Crew was very focused and professional. I thank the crew for their speedy response since time is of the essence with heart related patients. (15-23386; M. Levasseur, M. Khan).
Competent and professional.
Sensitive – caring.
Professional x 3.
My ambulance crew was very caring and attentive. (15-23802; M. Tuttle, N. Raiola).
Satisfied.
Excellent. [Patient] has been transported several times this year and the family is very pleased with the service provided by all. (Patient lives in East Hartford).
Excellent. I am fortunate to live in Manchester with such great EMS.
Caring, polite and professional. (15-22679; T. Oliver, S. DeBarge with East Hartford Fire Department).
“Excellent”
Calm – reassuring.
Very nice. Talked about family.
Very Good.
Professional, caring.
Tech riding in the back with me was VERY nice + professional. (15-24803; A. Harkins).
Life saving.
Very kind. Very handsome! 🙂 Made sure I was comfortable. M + N took great care of me! (15-24193; M. Tuttle, N. Raiola).
Good ride. Crew was excellent. Very enjoyable.
Efficient.
Very professional.
One of the best professionals at their services. (15-26017; P. Gleason, S. Gregg).

Aetna Responds: Car crashes into Wethersfield home; Portion of Route 3 in Wethersfield closed

Posted on May 27, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

Credit: WFSB

WETHERSFIELD, CT (WFSB) – A portion of Route 3 in Wethersfield was closed after a motor vehicle crashed into a home on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

The crash was reported in the area of Maple and Prospect streets around 12:30 p.m.

Three paramedic ambulances were sent to the scene, according to Aetna Ambulance Service officials. At least two people, an elderly couple, were rushed to Hartford Hospital. Their conditions were not released by police.

Police said the vehicle crashed into a power meter before hitting the house. Power was then cut to house before the couple was removed from the vehicle.

It is unclear how long Route 3 will be closed. Read the complete story here…

CPR & AED Awareness Week: Heartsaver CPR Training 2015

Posted on May 27, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER — The Manchester Health Department, Fire-Rescue-EMS, CPR Program, Ambulance Service of Manchester, and Proactive Safety are offering a reduced cost American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR for adult and child & proper use of AED, courses are being offered on Thursday, June 4, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Mahoney Recreation Center located at 110 Cedar Street, Manchester, CT. The cost if $15.00 for Manchester residents and $25.00 for non-residents. You must register at RecOnLine.TownofManchester.org or in person or by phone at the Community Y (860) 647-3164.

To: Mom’s Heroes — Praise for ASM’s Tim Houle and Mikhail Khan

Posted on May 25, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER — In early May, 2015 ASM received a heartfelt Thank You card directed to ASM Paramedic Tim Houle and EMT Mikhail Khan. The card reads:

To: Mom’s Heroes

I want to thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart. To the [Paramedic] who worked directly to my mom – Thank you. We almost lost her after being intubated – She was breathing 0% on her own – 24 hours later, the tube came out and she was breathing 100% on her own. Her odds were slim – yet a miracle occurred.

To the EMT that drove – Thank you so much for your kindness and emotional support. You helped me remain centered and clam which facilitated quick decisions in the ER.

Sincerely,

[Patient’s daughter]

PS – This card is to be directed to the two who responded to the Revolution Bowling Alley call on May X, 2015 in South Windsor, CT. My mom will be moving on to rehab at St. Mary Home in West Hartford.

ASM’s Kenya Russell Receives Saint Francis 2015 EMS Champion Award

Posted on May 21, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

Kenya Russell with Saint Francis Hospital’s John Quinlavin

HARTFORD — On May 20, 2015, as part of EMS Week celebrations, ASM’s Kenya Russell received an EMS Champion Award from Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. The award was conveyed to Kenya and Vernon Fire Department’s Jean Gauthier by Saint Francis EMS Coordinator John Quinlavin and EMS Medical Director Dr. Steve Wolf.

Click to Enlarge. (L to R): John Quinlavin, Kenya Russell, Jean Gauthier, Dr. Steve Wolf.

The following is the content of the nomination for Kenya as submitted by ASM’s Stephanie Boutot:

I’d like to nominate my friend, co-worker Kenya Russell, paramedic at ASM. As a paramedic, she assesses each patient and treats them as the individual they are. She is very good at gaining a rapport, making them feel as comfortable as possible. With her amazing smile and contagious laugh, it is not uncommon to hear laughter as she cares for patients. Music is a great tool she uses and will offer to play whatever their favorite might be, even if not her favorite. I admire her strength, confidence, and ability to advocate for patients. She not only stands up for patients, she also stands up for herself earning respect from others.

Kenya is continuously learning about EMS from CMEs and from her calls, and consulting with other providers to improve her knowledge and care. Kenya is not only an amazing paramedic on the clock, but she has traveled abroad to experience other cultures and assist in their healthcare. And if that wasn’t enough, Kenya organized a support system for a friend and co-worker, playing a major role in starting up the Carolyn Edwards Foundation to help Carolyn as well as continuing the support efforts for others EMSer’s in need.

A little note of gratitude on EMS Week

Posted on May 19, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

Attached by a patient to a Satisfaction Survey response:

Schedule of EMS Week 2015 Events and Activities

Posted on May 17, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

EMS Week 2015

Sunday, May 17th

0700: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.
1500: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.
2300: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.

Monday, May 18th

1200-1400: Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cook-out.
1730-1900: Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cook-out.

Tuesday, May 19th

0730-1300: Hartford Hospital, EMS Week Symposium. A multidisciplinary group of physicians deliver engaging, EMS-specific presentations. Breakfast and a light lunch will be provided for attendees. There is no charge. All levels of provider are encouraged to attend. You may register by contacting HH EMS Education directly at emseducation@harthosp.org.
0900-1600: ECHN EMS Lecture Series: New topic every hour on the hour, to be held as ASM at 275 New State Road, Manchester. RSVP to nbrunet@echn.org.
1800: Johnson Memorial Medical Center BBQ & CME: Two CME hours for “High Reliability Organizations” lecture presented by Drs. Herr and Moynihan, follows BBQ at CMEC Amphitheater (the building on the right as you enter the main hospital driveway).

Wednesday, May 20th

1700-1900: Saint Francis Hospital, Emergency Department: Burrito Buffet Dinner.
1730: Saint Francis Hospital EMS Champion Awards Ceremony, Emergency Department, ambulance bay area.
1900-2200: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Join us for Pizza.

Thursday, May 21st

0700: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.
1130-1330: Saint Francis Hospital, Emergency Department: Burrito Buffet Lunch.
1500: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.
2300: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.

Friday, May 22nd

0700-0900: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Join us for breakfast.

Saturday, May 23rd

0700: Hartford Hospital EMS Room, Fresh Fruit available
1500: Hartford Hospital EMS Room, Fresh Fruit available
2300: Hartford Hospital EMS Room, Fresh Fruit available

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.

Aetna’s David Kemp and Michael Pacheco Promoted to Field Supervisor

Posted on May 15, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

Michael Pacheco

David Kemp

HARTFORD — On May 8, 2015 Aetna’s David Kemp and Michael Pacheco were both promoted to the position of Field Supervisor.

Dave has been involved in EMS for the past eight years as an EMT, AEMT and now a paramedic. He has been working for Aetna Ambulance the last two years as a paramedic, and served the past three years as the Deputy Chief of EMS for the Town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department.

According to Mike, he got his start in EMS in 2007 and has been employed by Aetna Ambulance since 2008. He graduated from the Capitol Community College Paramedic program in 2013.

On behalf of the Aetna family we would like to congratulate David and Mike on their promotion and look forward to great things from and for them.

Aetna’s Lauren Slebodnick and Angel Rodriguez at High Road School Career Day

Posted on May 14, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — On May 13, 2015 Aetna’s Lauren Slebodnick and Angel Rodriguez attended and presented at High Road School of Hartford‘s Career Day.

Forty students, mostly from Hartford, were able to tour the ambulance and ask questions about careers in Emergency Medical Services.

ASM Responds: Minor injuries reported in bus crash on I-384

Posted on May 13, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

WFSB 3 Connecticut

From WFSB. Read the full story here...

By Joseph Wenzel IV, News Editor

MANCHESTER, CT (WFSB) –

Students were injured after a crash involving a school bus on Interstate 384 in Manchester on Tuesday afternoon, police said.

The two-vehicle crash was reported on the westbound side of I-384 near 4 around 4 p.m. Police said the bus was rear-ended by another vehicle.

Police said 25 children were on board of the bus at the time of the crash.

Officials said the school bus was from Bolton Elementary School headed to East Hartford.

Students were injured in the crash but their injuries are being described as “minor.” Five ambulances were called to the scene and there was possibly 25 patients, state police said.

Officials from Ambulance Service of Manchester said nine students were transported by ambulance to area hospitals, while three students refused care and 18 other students were transported to area hospitals by bus.

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 13

Posted on May 11, 2015 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — During April 2015, ASM Paramedic David White and his AEMT partner, Al Pardi, responded to a medical call in Stafford with Stafford Ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Dave wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Hartford Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-29463). The following are comments provided by Hartford Hospital’s Dr. Marcin Dada with some acronyms and patient information removed:

Congratulations everyone on a great care of this antero-lateral STEMI pt last Sunday.

This patient was brought to HH by ASM (prehospital ECG was sent and communicated to the ED attending: Dr. Herbst)

While in the ER, patient arrested with return of spontaneous circulation… and was brought to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

In a nut shell:

1) HH D2B Time = 77 min (off hrs, Sun 3 AM)

1) STEMI Total Ischemia Time = 115 min

In particular, we would like to recognize the teams involved:

1) HH Team – Dr Hirst, Engles and the Cath Lab team – W. Arcisz, D. Jordan, F. Natale.

2) HH ER Team – Dr Herbst, and Snyder, and the ED team: M. Moquin, D, Phillips, S. Ferri.

3) and last but not least : ASM and Stafford Ambulance

Strong Work.

Regards,

Marcin Dada, MD

Co-Director, CPC

Hartford Hospital

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