Tag Archives: Ambulance companies in Connecticut

Comfort, Safety, Space Features Added to Bariatric Ambulance Stretchers

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1363718992_IMG_8412MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — The specialty bariatric stretchers operated by Aetna and ASM have now been equipped with Stryker’s Expandable Patient Surface (or XPS) system.

The XPS System consists of a new wider mattress and new side rails that fold out instead of down. The side rails are not intended to support the patient primary body weight. Instead they are intended to enhance patient comfort.

XPS_LargeAccording to the Stryker website, “XPS is adjustable with seven locking positions and includes a wider mattress that reduces transfer gap and designed with patient comfort in mind. This solution helps address growing obesity trends and supports a variety of patients and environments.”

Words That Describe Us: Volume 14

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Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.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:

  • Professional x 8.
  • Good x 4.
  • Excellent x 3.
  • Considerate x 2.
  • Compassionate x 3.
  • Efficient x 2.
  • They were helpful to me as the wife. Asked if there was someone coming to help me. (13-72584: M. Tuttle, R. Leslie, J. Bush)
  • My team was wonderful in listening to my needs in helping them do their job as effectively as possible. I would like to thank each one for their service. (13-76135: C. Chasse, A. Wysocki).
  • Kind, efficient and knowledgeable.
  • Outstanding.
  • Wonderful.
  • Caring and professional.
  • Medic was very professional.
  • Excellent, kind, came to check on me with another call.
  • Wonderful! Thank you so much.
  • I had passed out and was not fully cognizant of some of the questions that I did not answer definitively – Overall experience was satisfactory.
  • Professional. Humane.
  • Great service.
  • Very efficient. Caring with everything.

The Hartford Circus Fire and Aetna Ambulance: Volume 5

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by Sam Porcello

Hartford Circus Fire - Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.Miss earlier volumes? Click here…

Mrs. Grady was really helpful and supportive, and provided me with photos and additional information about her family. She also referred me to Robert John Titus.  I was fascinated to learn how the Grady brothers, who received some basic medical training in the Navy, were inspired to begin a full time ambulance company following the Hartford Circus Fire.  They saw a need for the service, and became only the second private ambulance company to serve Hartford.

More importantly, Aetna Ambulance was the first private ambulance company in Hartford to provide formal medical training to its employees.  The Gradys didn’t stop there, reaching out beyond Hartford to help train other ambulance services.  Mrs. Evans wrote to me that:

“My Aunt Jean was a member of the Red Cross and was a medical instructor. She helped state wide ambulance employees including Ambulance Service of Manchester, Wethersfield and Rocky Hill Volunteer Ambulance Service members retain their licenses…as Emergency Medical Technicians.”

Meet the Newest Members of the ASM Team: ASM Hires Four

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MANCHESTER — On October 14, 2013, four EMTs were added to the ASM 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.

Kyle Baker:    Full time, EMT. Hello my name Is Kyle Baker. I am 22 years old and live in Hebron, CT. I graduated in May of 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Politics from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. The second semester of my freshman year of college I took an EMT-Basic class and almost instantly I fell in love.  I began working Saint Anselm College EMS, a student run volunteer EMS unit that serves the campus community, shortly after finishing my class. I also began volunteering with Andover Fire Department in Andover, Connecticut. I worked with Saint Anselm EMS until graduation and I continue to actively volunteer with Andover Fire Department.  EMS has been my passion for the last four years and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to turn it into a career.  In my spare I enjoy listening to music, golfing and enjoying the outdoors. I am incredibly excited to begin my new adventure with the Ambulance Service of Manchester and I look forward to the new experiences I will have and the new people I will meet.

Evan Burgess:    Full Time, EMT. My name is Evan Burgess and I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in Manchester, CT and graduated Manchester High School in 2010. I attended the University of Connecticut for two years and then transferred to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA to study Biblical Studies. Currently I am finishing my senior year of college online via Liberty University. I came home this year to finish school and get an EMT job. This summer I completed my EMT-B certification class at Hartford Hospital. I am very much involved in my church’s activities at Trinity Covenant Church and I enjoy ministering to people there. I love to play the guitar and I am a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. My brother Colin worked for ASM for a couple years before he headed off to medical school, and he inspired me to become an EMT. I hope to gain experience working with patients and helping them and their families during tough situations. I hope to become a missionary someday, and the experience I gain and learn from this career will aid me in my future endeavors. I am very excited to begin working and learning how to care for people in need.

Polina Yakushchenko:   Full Time, EMT. My name is Polina Yakushchenko and I am 23 years old. I was born in the Ukraine and moved to the United States in 2000. I now live in Vernon, CT. I recently graduated with a Bachelor in Health Science from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania.  I have had some patient care experience in college working at the student health center along with the local hospitals. One day I hope to go to grad school and continue my education in the medical field. I love to travel and experience new places and cultures. I am very happy to begin working for ASM and I look forward to serving the community.

EMS Structured for Quality: Volume 1

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specialevents4Essential Performance Results

In 2008, the American Ambulance Association issued a best practices white-paper entitled EMS Structured for Quality. The paper was intended as a guide for “those who want to achieve the balance between quality and cost factors, while earning the satisfaction of patients, taxpayers, elected officials, ambulance service managers, employees, and other customers.”

The white paper identified four Essential Performance Results for high performance emergency ambulance services:

  1. Clinical Excellence.
  2. Response-time Reliability
  3. Economic Efficiency.
  4. Customer Satisfaction.

The next four volumes will describe how Aetna and ASM match up to and use these results to succeed and thrive.

Gizmo the Therapy Dog Talks Up ASM at Crestfield Health Fair

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Gizmo Therapy DogMANCHESTER — From the Facebook account of Gizmo, the Therapy Dog:

“Hi Frens! After a great day at his excellent high school, Gizmo was so excited to his ASM ambulance frens at the Crestfield Rehabilitation Center Health Fair today. Gizmo has gladly ridden on these beds with patients before, to help calm them before they go into the ambulance.  We would like to thank the ASM Ambulance staff, all rescue workers, for the wonderful, selfless work you do comforting those in need and saving lives. Cuz we’re frens!”

ASM to Appear in Manchester Fire Department Parade Sunday

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By JESSE LEAVENWORTH
The Hartford Courant 6:00 p.m. EDT, October 8, 2013
hc-manchester-parade-1010-20131008-001

Credit – Hartford Courant

MANCHESTER — In a show of pride and a celebration of history, the Eighth Utilities District Manchester Fire Department will hold a parade Sunday.

The 125th anniversary parade is scheduled to step off at 1 p.m. with lights flashing, sirens wailing, bagpipes and drums sounding and firefighters from throughout the region marching in full dress uniform.

Among the 40 contingents slated to march, most represent fire departments, parade Chairman and Eight District firefighter Ryan Bilodeau said. Marchers will include first responders from the Manchester Police Department and Ambulance Service of Manchester, along with the Manchester Regional Police & Fire Pipe Band and the Patriot Guard Riders.

Read the whole article here…

Larry Magoon’s Retirement Party

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Larry Magoon 2Friday, October 11, 2013

5:30 P.M.

Maneeley’s Banquet Hall

65 Rye Street

South Windsor, CT 06074

Tickets $35/person (buffet meal and cash bar)

For tickets and to RSVP, contact Mike Makulis at (860) 250-9012 or email at mmakulis@cox.net. If you intend to buy your tickets at the door, please RSVP to Mike so that he can have an accurate head count.  

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 8

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MANCHESTER — Additions and renovations to the Ambulance Service of Manchester’s main headquarters, known to employees as “10-1,” continue. As of this writing:

  • Primer and in some cases paint has been applied to the main rooms.
  • Heavy doors have been hung in some of the offices and pass through areas.
  • The new main restrooms have been tiled.
  • Drop ceiling has been hung in all the new spaces.
  • Data wiring has been run and the secure space for computer servers has been prepared.
  • Windows and doorways have been boxed and framed with trim added.
  • Baseboard heating, thermostats and other HVAC equipment has been installed.

The next steps are to complete the drop ceiling by adding tiles, complete power control installation, touch up the paint, add flooring and add fixtures to the bathrooms. When completed, the renovated space will include additional training and simulation areas, a relocated locker area, new offices, a medical supply staging area, and two new restrooms although the plans remain fluid.

The addition and renovation are part of ASM’s continued commitment and investment in the towns it serves.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Matt Traber Completes Precepting Phase

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Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC -- Matt Traber

(L to R): ASM’s Vinnie Maston and Matt Traber.

MANCHESTER – As of September 25, 2013, ASM’s Matt Traber has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Matt’s preceptors were Paramedic Supervisors Bob O’Neil and Vinnie Maston. 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 ASM, Matt’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Matt and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Matt started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2008, has been an EMT in Connecticut since 1996 and also works for the Mohegan Tribal Fire Department. Matt graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. 

On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Matt the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 13

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Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.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:

  • Excellent x 5.
  • Skilled.
  • Quick, well informed staff. Thanks!
  • Conscientious.
  • Caring x 2.
  • Incredible.
  • Very caring and professional.
  • Timely.
  • Well suited.
  • Professional x 10.
  • Efficient.
  • Amazing.
  • Excellent!!
  • Professional humans.
  • Great x 2.
  • You probably saved my life. Thank you for your prompt care.
  • Humane.
  • Professional. The techs were very professional and treated the issue very serious[ly]. Listened to me and asked all the right questions. Explained all the moves they made. Very pleased (13-74038; J. Bissell, R. Bilodeau).
  • Very good/excellent.
  • Superb. The two EMTs that responded, Scott Crittenden and Brian Langan, we’re excellent. As a business owner myself, I feel these gentlemen went above and beyond and [were] so kind as well as professional (13-74442).

Congratulations to South Windsor Fire Department

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From the South Windsor Patch:

Happy Anniversary! South Windsor at the Parade

Posted by  (Editor) , 

400274d9363d68fa9cb1b9dcb2e0646SOUTH WINDSOR — Hundreds of firefighters, fife and drum corps and emergency service but by far best represented were South Windsor’s finest – police, firefighters and Explorers, elected officials, veterans, ambulance… See the full gallery here. 

Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC. -- South Windsor Fire DepartmentASM was proud and honored to participate in the parade component and congratulates South Windsor Fire Department on their 75th Anniversary.

The Hartford Circus Fire and Aetna Ambulance: Volume 4

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HartfordCircusFireAerial-610x477by Sam Porcello

Miss earlier volumes? Click here…

Reading the 1944 Transportation Committee of the Hartford War Council report on the Circus Fire from the State archives, Aetna Florist was listed as providing a delivery van to the scene of the fire to be used to transport the injured.  In fact, Lucille Grady, who was in her twenties at the time, ran her brother’s florist business while they were away at war, and drove the van to the scene of the fire. (Prior to leaving for the Navy in 1942, Herman and Howard decided to convert one of the delivery trucks into an ambulance.) 

I checked the Aetna Ambulance website, read about the company’s history, and emailed members of management to find out more. Aetna management got back to me right away, answered a lot of my questions and also put me in touch with Dianne Grady Evans, daughter and niece of Howard and Herman Grady, founders of Aetna Ambulance.   

Save the Date: Larry Magoon, Formerly of ASM, is Retiring

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Larry Magoon

Date: Friday, October 11, 2013

Time: TBA, evening

Location: Maneeleys Banquet and Catering Facility, South Windsor

For tickets: Contact Mike Makulis at ASM or Dawn Sopelak at Manchester Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.

Cost: $35 per person includes a buffet dinner, cash bar and a gift for Larry.

More information to follow. Please reply to this post if you have pictures of Larry to use at the event and arrangements will be made.

Aetna Responds: Minor Mishap At Airport Fly-In

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Note: Aetna Ambulance does NOT provide emergency services to the Town of Simsbury. Aetna’s presence was at the discretion of the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. Always dial 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.

By DAVID OWENS, dowens@courant.com

http://www.courant.com/community/simsbury/hc-simsbury-airport-incident-0917-20130917,0,6201629.storyThe Hartford Courant

September 16, 2013

SIMSBURY — The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating an incident at Simsbury Airport Sunday morning where an airplane veered suddenly off the runway.

The airplane was arriving at the airport about 10 a.m. as part of it 28th Annual Simsbury Fly-In. The event features airplanes and antique cars.

“The airplane seemed to have landed appropriately, and then for some reason it just veered to the left, and traveled off the runway,” said Simsbury police Capt. Nick Boulter, who was at the fly-in. The plane “traveled toward the first line of classic cars that were lined up there, the made an abrupt turn just before that line and the wing struck a classic VW bus or van. It was very close to the spectator line.”

There were no injuries to spectators or people on board the airplane, Boulter said. Simsbury firefighters, police, an Aetna ambulance crew and fly-in staff reacted immediately, Boulter said. Two Federal Aviation Administration inspectors were at the fly-in and are investigating, he said.

Read the full Courant article here…