HARTFORD — Exact date unknown, estimated to be mid to late 1950s. Aetna Ambulance Service began operating in 1945.
Historical Photos: Aetna Ambulance Service #2
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Tag Archives: Ambulance companies in Connecticut
ASM Appears in Boom Box Parade care of Stephanie Boutot
WINDHAM — ASM appeared in Willimantic’s 28th annual Boombox Parade on July 4, 2013 care of AEMT and Field Training Officer Stephanie Boutot. Stephanie has been insistent that ASM participate each year as she was in the very first Boom Box parade.
According to the WILI 1400 AM website, the WILI July 4th “Boom Box Parade is the largest of its kind in the world. In 1986, no marching band could be found for Windham’s Memorial Day Parade. Five weeks later, the “Boom Box Parade” concept was born, as WILI plays the marching band music on the air, while thousands march and watch, loudly playing their radios (boom boxes).
Anyone can march or enter a float in “Connecticut’s Unique People’s Parade.” The only requirement is to wear some red, white, and blue, and bring a radio tuned to WILI (1400-AM). American flags are optional, but encouraged. There is no “official” theme for the parade.
Praise for ASM’s Kenya Russell and Stephanie Boutot
ASM’s Stephanie Boutot
MANCHESTER – In June 2013, ASM received a Patient Satisfaction Survey related to an emergency response performed by ASM crewmembers Kenya Russell and Stephanie Boutot. The patient completed the survey and checked all of the Strongly Agree boxes and wrote in the word “Awesome” to describe the service.
Additionally he hand wrote the following:
ASM’s Kenya Russell
“Kenya and Stephanie were caring and professional and friendly and awesome. Stephanie was a great driver who got us through rush hour traffic quickly and safely. Kenya was a wonderfully caring person who put me at ease while taking care of me. I cannot say enough good things about these ladies! I would like to thank them personally!”
– [Patient, 13-37006]
Praise for Aetna’s Sean Piscopiello and Nicholas Foran
(L to R): Sean Piscopiello and Nicholas Foran.
WETHERSFIELD — In June 2013, Aetna received a Patient Satisfaction Survey related to an emergency response performed by Aetna Paramedics Sean Piscopiello and Nick Foran. The patient’s daughter completed the survey and checked all of the Strongly Agree boxes and wrote in the words “Respectful” and “Professional” to describe the service. Additionally she hand wrote the following:
“My mother lives with me. She woke up extremely short of breath. I am a nurse and check her lungs and vital signs frequently and did so right before calling 911. Ambulance personnel listened to what I had to say and made me feel like I was a part of the team! Thank you.”
– [Patient’s Daughter, 13-36724]
Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 5
MANCHESTER — The renovation of space once occupied by Marcus Communications continues. The basic framing of the new space is mostly complete. Electrical and plumbing is being run and the existing structural walls are being prepped for adaptation to the plan and space.
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- Island for power and phone systems.
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- Back corridor, divided from the remaining space not held by ASM.
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- Reverse view of the new billing office space, island visible.
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- Eventual main corridor; door to the new section, restroom and bump out for water fountain visible.
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- Framed new restroom, reinforcements for sinks and toilets visible as well as plumbing.
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- Additional billing office space.
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- Bump out for water fountain, restroom door covered by plywood.
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- Building master plan.
The next steps are to complete electrical and plumbing and start to hang walls. Visible in the pictures is new office space for the billing office, an additional server room, changes to what will be the main corridor including a bump out leading to restrooms with space where a water fountain may be mounted.
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.
Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Mitch Karr Completes Precepting Phase
(L to R): Hartford Hospital’s MIke Zacchera and Mitchell Karr
HARTFORD – As of June 26, 2013, Aetna’s Mitchell Karr has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.
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, Mitch’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera after shadowing he and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.
Mitch is originally from California but migrated east with family. He began his career in EMS by volunteering for a fire department in his home town. Realizing he was more interested in the patient care aspect of firefighting, he enrolled in Goodwin College’s Paramedic Program where he graduated in December of 2012. Mitch has said he hopes to make it back to the west coast someday and further his career in healthcare by becoming a mid-level or an MD.
On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish Mitch the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
History Competition Won with Hartford Circus Fire Project featuring Aetna Ambulance
HARTFORD – Up-and-coming historian Sam Porcello has won several awards with a project on the Hartford Circus Fire that incorporated the birth and early days of Aetna Ambulance Service. (Click here for more about Aetna and the Circus Fire). Attached are pictures of the exhibit during National History Day at the Museum of American History (The Circus Fire exhibit was selected to represent Connecticut).
The physical display, as shown, contains a panel on Aetna Ambulance. The project started life at the Regional History Day competition on March 9th at Torrington High School and was visited by Grady daughter Dianne Evans and her daughters. Sam then advanced to the State Competition at Central Connecticut State University on April 27th, where the exhibit earned first place.
On June 13, the exhibit won the silver medal at the National Competition in Maryland where the judges were fascinated by canvas squares with information from the survivors and Aetna Ambulance. The origins of Aetna was read and appreciated by many hundreds of people.
Sam says, “During the interview at Nationals, the judges asked about what surprised me the most about the project, and I told them about the beginnings of Aetna Ambulance, including how the Grady’s tried to conceal their ownership.”
The exhibit will be at Connecticut’s Old State House in July, along with many other state entries.
Emergency ID Card Available on ASM-Aetna Website
MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — On every 911 call, EMS providers have a specific set of information they must obtain in order to appropriately treat the patient and transfer care to the receiving facility. Having this information handy not only saves time, it could have a significant impact on emergency care.
In order to best serve our patients we have added an Emergency ID Card system, sometimes called a File of Life, to our website. It can be found by going to www.asm-aetna.com and clicking on Emergency ID.
This webpage allows any user to fill in a series of text boxes and provide for the fire department, police and/or EMS professionals all of the critical information that is needed for their care.
Use this form in advance of an emergency, keep it up-to-date and post it in a conspicuous place such as on the refrigerator.
Words That Describe Us: Volume 8
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 personnel.
- Excellent.
- Professional x 4.
- Very professional.
- The best.
- Good.
- Great.
- Efficient x 2.
- Caring.
- Excellent. I called approximately 10 times in the past year. I believe the ambulance staff has saved my life each time. Now they know where my extra key is and they use it when I cannot get to the door. Thank you all!
- Terrific.
- Keep doing everything you are doing as your company seems to have the key to running a successful business down pat. Great job. (13-29357).
- Thoughtful.
- Reliable.
- Fantastic.
The Hartford Circus Fire and Aetna Ambulance: Volume 1
by Sam Porcello
For the past three years, I have participated in National History Day, a nationwide historical research competition for middle and high school students. The theme for 2013 is “Turning Points in History: People, Places and Ideas.” I chose the Hartford Circus Fire as my topic because I have always been intrigued how every July 6th, amid the cheerful Fourth of July stories, my local news always includes a report about the 1944 fire. I wanted to find out why a 10 minute event continues to be discussed 68 years later, and what changes it brought about.
The tragic fire occurred on July 6, 1944 on Barbour Street in Hartford during an afternoon performance of the Ringling Brothers circus. It was one month after D-Day. Connecticut, a major defense manufacturer with its Pratt aircraft, Colt firearms and Waterbury brass foundries, had a thorough emergency plan in place in case of enemy attack. This plan included using delivery vans from local businesses such as Aetna Florist, Colt, and Brown Thompson as ambulances to transport the injured…check back for future volumes.
Historical Photos: Ambulance Service of Manchester #6
MANCHESTER — November 1995
ASM Accepting Applications for Third Shift Dispatch
JOB DESCRIPTION
BUSY AMBULANCE COMPANY SEEKS FULL TIME INDIVIDUAL TO FILL THIRD SHIFT POSITION IN FAST PACED DISPATCH CENTER.
Candidates must possess a strong ability to organize and accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously. Must demonstrate efficient performance during intense and stressful situations.
Preference will be give to candidate with prior experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) experience a plus.
Responsibilities include extensive interaction with local police departments, public safety answering points for 911 calls, EMS crew members, hospitals and medical facilities, patients and insurance companies.
Benefits include medical, dental and life insurance, short term disability, 401(k) with employer contribution, vacation, sick and personal time.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Please send resume and salary requirements to ASM, Director of Operations, PO Box 300, Manchester, CT06045. Alternately, a downloadable application is available at http://www.ambulanceservicemanchester.com/careers.php. Application or resume acceptable.
Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Jason Bak Completes Precepting Phase
MANCHESTER – As of May 15, 2013, ASM’s Jason Bak has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.
Jason’s preceptors were Paramedics Mike Panciera and Don Hart. 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, Jason’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Jason and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.
Jason started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in December of 2007, has a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of New Haven and graduated from Goodwin College/Hartford Hospital Paramedic Program.
On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Jason the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.
Historical Photos: Aetna Ambulance Service #1
HARTFORD — Exact date unknown, although photos like these serve as a reminder that Aetna Ambulance was started in 1945. Many at Aetna can probably name this employee.
Schedule of EMS Week 2013 Events and Activities
EMS Week 2013
Sunday, May 19th
- 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 20th
- 0900-1400: Hartford Hospital (Conklin Building) EMS Update, Lunch to be served.
Tuesday, May 21st
- 0700-0900: Hartford Hospital EMS Room, Breakfast.
- 1130-1330: Burrito BBQ Lunch, Saint Francis Hospital, Emergency Department.
Wednesday, May 22nd
- 1200-1400: Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cookout.
- 1730-1900: Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cookout.
Thursday, May 23rd
- 0700-0900: Hartford Hospital EMS Room, breakfast.
- 1700-1900: Burrito BBQ Dinner, Saint Francis Hospital, Emergency Department.
- 1730: Saint Francis Hospital EMS Champion Awards Ceremony, Emergency Department, ambulance bay area.
- 1800: Johnson Memorial Medical Center BBQ & CME: Two CME hours for “EMS Responding to IEDs” lecture that follows BBQ at CMEC Ampitheatre (the building on the right as you enter the main hospital driveway).
Friday, May 24th
- 0700: Hartford Hospital EMS Room, Baked Goods from ED staff.
- 1500: Hartford Hospital EMS Room, Baked Goods from ED staff.
- 2300: Hartford Hospital EMS Room, Baked Goods from ED staff.
Saturday, May 25th
- 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 fill out the contact form, post it as a comment or email it to us at DavidS [at] asm-aetna.com.