Stryker Power Pro Stretchers Arrive!

MANCHESTER- On March 7th, 2017, The Ambulance Service of Manchester and Aetna Ambulance received 50 Stryker Power Pro XT Model 6506 Stretchers to be placed into service in the near future.

 

 “This industry- leading ambulance cot utilizes an innovative battery-powered hydraulic system to raise and lower the cot at the touch of a button.”

 

In addition to the numerous advances that come stock with these units, ASM and Aetna will be adding steering-locks as an after-market upgrade that will increase ease of use and maneuverability. The implementation of these new stretchers will help ensure the comfort and safety for both crews and patients alike. Installation for the ASM vehicles should be completed by the end of next week. Aetna should expect to see them in service in early April.

ASM Receives Award from Vernon FD!

On Monday, February 27th, 2017, The Ambulance Service of Manchester received a Unit Citation during the Town of Vernon Fire Department’s annual award ceremony. As noted in the photo, the accolade was presented due to ASM’s participation in the August 4th, 2016, East Street home explosion. Along with multiple other agencies, ASM was called upon to provide mutual aid. Paramedic Greg Derosier and partner EMT John Bush, along with Paramedic Todd Marshall and partner EMT Stacy DeBarge responded to the scene to provide care and rapid transport to the critically injured residents. The outcome of the incident demonstrates the true benefit that can occur when members of the first responder community work together.

 

As provided within the citation:

“Your department’s participation in this operation will not be forgotten and appreciated through the fruitful lives that the trapped residents now have the opportunity to fulfill.”

ASM Presents to East Hartford Rotary Club

EAST HARTFORD- On February 15th, ASM employees were invited to attend East Hartford Rotary Club’s weekly meeting and present as guest speakers to the group. Recognizing the longtime service to the community of East Hartford, the club reached out and requested ASM share insight on the history and progression of the company, as well as, its continued relationship and dedication to the community.

Founded in 1905, the mission of Rotary International is to “provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.” Over 110 years later, Rotary has developed into a global network with greater than 35,000 clubs worldwide. With the motto “Service Above Self,” promoting peace, fighting disease, creating clean water and sanitation programs, and supporting education are only a few of the challenging missions Rotary members tackle on a consistent basis across the globe.

East Hartford Rotary Club was chartered on February 23, 1928. 41 year member Dan Firestone graciously introduced ASM members during the meeting demonstrating the club’s true appreciation for the Ambulance Service of Manchester. Mr. Firestone conveyed the gratitude the club holds by referring to ASM as the “all too often overlooked members of the first responder community.”

 

“Love our First Responders”

MANCHESTER — On Valentine’s Day, the staff and residents of Arbors of Hop Brook Retirement Community graciously hosted a “Love our First Responders” breakfast demonstrating their appreciation and respect for members of The Ambulance Service of Manchester, Manchester Police Department, and Manchester Fire Department. Activity Director Laurie Robinson organized the event, and offered the following sentiment: “Thank you for your prompt, caring, professional, unselfish and noble actions. We respect and appreciate what you do for our community. Our hearts are thankful for your extraordinary efforts.” Included in the picture to your left are excited and grateful residents, members of the Arbors staff, Manchester Mayor Jay Moran, Police Chief Marc Montminy, Fire Chief David Billings, and EMT’s Sean Gregg and Elizabeth Miller from ASM.

Provider Wellness

Below is a link to an article published in JEMS Magazine. Written by 25 year veteran paramedic Bryan Fass, the piece tackles the important, yet often overlooked topic of physical fitness within EMS. Understanding the daily challenge of balancing work, family, finances, and health/wellness, Fass introduces what he calls “The Change Equation,” offering ideas on how to get motivated, form positive habits, and produce long-lasting behavioral changes.

In addition, Fass dispels some common myths that act as barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He even offers a sample training routine with detailed steps and photos demonstrating safe and effective body mechanics.

Check It Out!

 

Words That Describe Us: Volume 90

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 most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • Excellent service from all – Thanks so much. You’re helpful.
  • Caring.
  • Very attentive and kind.
  • Excellent x 2.
  • Professional and caring.
  • Couldn’t have been cared for or treated better.
  • Good. It is the best service in Town. Keep it up.
  • Compassionate.
  • The crew was professional, concerned, engaged and courteous. Under circumstances I felt secure being cared for by M and K. (16-65719; K. Russell, M. Hoyt).
  • You were all very kind and helpful. No one could do any better. (16-61175; A. Linardo, R. Fraley).
  • Excellent care!
  • Caring professionals.
  • Very caring and polite.
  • Professional.
  • I appreciate the compassion and care that was shown. The ambulance crew was fantastic. Thank you to each of them. (16-63448 R. Buechele, H. Digirolamo)
  • Seemed professional and competent.
  • Compassionate
  • Compassionate, professional, calming.
  • The ambulance crew- I believe the driver’s name was William and the one with me was Cory. They were both wonderful to me. (16-64241 W. Schnepp, C. Lemire).
  • Very professional and caring.
  • Very Professional
  • Professional
  • Kind
  • Excellent and caring people. Thank you again.
  • Very good
  • Professional and respectful
  • Prompt, Professional
  • Efficient and Professional
  • The best, guys were wonderful to me! (16-67722 M. Traber, S. Debarge).
  • Professional and caring
  • Friendly, supportive
  • Matt and Kat were excellent in every aspect of performing their jobs. And their relationship with ER staff was exceptional. They were clearly highly regarded. (16-69636 M. Carter, K. Stewart).
  • As an RN I was happy with the care given to me
  • Kenya was excellent.
  • Very Professional. Listened and had a caring manner.
  • Very attentive
  • Dedicated. This was my first ambulance experience and I was very impressed and satisfied. (16-68246;  M. Levasseur, J. Hornish).
  • Friendly and competent.
  • Don’t know the lady’s name who cared for me. She was excellent.  Thank you. (16-68616; M. Carter, T. Webster).

A Special Note…

 

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.

Annual CCMC, CSP, ASM & Aetna Ambulance Toy Drive

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.

ASM’s Josh Traber Promoted to Field Supervisor

 

MANCHESTER — On December 29, 2016, ASM’s Josh Traber was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor. His remarkable dedication to both his patients and co-workers has been consistent throughout his career at ASM. He has developed into a role model for health care professionals and continues to positively influence everyone he interacts with.

Josh expressed his gratitude for the well-deserved promotion by stating the following:

“I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for welcoming me in my new role as supervisor. I have worked for ASM for 17 years and have performed duties ranging from dispatcher to Paramedic Preceptor. ASM is known for exceptional patient care, with outstanding professionalism. These are the core values I hope to continue in my new role.
For those of you I haven’t worked with, I look forward to getting to know you in the near future. Please feel free to let me know how I can assist you with any problems you may be encountering.”

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

 

A Warm Thank You for Ryan McConville

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.

8th Annual “Emergency of Hunger” Food Drive Results

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MANCHESTER – The 8th Annual “Emergency of Hunger” Food Drive, composed of first responders, Rotary members, and others, was a great success! Their combined efforts continue to make a deep and widening impact on hunger in greater Hartford. This year volunteers from Manchester, Vernon, South Windsor, Windsor, and Stop & Shop Supermarkets collected a staggering 34,000+ food items, 650+ turkeys, and almost $16,000 in gift card and monitory donations.

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of the community over the last eight years, we have been able to collect a total of 247,000+ food items, 7,000+ turkeys, and over $159,500 in gift card and monitory donations.

Click HERE to read the Hartford Currant Article! 

Mannequin Challenge at “Emergency of Hunger” Food Drive

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!

“Food drive brings in needed holiday items, continues this weekend”

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MANCHESTER – On Wednesday, November 16, 2016, The Ambulance Service of Manchester appeared in the JI for it’s efforts during the “Emergency of Hunger” Food Drive. The kind words by Beth Stafford, the Executive Director of the Manchester Area Conference of Churches, can be found below.  The article, by Joseph T. O’Leary, details the annual food drive and it’s impact on the community.

This food drive grows every year, Stafford said, and ASM, which spearheads its efforts, hopes to see it spread. Stafford particularly thanked ASM, which has continued the program despite changes in leadership.

Read the full article here.

 

Regional “Emergency Of Hunger” Food Drive Starts Saturday

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Emergency response agency and food pantry representatives gathered Wednesday at The Ambulance Service of Manchester to kick off the Emergency of Hunger Food Drive.

HARTFORD COURANT

by Jesse Leavenworth

MANCHESTER –  A regional food drive that benefits area pantries and homeless shelters is set to begin Saturday.

This will be the eighth year of the Emergency of Hunger drive, which has collected and distributed food and other donations in Manchester, Vernon, South Windsor and Windsor. Organizers and volunteers include firefighters, police officers, ambulance personnel, hospital staff and Rotary Club members from the area.

To date, the team has collected 210,000 food and personal care items, 6,000 turkeys and hams and about $143,000 in cash, checks and gift cards, organizer Sean Norton of Ambulance Service of Manchester said.

Read the full article here…

Following are locations and dates for collections at the participating Stop & Shop Supermarkets:

  • Manchester – 286 Broad Street., November 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Rockville – 50 Windsorville Road., November 12, 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Vernon – 10 Pitkin Road., November 12, 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • South Windsor – 1739 Ellington Road., November 19, 20 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Windsor – 1095 Kennedy Road., November 12, 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Veteran’s Day!

 

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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.