Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Charles Lodge Completes Precepting Phase

MANCHESTER – As of September 28th, 2018, ASM’s Charles Lodge has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. His preceptors were veteran paramedics Greg Derosier and Dave White. Charlie was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in March, 2015. He offered the following sentiment:

“During my precepting phase I responded to roughly 100 calls over a 10-week period. ASM has a very large coverage area so this was an excellent opportunity as a new Paramedic to get familiar with many of the volunteer services we work alongside. Having two of ASM’s seasoned paramedics offer guidance as I transitioned into my new role was paramount. In conjunction to emergencies, a large part of our job is high acuity interfacility transfers between area hospitals. Greg and Dave were crucial in getting me familiar with how ASM operates in this capacity and our role as Paramedics. I thoroughly enjoyed my time practicing alongside the two of them and I am excited to be cleared for independent med control.”

As with all precepting phases at ASM, Charlie’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing him and his preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Charles the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

ASM attends 9-11 event in Bolton

BOLTON- On Tuesday September 18th, 2018 ASM received the following letter from Bolton Fire Chief Bruce Dixon and 9-11 Event Coordinator James Aldrich.

Dear Kim,

We thank you, Steve, Brian and all the folks at ASM/Aetna for supporting the 9-11 event this year in Bolton. Paramedic Chris Myska and EMT Tiffany George did an excellent job of representing your firm. On behalf of the Town of Bolton and a grateful Fire Department we also want to thank you and your team for all that you day in and day out to help the citizens of Bolton.

ASM Participates in Annual Charity Softball Tournament!

MANCHESTER — On Saturday September 15, 2018 Ambulance Service of Manchester employees returned to play in the 4th annual charity softball tournament against teams from Manchester Police Department and Manchester Fire Rescue EMS. Proceeds from the event benefit the Manchester Police Benevolent Association. Photos from the event can be viewed below!

 

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Matthew Burrell Completes Precepting Phase

MANCHESTER – As of September 2nd, 2018, ASM’s Matthew Burrell has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. His preceptors were Paramedic Supervisor Beth Sheils and Paramedic Dave White. Matthew was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in December, 2017. He offered the following sentiment regarding his time at ASM:

“I began working at ASM last December after completing Paramedic school at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston. I was immediately impressed by the professionalism and technical proficiency of my coworkers and have been proud to be part of a company where the EMT’s and Paramedics are held in such high regard throughout the EMS community. Over the past months of precepting, I benefitted greatly from the experience of both of my preceptors who have each worked in EMS for twenty years. I am honored to have been mentored by such capable Paramedics and look forward to utilizing the knowledge I have gained from them while providing ALS service to the communities that ASM covers.”

As with all precepting phases at ASM, Matthew’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing him and his preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Matthew the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

ASM On Hand at Farm Day 2018 at Fish Family Farm

BOLTON — On September 1st, 2018 EMTs Mikhail Uddin and Kylei Koehler, from the Ambulance Service of Manchester were on hand at Fish Family Farm for the Lutz Children’s Museum’s Farm Day 2018. The festival offered an animal petting zoo, live bluegrass music, hay rides, face painting and most importantly, farm fresh ice cream.

ASM performed a standby alongside Bolton Fire Department. The standby served a dual purpose as the children were able to take tours of both the ambulance and fire apparatus.

ASM’s Kayla Fortin Commissioned in Army National Guard

Ambulance Service of Manchester EMT Kayla Fortin has successfully earned her commission in the Army National Guard following successful completion of Officer Candidate School. On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to congratulate Lieutenant Fortin for this distinct honor. Please see below for graduation photos and a brief quote from Kayla.

“I enlisted in the Army National Guard two and a half years ago as an officer candidate with no prior service. Officer Candidate School was 18 months long and we have finally reached the end and become commissioned officers. I will be branching medical services and will go to school for this next year.”

 

Extreme Heat Warning

Occasionally we will share severe weather information consequential to public health, public safety and EMS response. Below is a warning issued by the National Weather Service.

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS

MORNING TO 9 PM EDT WEDNESDAY…

* HEAT INDEX VALUES…100 to 105 degrees.

* TIMING…Today and Wednesday.

* IMPACTS…The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during

outdoor exertion or extended exposure.

* LOCATION…Parts of the Connecticut River Valley and most of

eastern Massachusetts, especially in urban areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Take extra precautions, if you work or spend time outside. When

possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or

evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat

stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when

possible and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the occupational safety and

health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks

in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by

heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke

is an emergency, call 9 1 1.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in

vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during

warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal

temperatures in a matter of minutes.

ASM Participates in SW Journey Found Event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOUTH WINDSOR- On Thursday August 16th 2018, Ambulance Service of Manchester EMT’s Spenser Shirshac and Christopher Melite spent the afternoon enjoying the food and festivities at the Journey Found Summer Picnic at Nevers Park in South Windsor. The mission of Journey Found is “to provide behavioral, residential and other support services to individuals of Connecticut with pervasive developmental disorders and intellectual disabilities.” Spencer and Chris were able to interact with members while providing standby coverage for the event.

Aetna & ASM take in Yard Goats Game

HARTFORD- Employees from Aetna Ambulance Service and the Ambulance Service of Manchester joined together on Sunday August 5th to unwind with friends and family at the Hartford Yard Goats game. Tickets are available to crews, dispatch, and office personnel on a first come first serve basis for the upcoming game on Wednesday August 29th for those interested. Thank you to Rich Luma for the photos provided.

Aetna Participates in 18th Annual Cruisin’ on Main Street Event

MANCHESTER- On August 5th, 2018 ASM and Aetna’s lead in-house Mechanic, John Myles proudly attended Manchester’s 18th annual Cruisin’ on Main Street Event with our fully restored 1970 Aetna Cadillac Ambulance. With assistance from full time mechanics Haris and Greg, the vehicle was refurbished, shined and fired up to cruise down Main Street once again. The ambulance joined roughly 1000 other classic cars, trucks and street rods to help raise money for the Manchester Scholarship Foundation. Since 2001, the show has hosted over 14,000 vehicles and over 400,000 people have attended. As John explains, people of all ages enjoyed viewing the ambulance as the vehicle consistently drew a crowd.

 

A Breath of Fresh Air

 

Recently the Ambulance Service of Manchester placed Dräger Oxylog 3000+ transport ventilators into service, replacing the Oxylog 3000 transport ventilators. The Oxylog 3000+ enables the Ambulance Service of Manchester to continue to provide the highest level of patient care while increasing patient comfort thanks to Dräger‘s Autoflow function. Autoflow provides better patient/ventilator synchrony adjusting flow to the patients need.

ASM continues our dedication to providing cutting edge emergency medical care and our vision of putting gold standard clinical resources and equipment at the fingertips of our providers.

ASM Visits South Windsor KinderCare

MANCHESTER- On July 19, 2018 The Ambulance Service of Manchester was invited to attend a safety event at South Windsor KinderCare. Organized by the Center Director, the day encouraged kids to interact with EMS personnel in order to gain a sense of familiarity with first responders. ASM EMT’s Danielle Chowaniec and Chris Tevnan provided ambulance tours, posed for pictures and handed out coloring books to those in attendance.

Patient Thanks ASM Crew in Person

MANCHESTER- In mid-July, a patient recently treated by Paramedic Matt Traber, EMT Tracy Luetjen and student observer Briyanna Decaprio visited Ambulance Service of Manchester’s Headquarters after sending in the following request.

“I was in [an accident recently] after having a [medical emergency]. [I so badly want to meet the crew who responded to thank them]. My memory is so spotty and I was completely out of it but I can vaguely remember faces. What I will absolutely never forget was how incredibly compassionate everyone was.”

“I met the crew who helped me today and couldn’t be any more grateful for having the chance to do so. You guys are the best!! Thanks for all you’ve done for me and all you do for everyone else in the community.”

Photo and quotations appear with permission.

ASM’s Greg Derosier and Heather Marshall Receive Thank You Card

MANCHESTER- In late June 2018, ASM Paramedic Greg Derosier and EMT Heather Marshall received a handwritten card from a patient’s wife expressing her sincere gratitude for the service they provided. The card reads:

“I wish to thank you for the wonderful care and kindness shown to my husband when you transported him from [Hospital] to [Hospital]. You were both so considerate to myself and [my husband] and you helped to put a smile back on my face. Thank You! After talking to you both, I knew my husband was in the best of care.”

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Dave Tedeschi Completes Precepting Phase

MANCHESTER – As of June 13th, 2018, ASM’s David Tedeschi has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. His preceptors were Paramedic Supervisor Josh Traber and Paramedic Greg Derosier. Dave was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in December, 2011. He offered the following sentiment regarding his time at ASM:

I started working at ASM about 7 years ago. After spending time as an EMT, I wanted to do more in the medical field. I decided to enroll in the Capital Community College Paramedic Program and graduated this past December. I look forward to practicing medicine as a paramedic in the area that ASM covers. I want to thank my preceptors for their knowledge and guidance during my journey.

As with all precepting phases at ASM, his final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing him and his preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Dave the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.