Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Six – 2018

MANCHESTER — On June 25th, 2018 one Dispatcher, one Paramedic and four EMTs were added to the ASM team. As part of our continued growth, Aetna and ASM 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.


Jonathan Robarge: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. My name is Jonathan Robarge. I am 25 years old. I have been working in commercial EMS for 3 years as an EMT. I attended Capitol Community College to get my paramedic license for the last 18 months. During ride time, I spent a majority of my hours at ASM and was impressed with the feedback and teamwork of the crews I worked with. I am excited to grow as a paramedic in this company. In my off time, I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, traveling and boating with my wife and 9 month old yellow lab Epi.


Megan Stevenson: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Megan and I am 22 years old. I am an East Hartford resident and I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut. I am an active volunteer for the town of Glastonbury EMS and am eager to begin more work with ASM. I plan to graduate from UConn in the spring of 2019 and continue to work and gain experience in the medical field. Following my undergraduate degree, I hope to attend graduate school to pursue a career as a Physician’s Assistant.


Carolyn Edwards: FULL TIME, DISPATCHER. Hi my name is Carolyn Edwards, former full time EMT @ ASM for 5 years (03/2009-11/2014), currently joining the dispatch crew. Took a few general studies classes @ MCC. Interested in learning & getting back to action in the EMS field. Forever immensely grateful for all that has been done for me during my time away from EMS & for all of my teachers (EMS colleagues & coworkers, medical field professionals, professors & patients) that helped me arrive at the humbling truth of how much I had to learn & just how much I didn’t know. I look forward to learning dispatch & many more great times.


Chris Melite: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi! My name is Chris Melite and I am 27 years old. I grew up in the small town of Canton, CT and moved to Vernon, CT two years ago. I received my EMT-B certification from Code One early this year. I am an active member of the Town of Vernon Fire Department as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT. I graduated in 2014 from the University of New Haven with my bachelor’s degree.

In my free time I enjoy working out, hiking, camping, and SCUBA diving. I am very excited to pursue a career with the ASM team, and the opportunities that it presents.


Greg Cataford: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Greg Cataford. I have spent many years working in the service industry. Over the past year, I have been transitioning my focus and passions into the EMS field after completing my EMT certification through New Britain EMS Academy. I have been a full time volunteer at Glastonbury EMS during this time.

I aspire to obtain my paramedic license in the next two years.  I am looking forward to growing personally and professionally during my time at ASM.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Tom MacLean Completes Precepting Phase

MANCHESTER – As of June 9th, 2018, ASM’s Tom MacLean 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 Tim Lachappelle and Paramedic Scott Crittenden. Tom was hired at the Ambulance Service of Manchester in September, 2014. He offered the following sentiment regarding his time at ASM:

“I started at ASM nearly 4 years ago and quickly developed a passion for emergency medicine. I graduated from New Britain EMS Academy’s paramedic program this past January and look forward to the experience of working as a higher level provider. I must thank my preceptors for the incredible knowledge they helped instill upon me, as well as the many other coworkers who have supported me during this time. Thank you.”

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 Tom the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

ASM Participates in Local Food Drive

SOUTH WINDSOR- On Saturday June 10th, Ambulance Service of Manchester, South Windsor Police Department, and Masonic Lodge #88 joined forces to collect food and monetary donations at the annual South Windsor Food & Fuel Bank Drive. Donations were accepted at Geissler’s Supermarket and Stop & Shop. At the end of the day, 90 boxes of food (2300 items) went on the shelves along with $1478.83 in cash and gift cards.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered and to those that made contributions!

ASM Attends Veteran’s Recognition Event in Manchester

MANCHESTER- On Friday June 8th, 2018 Ambulance Service of Manchester EMTs Mikhail Uddin and Kayla Fortin attended a veteran’s recognition and flag retirement ceremony hosted by iCare’s Touchpoints at Manchester. The event marked the opening of the facility’s veteran care program, the first of its kind in the region for both short and long-term care. The flag retirement was conducted by veterans and first responders, a significant moment for Kayla, who is who is to receive her commission as a Medical Officer in the Army National Guard this coming August. To learn more about the event and what the program has to offer, please read the Hartford Courant article below.

Click Here

ASM Teaches CPR to Local Residents

MANCHESTER- On Thursday June 7, Ambulance Service of Manchester Paramedic and Education Supervisor Melissa Osborne and her EMS Instructor Class helped out the local community by teaching the American Heart Association HeartSaver CPR Training at the Mahoney Recreation Center.  Individuals of all ages attended and learned valuable lessons about CPR from both ASM and AETNA staff.  This class is offered on a yearly basis as part of National CPR & AED Awareness Week.

ASM Visits Pitkin Elementary School

MANCHESTER-On Friday May 18, Ambulance Service of Manchester EMTs, Orlando Diaz and Karisa Welch visited Pitkin Elementary for a Career Day. Groups of students ranging from first-graders to sixth-graders had the opportunity to learn more about the EMT profession in an engaging way. The day featured demonstrations of popular medical equipment and a tour of one of our ambulances.

 

ASM Puts New Paramedic Intercept Vehicle in Service

MANCHESTER — In late April, 2018 Ambulance Service of Manchester placed in service a new Paramedic Intercept vehicle. The 2018 Ford F-250 was outfitted with a custom shelving unit, emergency lights, high-visibility Batternburg pattern livery, and reflective rear chevrons.

The non-transporting EMS vehicle will be used primarily to maintain the continuity of day-to-day operations, respond to mass casualty incidents and support EMS staff in the field.

ASM Participates in Mock Crash Event in Somers

Ambulance Service of Manchester Paramedic Matt Traber and EMT Matthew Kleza teamed up with Somers Fire Department and Somers chapter of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) to partake in a Mock D.U.I. crash at the high school on Thursday, May 3rd, 2018. The goal of the event was to educate students, parents, and community members about the risks and consequences associated with unsafe driving practices, including driving under the influence. ASM assisted by demonstrating a few assessment and treatment techniques required following a motor vehicle accident.

ASM Host’s American Red Cross Blood Drive

MANCHESTER- On Tuesday May 1, 2018 Team ASM-Aetna hosted its first American Red Cross Blood Drive at  ASM’s headquarters. Numerous employees, friends, and family members participated in the day-long event. Program Manager and Coordinator Alissa Haight Aguda offered the following letter of appreciation to those involved.

“On behalf of the American Red Cross and the people we serve, I would like to personally thank you and all the employees at the Ambulance Service of Manchester for the support we received at our Tuesday May 1st 2018, blood drive.

We came close to our drive goal which was 25 units donated. At the drive we had 30 people register resulting in the collection of 21 units of blood. Excellent WORK! These units of blood will help save up to 63 lives and ensure a readily available supply of blood for CT hospital patients. You and your donors are true heroes!

Once again, it has been a pleasure working with you and I am extremely grateful to have your support of the Red Cross’ life saving mission.”

Alissa


Rebuilding Together- Work Day

MANCHESTER- On Saturday April 28th, 2018 close to 30 ASM employees, friends and family members participated in the Town of Manchester’s 26th Rebuilding Together Event. This “First-Responder Group” made up only a small portion of volunteers as nearly 1000 individuals registered for the work day. Part of a National non-profit organization, Rebuilding Together was formed with the goal of “bringing communities together in efforts to assist those in need of general home repair and improvements.” Teamed up with MPD and MFRE staff, ASM partakers tackled numerous projects ranging from replacing CO and Smoke Detectors to installing a mail box, cleaning up yards, and painting a large back deck. See below for pictures!

ASM Visits Manchester High School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MANCHESTER- On April 17th, 2018 Veteran Paramedic Greg Derosier spent the morning at Manchester High School’s Bentley Campus providing students with insight about pre-hospital medicine. Greg fielded questions about what it takes to become an EMT or Paramedic, offered tours of the ambulance and gave of brief demonstration of some ASM’s specialized equipment.

ASM Teams up with Bob’s Discount Furniture to benefit MACC Charities

MANCHESTER- On April 23, 2018 Ambulance Service of Manchester employees Chris Tevnan and Kaylyn Fuller joined forces with Manchester Area Conference of Churches for the first annual Bob’s Discount Furniture Food Drive. The event was coordinated by MACC Charities Director & CEO Beth Stafford. Animatronic Bob made an appearance while St. James students helped M.A.A.C. and ASM team members unload the donations.

Heartbreaking Loss of Former ASM Paramedic

It is with extreme sorrow that we relay this information. Elias Friedman, a former Paramedic with the Ambulance Service of Manchester for many years, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday Morning in New York City. After leaving ASM in 2008, Elias became a Paramedic for SeniorCare EMS in New York City, where he was still employed at the time of his passing. Elias married his wife Rivka this past May, and had his first child, Mayla Leah Friedman only a few days ago. As you’ll note in the article below, Elias has made a lasting impact on his community as an experienced Critical Care Paramedic and volunteer with Hatzalah of the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Despite leaving over a decade ago, his clever and compassionate persona will not soon be forgotten by coworkers and friends here at ASM.

Elias Friedman

ASM partakes in “Rebuilding Together” Event in Manchester

The Ambulance Service of Manchester is thrilled to announce that it has joined forces with the Town of Manchester Fire Department and Manchester Police Department for The Town’s 26th Rebuilding Together Event. Part of a National non-profit organization, Rebuilding Together was formed with the goal of “bringing communities together in efforts to assist those in need of general home repair and improvements.” On April 11th, ASM employees, and members of MPD and MFRE were sent out in small groups to perform home assessments during phase one of the endeavor. Each team compiled a list of projects in order to help streamline the workday on the 28th.

For more information on Rebuilding Together, please click here!