Tag Archives: Hartford Hospital

Aetna Ambulance Celebrates 75 Years

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Aetna Ambulance Service is extremely honored to be celebrating 75 years of service in the city of Hartford. Founded in 1945 by Howard and Herman Grady, Aetna Ambulance arose in response to the Ringling Brothers Circus fire that occurred in Hartford on July 6, 1944, claiming 138 souls.

The Grady Family was deeply moved by the loss of life as a result of this catastrophe, therefore they recognized a need for a full-time ambulance company. It is very likely that given the expanse of this tragedy, the community wanted to prevent it from ever happening again. Aetna Ambulance was started and was run out of the Grady family home and the flower shop on Wethersfield Avenue. It was common for the Grady gentlemen to be called out of family events, holiday dinners, and in the middle of bad weather or snowstorms to assist the local residents. They felt a very deep desire to help others in need, so they also went out into the community to teach first aid classes as well as sitting on the EMS Advisory board.

Now that being said, much has happened in the past 75 years, even the last 15 years. We would not be here today if it wasn’t for our dedicated employees. It is a point of pride for Aetna employees that the company has such a rich history.

Happy Birthday Aetna Ambulance Service

Aetna Appears On Local News

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HARTFORD, Conn. – When Aetna Ambulance EMT Ray Berwick realized his partner Chris Cabral was suffering a stroke last month, he quickly rushed his partner to Hartford Hospital, where the trauma team immediately operated on Cabral.

Cabral had a blood clot near his carotid artery, according to WTIC.

Cabral said suffering the stroke while in the ambulance was a bit like winning the lottery.

“He recognized something wasn’t right,” Cabral said of his partner Berwick. “I was inches away from dying and my partner saved my life.”

Berwick has been working alongside Cabral for the past two and a half years.

“Just seeing him walking around and knowing how lucky it is, it’s awesome,” he said.

In a ceremony Berwick was recognized for his quick thinking, along with the team at Hartford Hospital.

“The role that first responders play is truly, truly lifesaving,” said Jeffrey Flaks, the president of Hartford Healthcare, at the ceremony.

Cabral is undergoing physical therapy but Hartford Hospital neurologists said they expect him to make a full recovery. Cabral noted he hopes to be riding with Berwick in their ambulance again sometime in the spring.

For Full FOX 61 Video Click Here

Praise for Aetna Paramedics

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Aetna Ambulance Service Paramedics Dan Hope Emma Becroft were recognized yesterday by Hartford Hospital for their outstanding performance while assessing and transporting a patient in late August. While in the midst of the precepting process, Dan and Emma responded to a call in the city. Their assessment included a 12-lead EKG which was indicative of a STEMI. The crew wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Hartford Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. Both team members received jackets from the Hartford Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute (displayed above). Please join Aetna in congratulating Emma and Dan.

“Just Keep Looking At The One!”

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HARTFORD –  On December 10, 2016, Aetna Ambulance received a letter from Hartford Hospital’s Management Team, regarding the exceptional actions of Paramedic, Nick Foran. After noticing his kind gesture (depicted below), Karen Teixeira, a triage nurse, drafted a letter to the Hospital’s Management Team. Her letter prompted an outpouring of gratitude and self reflection from Danette Alexander, Nurse Director of Emergency Services. Read both the letter and note below.

The letter from Karen Teixeira:

A medic from Aetna brought in a homeless man tonight that was seen and  released.  Later, this medic came up to me asking where the patient was; I looked in the tracker and told him that it looked like the patient had been discharged. He was disappointed.  He then told me that the patient was homeless and that all of his clothes were wet, especially his gloves. I noticed the pair of gloves in this medic’s hand.  I asked him if they were for the patient, he said they were. I told him that he may be in the waiting room because we typically allow homeless patients to stay in the reception area if the weather is cold.  He proceeded to look in the waiting room and found the patient. He was relieved that he was able to find the gentleman to give him a pair of dry gloves so that he wouldn’t get frost bite.

The note from Danette:

This is a beautiful story.

I believe it is our mission:  To help.  To help in any way we can.  It is not a little thing to allow the homeless a warm shelter—even for just a few hours.

The empathy shown by this medic was not a little thing.

It is the only thing.

I try to learn each day so I can be a better person.  Not just for me or my family, not just for all of you but I try to be better so I can help those who need us most.

Sometime it is overwhelming to look at all the people who need us. It is often daunting to the ED; the needs of all the service lines and the patients who makeup each of these patient populations.   It is disheartening to listen to feedback from people that feel we fell short of their expectations.

Yes, we can be better.  There is always room for improvement (I am the first to admit that I can be better).

But you need to know how proud I am of all of you and the work you do every day.  Try not to be overwhelmed.  We will help each patient.  One at a time and do the best we can.

Mother Teresa said, “If I look at the mass, I will never act.  If I look at the one, I will.”

Just keep looking at the one.  We will be ok.

“Although I was nervous and upset, they helped to calm me…”

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kenya-letter-of-praise-092016

MANCHESTER – In late September Ambulance Service of Manchester received a letter of praise for Paramedic Kenya Russell and her EMT partner Robert Grzywinski from a patient they transported during an inter-facility transfer.

 The letter reads:

“I would like to take this opportunity to let you know the two people who transported me from Windham Hospital to Hartford Hospital on [Date in August] were wonderful to me.

Although I was nervous and upset, they helped to calm me, and put me at ease.

If I remember, the lady’s name was Kenya.  She asked me what kind of music I wanted to hear.  I said off the top of my head Vienna Waltzes and low and behold she played a [song] which made me smile.

Those two people are certainly in the right line of work.  I will never forget their kindness.”

 

Artist Sends Aetna a Picture with his Two ‘Top Guns’

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Julio Artist with Thepsiri and Basora

(L to R): Eric Thepsiri, Julio Henriques, Jason Basora.

HARTFORD — In October 2015 Aetna received a photograph from Artist Julio Henriques of him standing in Bridgeport Burn Center with an Aetna Ambulance crew he called his two ‘Top Guns’.

On October 18th Mr. Henriques was burned on his hands, arms and face while cooking; a 911 call in South Windsor that was responded to by Ambulance Service of Manchester paramedics. Henriques, who has been working with his hands as an artist since 1961, was transported to Hartford Hospital. Due to the sensitivity of the areas involved, he was treated and then transferred by Aetna Ambulance’s Eric Thepsiri and Jason Basora to Bridgeport for burn care.

Mr. Henriques was very taken with the Aetna crew who transported him, also describing them as top shelf, sharp, attentive, sincere, disciplined, and pros. He wanted to share his thanks and the picture with all involved.

An example of Julio Henriques’ work from 1991 during Desert Storm:

Julio Henriques Drawing from 1991

Note: All personal and medical information contained herein appears with the express permission of the patient.

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 14

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Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabSTAFFORD — During June 2015, ASM Paramedics Jonathan Lentini, and Greg Derosier responded to a medical call in Stafford with Stafford Ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Jon wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Hartford Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-46694). The following are comments provided by Hartford Hospital’s Dr. Marcin Dada with some acronyms and patient information removed:

Today’s STEMI: Stafford to Hartford Hospital TOTAL Ischemia time 73 min !!!

Congratulations everyone!!!

This patient was brought from Stafford to HH by ASM and Stafford Ambulance (pre hospital ECG was sent and communicated to the ED attending: Drs. Dufel/Price and Cath Lab was activated).

Highlight:   We utilized the quick registration where the EMS team was met at the triage and the patient was brought straight to the Cath Lab.

In a nut shell:

STEMI Stafford to HH 2 STEMI Stafford to HH1) HH D2B Time = 30 min

2) Total Ischemia Time =  73 min  (goal <90 min [1st Medical Contact in the field to Open Artery Time in the Cath Lab]

3) 100% mid-RCA –> 2 DES (TIMI III Flow)

In particular, we would like to recognize the following teams:

1) HH Cath Team – Dr Hirst; D. Jordan, T Schrimer

2) HH ER Team – Drs Dufel, Price and Tilden, and the rest of the clinical team (I am sure we missed many as this was a quick triage)

3) EMS team : G. Derosier and J. Lentini and the Stafford crew.

Strong Work.

Regards,

Marcin Dada, MD

Co-Director, CPC

Manager, Structural Heart Program

Manager, Cardiovascular Data Management Center

Manager, Preventive Cardiology and Cardiac Rehab

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 13

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Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabHARTFORD — During April 2015, ASM Paramedic David White and his AEMT partner, Al Pardi, responded to a medical call in Stafford with Stafford Ambulance. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Dave wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Hartford Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#15-29463). The following are comments provided by Hartford Hospital’s Dr. Marcin Dada with some acronyms and patient information removed:

Congratulations everyone on a great care of this antero-lateral STEMI pt last Sunday.

STEMI Ambulance Service of Manchester Pre-hospital EKG TransmissionThis patient was brought to HH by ASM (prehospital ECG was sent and communicated to the ED attending: Dr. Herbst)

While in the ER, patient arrested with return of spontaneous circulation… and was brought to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

In a nut shell:

1) HH D2B Time = 77 min (off hrs, Sun 3 AM)

1) STEMI Total Ischemia Time = 115 min

In particular, we would like to recognize the teams involved:

1) HH Team – Dr Hirst, Engles and the Cath Lab team – W. Arcisz, D. Jordan, F. Natale.

STEMI Ambulance Service of Manchester Pre-hospital EKG Transmission B2) HH ER Team – Dr Herbst, and Snyder, and the ED team: M. Moquin, D, Phillips, S. Ferri.

3) and last but not least : ASM and Stafford Ambulance

Strong Work.

Regards,

Marcin Dada, MD

Co-Director, CPC

Hartford Hospital

“The crew came totally prepared and handled the patient with compassion”

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Adam Fine

ASM’s Adam Fine

ASM Crew: Adam Fine and Michael Hoyt

From a thank you note sent via email on May 3, 2015:

I want to take a minute to commend the crew that did a transfer the evening of 4/17/15 from Hartford Hospital to Hospital for Special Care in New Britain.

The elderly patient was extremely apprehensive and had breathing difficulties.  The crew came totally prepared and handled the patient with compassion and offered her a level of reassurance that made her more relaxed and less anxiety ridden. They even extended concern to the family as to whether they were familiar with the driving route to get to the new location.

Michael Hoyt

ASM’s Michael Hoyt

Again, often these acts of professionalism and kindness go unrecognized.  Just want to make sure the crew along with all emergency medical professionals know that they are appreciated.

Best regards,

SK

(family member of patient from #15-29135)

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Samuel Dybdahl Completes Precepting Phase

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HARTFORD –  As of March 18, 2015, Aetna’s Samuel Dybdahl has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Sam’s preceptor was Paramedic Matt Campbell. 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, Sam’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing him and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Sam has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, is a nationally registered Paramedic and received training as an Army Critical Care Flight Paramedic from University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX. He  is a combat medic and healthcare specialist in the military since 2008 with one deployment to Afghanistan. Sam says he enjoys helping others and furthering his knowledge within the medical field. In his spare time he often competes in Duathlon/Triathlons, road races and weight lifting.

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

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Terrence Wain Completes Precepting Phase

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HARTFORD –  As of February 3, 2015, Aetna’s Terrence “TJ” Wain has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

TJ’s preceptor was Paramedic Jennifer Pasquale. 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, TJ’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing Terrence and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

TJ started at Aetna as an EMT-Basic in 2014 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. Initially from Waterbury, TJ resides in Wolcott and volunteers for the fire department there.  A graduate of University of New Haven with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, he was President of the New Haven Alumni Association until attending Paramedic school at Capital Community College. TJ actively DJs events and stays fit through cross-fit and other endurance activities.  

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

Hartford Hospital ED Presents Plaque Dedicated to Aetna and the Grady Family

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HARTFORD —  A plaque commemorating Aetna Ambulance and the company’s founding family, the Grady’s, was unveiled at a June 11, 2014 ceremony at Hartford Hospital’s Emergency Department. The plaque hangs in the ambulance triage area.

Remarks thanking the Grady Family and Aetna Ambulance for their contribution to EMS in the area were made by Chief Emergency Physician Dr. Jeff Finkelstein. Ms. Diane Evans, the daughter of Howard and Ethel Grady, was on hand to represent the family and accept the plaque. Photos and light refreshments followed.

Learn more about the history of Aetna Ambulance and the Grady family here…

High Praise for Manchester Fire Rescue EMS and ASM Team

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MFRE ASMMANCHESTER — On March 30, 2014 a crew from ASM responded with Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS (MFRE)’s Truck 2 to a complaint of difficulty breathing. The patient responded to ASM’s satisfaction survey and had glowing things to say about the entire team: MFRE Truck 2’s Mike, Tim (paramedic), Jim and Angelo and ASM’s Bobbi Basque and Lauren Mathiau.

The patient answered “Strongly Agree” to all 16 clinical-based satisfaction questions. When asked to use a word to describe the team, the patient wrote “Professional.” The patient was brought directly to the Cardiac Catherization lab at Hartford Hospital.

The patient then hand wrote the following comments: “Thanks to Manchester Fire Rescue and the ASM people…they saved my life. As soon as [EMS] came in they made the decision to get me in the ambulance and moving to the hospital and had the hospital ready. Doctor said ten more minutes and I would not be here. They kept me alive, took me to the right place, in time and the Hospital took it from there. What can I say? Thank you to the people that provided the service and especially [the EMS team]. Time was short and they made the right decision and knew what they were doing. Again, thank you for saving my life.”

-#14-26976

Aetna at Hartford Hospital’s ‘Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work’ Day

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HARTFORD — On April 24, 2014 an Aetna Ambulance crew was on hand at Hartford Hospital to participate in their annual Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day. Aetna’s Paul Ferri and Collin Whalen gave tours of the ambulance, showed EMS gear and supplies and spoke about the daily life of an EMS Provider.

High Praise for ASM’s Mike Levasseur

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Mike Levasseur - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

Mike Levasseur – Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

“I am an employee at Windham Hospital, and I have worked here for 11 years. Over this past weekend we had an emergent transfer from our Emergency Department to Hartford Hospital’s ED. The patient had a severe head injury, and your team was very quick to respond. This is not where my praise ends. The reason of my note is to thank and bring to attention to one of your medics.

“This medic was as always professional and easy to work with. What I want to point out is that the Medic took time out to speak to the patient’s parents (with consent). It wasn’t just a, “Hey, I’ll meet you in Hartford”. What he did was explain to the parents that the patient was stable and that he (the medic) [could continue to] keep him stable. Not only did he reassure the parents…he also emphasized the need for them to try to stay calm, drive safely, because the roads were less than favorable. This Medic’s name is Mike Levasseur. I would just like to extend my thanks, and observance of his nature to go above and beyond. I am proud to be associated with such upstanding EMS professionals.”

-JM, Windham Hospital staff.