Tag Archives: Hartford Hospital

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s David Kemp Completes Precepting Phase

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Hartford Hospital's Mike Zacchera (L) and David Kemp (R)

Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera (L) and David Kemp (R)

HARTFORD – As of August 7, 2013, Aetna’s David Kemp has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

David’s preceptor was Matthew 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, David’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.

David currently lives in Collinsville, CT, where he volunteers for the town Fire and EMS department. He became an EMT in 2009 while studying physical therapy and holistic health at the Eastern Connecticut State University/University of Connecticut. He earned his paramedic license in the fall of 2012 through Capital Community College and hopes to eventually earn a bachelors degree in nursing.

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

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Mitch Karr Completes Precepting Phase

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Mitch Karr - Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.

(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.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s David Noyes Completes Precepting Phase

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(L to R): Hartford Hospital's Mike Zacchera and David Noyes

(L to R): Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera and David Noyes

HARTFORD – As of June 19, 2013, Aetna’s David (DJ) Noyes has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

David’s preceptor was Preston Ryzak. 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, DJ’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.

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

Meet the Newest Members of the Aetna Team: Aetna Hires Five

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HARTFORD — On April 11, 2013, three EMTs and two Paramedics were added to the Aetna team. As part of our continued growth ASM and Aetna 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.

Adam Beschele: PART TIME, EMT. My name is Adam Beschle I’m 23 years old and I’m from Bethel CT. I started out in EMS my senior year of high school back in 2006 with Bethel Vol. Fire and EMS.  I got my EMT in 2008 and started working in 2008 with a management staffing organization in Southbury.  In the beginning of 2011 I started working for a commercial ambulance service in the western part of the state. Currently I am in Paramedic school at Capital in Hartford. In my spare time I go snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, pretty much anything that keeps me outside and active. I have a three year-old daughter named Kiya. I am an Infantryman in the Army National Guard and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009-2010 with the 1-102 INF from CT. I look forward to meeting the Aetna team, continuing my education, and gaining more experience.

Mitchell Karr:  FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Mitchell Karr, I am originally from California but migrated east with my family. I began my career in EMS by volunteering for a fire department in my home town. There I realized I was more interested in the patient care aspect of firefighting, and enrolled in Goodwin College’s Paramedic Program where I graduated in December of 2012. I work part time on an ambulance in East Windsor, CT and have spent the last year working at Hartford Hospital’s Emergency Department as an ER Tech. I am looking forward to, and eager to learn the valuable information and life skills that Aetna and all of its employees have to offer. Someday, I hope to make it back to the west coast and further my career in healthcare by becoming a mid-level or an MD.

David Kemp:     FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Dave Kemp. I am 25 years old, and I currently live in Collinsville, CT, where I volunteer for the town Fire and EMS department. I became an EMT in 2009 while I was studying physical therapy and holistic health at the Eastern Connecticut State University/University of Connecticut. In the spring of 2011, I started working as an AEMT for an EMS Management Service Organization. I earned my paramedic in the fall of 2012 through Capital Community College. Eventually I would like to return to school and work towards earning a bachelors degree in nursing. In my free time I enjoy playing baseball, hiking, kayaking, and skiing. I am excited to join the Aetna Ambulance team, and I look forward to working with everyone.

Joshua Pearson:     PART TIME, EMT. My name is Joshua Pearson I am 23 years old and have lived in Vernon, Connecticut almost my whole life. I graduated from Rockville High School in 2008 at which point I joined the United States Navy, where I worked as a cryogenics technician. I was stationed on the USS George Washington (CVN-73) in Yokosuka, Japan. While on board the George Washington I did three deployments and traveled to seven different countries. My favorite three places I traveled were Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. I enjoyed traveling to different countries because it gives you a perspective of other cultures that you would not normally be able to experience. I have also been a member of the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department since 2006 where I became interested in the medical field. I am a new EMT and am looking forward to starting my career at Aetna Ambulance. My future plan is to heighten my skills as an EMT and in time pursue my paramedic. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, kayaking and generally being outdoors.

Paul van Duinen:      PART TIME, EMT. My name is Paul van Duinen. I started working in EMS about 18 months ago for a commercial company in the greater New Haven area. This is where I realized that I really enjoy the work and wanted to expand my contact with the people that need our help.  I’m very excited to be part of the Aetna team. I look forward to expanding my experience and sharpening my skills while being able to help others. I’m looking forward to a career in EMS. I have an associate degree from Middlesex Community College and hope to attend nursing school in the future. My wife and I have three children. A daughter and two sons. Between the three they take up a lot of time, but time well spent. After that, relaxation comes from mountain biking, skiing, cooking and even doing yard work. I look forward to working with this new group of people since I have heard nothing but the best about them and Aetna Ambulance.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Sean Piscopiello Completes Precepting Phase

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Sean Piscopiello - Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.

(L to R): Hartford Hospital’s Greg Berryman and Sean Piscopiello

HARTFORD – As of April 5, 2013, Aetna’s Sean Piscopiello 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, Sean’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital via Greg Berryman after shadowing Sean and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Sean is 27 years old and spent four years in the Army as a cavalry scout with two deployments to Iraq. He became an EMT in 2008 and has worked full time since then. He is a graduate of Hartford Hospital’s Paramedic Program.

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

Praise for ASM’s Heather Digirolamo and Cody Lemire

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Cody Lemire - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLCIn a letter dated February 20, 2013, a patient’s daughter wrote the following:

With this letter, I would like to express my gratitude to Heather D. and Cody L., who transported my father from Hartford Hospital to our home on February 13th. My father is very ill, and they both did everything possible to make him feel comfortable during the ride home. I am impressed with how considerate and caring they were.Heather DiGirolamo - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC

Our family has had a lot of experience with medical staff and services, and Heather and Cody really stood out with their personal and professional qualities. I am so grateful for people like them who make the world a better place and wanted to make sure that I express my appreciation. They truly made a difference for my family and me that day. Thank you for much from the bottom of my heart.

– [Patient’s Daughter] #13-13896

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 5

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Kudos from the Cath Lab

Kudos from the Cath Lab

Field Care: The story says it all… Sunday 8:00 am. According to Aetna Ambulance Service Supervisor Paramedic Joyce Valentukonis:

  1. Assigned to Aetna 201, Alpha/Monitor 6,
  2. The 12-lead was transmitted with success and then a radio patch notifying of a STEMI alert was given.
  3. Just prior to arriving the patient went into cardiac arrest.
  4. The patient was resuscitated upon arrival of parking lot (eyes open and talking). In the hallway, patient went into cardiac arrest again.
  5. As of today: patient is extubated and talking.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): EMS-to-balloon time: 61 minutes.

The patient’s spouse returned a Patient Satisfaction Survey with perfect scores and a note that says, “Thank you for saving my husband’s life.”

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Taylor Salva Completes Precepting Phase

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Aetna's Taylor Salva

Taylor Salva is congratulated by Hartford Hospital’s Greg Berryman

HARTFORD – As of November 1, 2012, Aetna’s Taylor Salva has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

His preceptor was Robert Velletri. 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, Taylor’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing Taylor and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Taylor is a new, full time Paramedic who graduated from Capital Community College one year ago. He has lived in the New London/Groton area all his life, until he, his wife, daughter and step daughter recently moved to Griswold. He enjoys boating, fishing and shooting. He has worked as an EMT basic, a firefighter, and ER technician for some time now and is excited to start his paramedic career.

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

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Rory Leslie Completes Precepting Phase

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ASM's Rory Leslie with East Hartford Daisy Scouts

ASM's Rory Leslie with East Hartford Daisy Scouts

MANCHESTER – As of May 23, 2012, ASM’s Rory Leslie 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 Supervisors Vinnie Maston and Beth Sheils. 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, Rory’s final approval came from ECHN after shadowing Rory and his preceptor (by proxy) in the field as they responded to emergency calls. Continue reading →

Schedule of EMS Week 2012 Events and Activities

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EMS Week 2012

Sunday, May 20th 

  • 0700: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.
  • 1100-1400: Windham Hospital EMS, Open House and BBQ.
  • 1200-1600: First Responders Appreciation Picnic and Media Day, West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford.
  • 1500: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.
  • 2300: Hartford Hospital EMS Room: Fresh fruit available.
Monday, May 21st
  • 0800: Morning Coffee and Breakfast Treats at Manchester Memorial and Rockville General Hospital EMS Rooms.
  • 0800-1400: Hartford Hospital (Conklin Building) 3rd Annual STEMI Conference, Lunch to be served.
  • 1000: CT EMS Council Awards Ceremony, Legislative Office Building Room 1D, space is limited.
  • 1730: Late Afternoon Snack at Manchester Memorial and Rockville General Hospital EMS Rooms. Continue reading →

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 4

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ASM Aetna Paramedics operate LifePak 15 cardiac-monitors

MANCHESTER — On May 17, 2012, ASM Paramedic Supervisor Robert O’Neil wirelessly transmitted a 12-lead EKG to Hartford Hospital in order to precipitate a field activation of the cardiac catheterization lab.

The transmission, which flows through a purpose-specific modem stored externally on the LifePak 15 cardiac monitor, draws the attention of the ED physician, interventionalist and cardiologist and most often results in the patient being conveyed from the field directly into the care of the cardiac staff in the cath lab.

This particular patient was in cardiogenic shock as partially manifested by bradycardia.

The following is excerpted from an email from Dr. Marcin Dada, Associate Director of the Chest Pain Center, Hartford Hospital:  Continue reading →

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Ashley Harkins Completes Precepting Phase

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Aetna's Ashley Harkins and Hartford Hospital's Mike Zacchera

Aetna's Ashley Harkins and Hartford Hospital's Mike Zacchera

HARTFORD – As of April 26, 2012, Aetna’s Ashley Harkins has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Ashley’s preceptor was Paramedic Preston Ryzak. 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, Ashley’s final approval came from the Hartford Hospital EMS/Trauma Coordinator who shadowed Ashley and her preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

On behalf of the Aetna Family, we welcome our newest Paramedic, Ashley Harkins and would like to wish her the best of luck. We are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 3

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Kudos from the Cath Lab

Kudos from the Cath Lab

(Content that follows is excerpted from an email from the Hartford Hospital cardiac team…)

Great job everyone.

I though you would like to know that today’s STEMI times were as follows:

Door to Balloon Time – 36 minutes

EMS to Balloon time – 69 minutes

The system-organized response was initiated in the field (town withheld) where the pre-hospital ECG was transmitted by AETNA Ambulance to the Hartford Hospital Emergency Department and then forwarded to the Cath Lab (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory). Many should be congratulated, in particular:

  1. Drs. McKay and Almahasnen and the Cath Lab team (A. Almeida, R. Fisher, E. Letoutneau)
  2. Drs. Smally, Sullivan and the ED team (C. Urso, A. Mugovero)
  3. Last but not least, the AETNA Paramedics Ashley Harkins and Preston Ryzak for timely ECG interpretation and transmission. Continue reading →

Aetna Promotes Terry Perry to Field Training Officer (FTO)

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Aetna's Terry Perry

Aetna's Terry Perry

HARTFORD — On April 11, 2012 Aetna Ambulance Service promoted Terry Perry from within its EMT ranks to the post of Field Training Officer: FTOs are utilized primarily to train newly hired employees in the performance of their duties as EMTs.

Terry was hired by the Grady family to work for Aetna in September 2006 as an Emergency Medical Technician. He has worked in the EMS field for 16 years including in the Emergency Department at Hartford Hospital, and truly enjoys what he does. He subsequently worked for the hospital in the Continuing/EMS Education Department. Continue reading →

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Matt Carter Completes Precepting Phase

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Aetna's Matt Carter
(L to R): Aetna’s Robert Velletri and Matt Carter, Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera

HARTFORD — As of March 28, 2012, Aetna’s Matt Carter has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

His preceptor was Paramedic Robert Velletri. The full precepting phase can Continue reading →