SOUTH WINDSOR – In early December, Aetna Ambulance received a hand written thank you letter addressed to Paramedic Ryan Gonska and EMT Cole Ashker. The note, as depicted below, is in regards to a transport completed a few days prior.
Just a short note to express my appreciation for 2 of your employees [Ryan] and Cole. [They] picked me up [at a] walk-in clinic [and brought me] to St. Francis Hospital. They were very professional and kind. All around good guys. Thank you.
ROCKY HILL — During early February 2016, Aetna Paramedic Ryan Gonska and his partner Logan Royale responded to a medical call in Rocky Hill. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Ryan wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to Saint Francis Hospital, activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#16-8644).
Rapid identification, treatment, and early notification (STEMI ALERT) is vital in the care of patients with cardiac emergencies such as ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. We hope the attached information is useful in the design and monitoring of your treatment strategies. — Saint Francis Hospital staff
SFH Cath Lab Patient Follow-Up Form
Treatment by EMS and Direct to SFH ED
EMS Agency: Aetna Ambulance
Indication: STEMI
First Medical Contact (FMC) (at pt side) 16:13 elapse: 00:00
EMS 12 Lead Acquisition Time: 16:17 elapse: 00:04
EMS STEMI Alert Request Time (source: cmed): 16:37 elapse: 00:20
EMS 12 Lead Transmit Rec’d Time (source: Lifenet): 16:19 elapse: 00:02
Arrival Time (SFHED): 16:51 elapse: 00:14
Cath Lab Arrival Time (SFH): 17:13 elapse: 00:22
Procedure Start Time: 17:28 elapse: 00:15
Vessel Angiography Findings / Treatment: 3V Dz; Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Consult.
Comments: Patient went MD office due to prolonged chest pain and shortness of breath; APRN performed EKG and administered Aspirin; No first medical contact time, so EMS times utilized- EMS dispatched 16:05 on scene 16:10. Transport 16:31. EMS performed 12-lead; STEMI Center activation at 16:37. Cath lab notified prior to arrival of patient. Patient required emergent coronary artery bypass graft instead of stents.
HARTFORD — On December 12, 2013, three EMTs and one Paramedic were added to the Aetna 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.
Samuel Dybdahl: PART TIME, EMT. My name is Samuel Dybdahl and I’m 26 years old. I am just completing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and seek to further my career in Emergency Medicine. I have been a combat medic and healthcare specialist in the military since 2008 with one deployment to Afghanistan. I enjoy helping others and furthering my knowledge within the medical field; I would like to pursue a paramedic program in the near future. In my spare time I often compete in physical activities including Duathlon/Triathlons, road races and weight lifting.
Ryan Gonska: FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Ryan Gonska and I am 23 years old from Torrington, CT. I am a volunteer with Harwinton West Side Fire Dept. and Harwinton Ambulance. I started at Harwinton Ambulance as an explorer when I was 15. I received my EMT in 2008. Shortly after, I got hired as an ER Tech at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital while I was attending classes for the AEMT. Four years later I made the decision to get my Paramedic. I graduated from Capitol Community College in 2012 and I have been working as a paramedic for the past year. In the near future I hope to get my EMSI and start teaching. I am considering going back to school in the to pursue a degree in respiratory therapy or nursing. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, golfing, fishing, and hiking. I am very excited to join the Aetna family.
Steve Spaderna: PART TIME, EMT. My name is Steve Spaderna and I am a new EMT! Prior to attaining my EMT certification I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biology from CCSU. I worked for about five years in genomic research as part of a team that was looking at human gene expression for potential drug targets. Then deciding I didn’t want to be stuck in a lab all the time, I spent about seven years working as a drug rep for large pharmaceutical companies. During my time as a drug rep I became increasingly interested in patient healthcare. I just didn’t feel fulfilled in my last occupation, so I made the decision to go back to school with the goal of eventually becoming a physician assistant. Over the last couple years I have been getting pre-requisite credits done while interning at a doctor’s office for required clinical hours. Physician Assistant programs are extremely competitive and difficult to get into, but I am hoping to eventually get accepted. Personally, I am kind of a science nerd and enjoy learning about anything and everything. I watch Discovery and The Learning Channel a lot (Untold Stories of the ER!) and I have a passion for science fiction. For an interesting combination, I also happen to be really into weightlifting. I am super excited to be part of the Aetna team and I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a patient advocate!
Kat Stewart: FULL TIME, EMT. I’m a new EMT I finished the Hartford Hospital EMT program in July. This is something I have wanted to do since high school but I never had the chance. So after I graduated college and worked a few different jobs I finally made my chance happen and absolutely fell in love. I aspire to one day go to paramedic school. At the age of almost 26 I can finally say I’m on the right career path. I’m very excited to be part of the Aetna team and look forward to seeing you on the road.