Hartford Police Officer and Former EMT for ASM, John Marvin, Dies in Car Accident

Funeral Procession for John MarvinJohn Marvin, 28, died in a car accident in the early morning hours of January 27, 2012. John was an Emergency Medical Technician for the Ambulance Service of Manchester from 2008-2009 prior to his selection as a police officer for Hartford Police Department. Our heart goes out to the Marvin family. We also extend our condolences to the Hartford Police Department who lost a family member and friend.

Donations to John’s family can sent to “The Patrol Officer John Marvin Memorial Fund” at the Greater Hartford Police Credit Union, 50 Jennings Road, Hartford, CT 06120. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Jack E. Marvin Scholarship Fund c/o Peoples United Bank, 40 Wells St. Glastonbury, CT 06033. More detailed information about making a donation in the Manchester Patch article here…

Photo’s of the funeral service are available on the Journal Inquirer website…

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Meet the Team: Aetna’s Kevin Mathiau

Kevin Mathiau

Aetna's Kevin Mathiau

HARTFORD — Kevin Mathiau has been an EMT with Aetna Ambulance since March of 2011.  He is a Veteran of the United States Navy serving as a Second Class Petty Officer (E-5) Hospital Corpsman for eight years.  His first four years he served with the Marines in Camp Lejuene, North Carolina, doing everything from emergency medicine to clinical medicine, and earning numerous awards while with the Marines. Continue reading

Aetna’s Matt Campbell and Kevin Mathiau Receive Top Scores

Matt Campbell

Aetna's Matt Campbell

HARTFORD — On December 17, 2011 Aetna Ambulance crew members Matt Campbell and Kevin Mathiau responded to an Advanced Life Support request in one of Aetna and ASM’s “mutual aid” towns.

As per normal practice, within two weeks the patient was randomly selected to receive a Patient Satisfaction Survey. The patient promptly sent back a glowing response on the care she received. So glowing that it needed to be shared.  Continue reading

Aetna and ASM Adopt Full Battenburg Visibility Design

ASM Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance in Battenburg

ASM Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance in Battenburg

MANCHESTER — In an effort to further our use of cutting edge research in vehicle visibility design, ASM and Aetna have elected to adopt “full Battenburg” design on our newly added Mercedes Sprinter ambulances.

Aetna Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance in Battenburg

Aetna Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance in Battenburg

Since purchasing the first Dodge Sprinters from American Emergency Vehicles in 2009 we have utilized a custom-made smaller-block “Sillitoe marking” design with 4 x 4 inch retro-reflective blocks (as seen in the picture on our mast-head above).

Research has shown that larger blocks are even more effective in signaling their presense to the naked eye while the vehicle is in motion. Continue reading

Autism Awareness for First Responders: EMS and Caring for the Autistic Child

by Bryan Platt

Autism Awareness for First RespondersPicture it. EMS providers are dispatched to care for an ill or injured child at a special needs school and upon arrival find a challenge that is new and different for them; the child is non-verbal and Autistic. As clinicians, how should they  appropriately communicate with the patient? How should they perform an assessment and render appropriate care? Continue reading

Meet the Newest Members of the Aetna Team

Jordan S joins Aetna TeamHARTFORD — On January 6, 2012 three Paramedics and one EMT 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. Continue reading

Aetna Crew Receives High Praise as “Local Heroes”

Aetna Ambulance Responds: Charter Oak Landing

Aetna Ambulance Responds: Charter Oak Landing

(From June 2011): Who are your heroes and why?

When asked this question, some choose historical figures like Lincoln. Some pick fictional characters such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Some point to family members. Others select athletes.

Perhaps we should redefine heroes by the way they behave, the legacy they leave, and the difference they make every day in the real world.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the local heroes of Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. for the assistance they offered my husband, Douglas Zimmerman. Read the full article here…

Top Ten Story of 2011: EMS Response to Springfield, MA Tornado

ASM in staging in Springfield, MA following tornado

ASM in staging in Springfield, MA following tornado

The EMS response to the June tornado that struck Springfield, MA was highlighted as one of the Top Ten Stories of 2011 by Tolland Patch. Tolland Fire Department as well as many other Tolland County fire departments, EMS agencies and ASM responded to Springfield and Munson, MA to assist victims and provide other rescue services. Read the full story here…

Bolton Girl Scouts Learn About a Day in the Life of a Paramedic

LifeStar, Stafford Fire and Ambulance and ASMContents of a thank you card sent to an ASM Paramedic Unit crew: 

Dear Sue and Brian: Thank you for a great presentation to the girls of Troop 10664! It was fun learning about your work, the tools of the trade, the ambulance itself, and seeing your energy and commitment to helping other and saving lives.  Continue reading