Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Ashley Linardo Completes Precepting Phase

Ashley LinardoMANCHESTER –  As of June 28, 2016, ASM’s Ashley Linardo has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. Her preceptors were Paramedics Mike Levasseur and Dave White and Paramedic Supervisor Tim LaChappelle and Beth Sheils.

Ashley started at ASM in October of 2015 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program.  She started off in the medical field five years ago as a Patient Care Technician and a volunteer firefighter.

As with all precepting phases at ASM, Ashley’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing her and her preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

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

NEWS ALERT – Aetna Responds to I-91 Exit 26 for Motor Vehicle Accident

Photo credit: CT State Police Twitter feed

Photo credit: CT State Police Twitter feed

For Immediate Release:

ORIGINAL ALERT — Aetna Ambulance is responding to a motor vehicle accident on I-91 North at exit 24 in Wethersfield. Four ambulances are enroute as is an Operations Supervisor for coordination. Reported as six patients, two possibly critically injured at this time. Time of call 1551.

UPDATE – Two patients transported to Hartford Hospital. Four to Saint Francis Hospital, two of which were receiving advanced life support care as of 1622.

FINAL – Six total patients transported as below. No patients remain to be transported at this time.

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Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Four – 2016

HARTFORD — On June 22, 2016 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.

Cole Ashker:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Cole Ashker and I am 24 years old. I was born in Burbank, CA, but lived in South Windsor, CT for the majority of my life. After finishing at South Windsor High School I attended UConn for 4 years. In May of 2014 I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. During school I worked on campus, and continued to do so in a full time capacity after graduation. I never saw myself working a typical 9-5 job, and unfortunately I found that the job wasn’t meeting my desire to help my community. On the recommendation of my best friend Eric Thepsiri, I enrolled in the Hartford Hospital EMT-B course in 2015 and received my certification soon after. I didn’t know what to expect when I enrolled, but I found the material engaging and suited to my interests. When I’m not working I enjoy exercising, playing recreational sports, and finding new adventures to go on with friends. In addition, I’m hoping to start travelling the world and experiencing interesting and new things. I have been looking to enter public service for a long time, and I am extremely excited to start my career in EMS with Aetna Ambulance Service. I look forward to meeting and working the exceptional people of this company.

Chris Nelson:  FULL TIME, Paramedic. Hi my name is Chris.  I am originally from Rhode Island.  I started as an EMT in Cambridge Massachusetts and I went to Paramedic school at Yale New Haven Hospital while working at Aetna.  I have been living in Texas and working as a medic at Austin-Travis County EMS.  I missed blizzards and pumpkin spice coffee so I am moving back to Connecticut and looking forward to working at Aetna once again.

Anthony Palumbo:    PART TIME, EMT. My name is Anthony and I’m 23.  I graduated from UHART in May with a B.S. in Respiratory Therapy and I currently attend Capital for my Paramedic. I am new to the commercial ambulance service but have been a EMT for two and a half years. On my off time I volunteer as a firefighter for Farmington and EMT for Rocky Hill Ambulance. I really enjoy working in the medical field and I am excited to start at Aetna and be a part of the family. In my spare time I like grill, go to the beach, fishing and practicing archery along with doing anything else outdoors.

Anthony Valentine:   PART TIME, EMT. My name is Anthony Valentine, I am 23 years old an a 2016 graduate of Central Connecticut State University I graduated with a bachelors in Biology. I am from Bloomfield, Connecticut. I have a love for medicine and a strong desire to provide service to the world. I’ve worked  at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut since 2011 in patient transport and that opportunity reinforced my desire to work in the medical field and be of service in some way. One of my goals in life is to become an emergency surgeon. I love the anatomy of the body, its function and how everything is connected in someway.   Since a child I’ve always trying to identify new ways and new methods of doing things and medicine is a field I believe still needs innovation. I have horrible sinus allergies, hopefully I can find a long lasting cure. Outside of medicine I have an additional love; the ability to create ideas and bring them to fruition. I am a young entrepreneur I currently run a lifestyle magazine that I hope to compete with well known pop culture magazines like Fader and Complex. I enjoy speaking to youth and doing my best to influence them in a more positive direction. Becoming an EMT was something I wanted since the idea was introduced. The day I passed my cert, excitement overwhelmed my prior feelings of disappointment for having thought I failed. I’m Blessed!  I am a new EMT and received my schooling through the New Britain EMS academy. I am excited to begin this new journey with Aetna Ambulance Service, a place I am excited to call home. 

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 19

Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabSOMERS — During June 2016, ASM Paramedic Billy Schnepp and his partner Bill Gorman responded to a medical call in Somers, CT. The patient had a witnessed cardiac arrest, was defibrillated by Somers Fire Department prior to ASM’s arrival. The patient had a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) from Somers FD efforts and was being loaded into their ambulance.

The patient became slowly able to follow commands and answer questions in the ambulance and responded to care consistent with protocol. The EKG was indicative of a STEMI and Billy wirelessly transmitted the 12-lead EKG to [Hospital], activating their cardiac catherization lab from the field. (#16-43800). Early intervention, teamwork and technology all in play to improve outcomes.

Somers Fire DepartmentExcellent job by Somers Fire Department in their aggressive, accurate and appropriate care. Great job by Billy and Bill on deploying wireless STEMI transmission. This is a strong example of teamwork among ASM and our partners. ASM is proud to work alongside Somers Fire Department. 

ASM Participates in Weekend Food Drive in South Windsor, 2016

SOUTH WINDSOR — On June 11, 2016 crews from ASM were on-site again this year at Stop and Shop and Geissler’s in South Windsor to participate in a food drive to benefit the South Windsor Food and Fuel Bank.

South Windsor 2016 Food Drive

Excerpts from a note from the Director of Adult and Senior Services for the Town of South Windsor:

I wanted to say a big thank you for your help this past weekend for the food drive to benefit the SW Food Bank. It was a HUGE success!

We have a TON of boxes in our hallway and our volunteers worked tirelessly to put the bags of food away today so that clients can use the food bank tomorrow.

A total of 141 boxes with an estimated 7,050 items were donated PLUS $1426 in cash!  Unbelievable! All this AND it was Strawberry Fest Day!!

Your support of this worthy cause is so greatly appreciated. I know it means using resources from your own departments, and it truly means a lot.

Team work makes the Dream work!

Words That Describe Us: Volume 82

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.

The final part of the survey asks that the respondent, “Please use a word or phrase to describe us and/or the ambulance crew.”

Some of the most recent answers and responses provided in the survey responses include the following quotes:

  • This was my first experience in an ambulance. Two of the nicest, professional + very caring people. So happy to have professional, experienced and caring staff. (16-31308; S. Dybdahl, M. Cafazzo).
  • Excellent.
  • Very professional.
  • My husband had a serious problem and the paramedics were very helpful. I felt relieved.
  • Courteous and well trained.
  • Professional x 3.
  • Service was good.
  • I am very satisfied.
  • Professional. Very attentive.
  • Outstanding, professional, compassionate. (16-32694; R. Leslie, R. Jones).
  • I was close to death and they got me to the hospital with care and kept me calm all the way. Thanks.
  • Professional person attending to me while riding. Caring.
  • Caring x 2.
  • Very understandable.
  • Caring, compassionate.
  • Professional and compassionate. (16-35130; R. O’Neil, M. Kleza).
  • Very caring.
  • They were very nice.
  • Excellent.
  • Very professional + caring.
  • Comforting. I did feel safe + well taken care of. Thank you.
  • T. was very comforting. Very professional crew. (16-34117; T. Oliver, M. Uddin).
  • Professional.
  • Caring and efficient.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Seven – 2016

MANCHESTER — On June 7, 2016 seven 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.

Benjamin Adamik:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Benjamin Adamik and I’m 22 years old. I currently live in Manchester where I was born and raised. As a recent graduate from the Medical Laboratory Science program at the University of Vermont, I look forward to a career in medicine. In my experiences as an EMT, I have found emergency medicine to be extremely captivating, and is where I see myself contributing within healthcare. I ultimately plan to apply to Physician Assistant programs with the goal of working in an Emergency Department. During my time at college, I was involved in tumor suppression therapy research, took a medical service trip to Lima, Peru, volunteered on a local ambulance service, and had the opportunity to ski some of Vermont’s finest peaks.  In my free time I also enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and overall being outside. I have a strong sense of adventure and am always looking to gain new experiences. I believe our experiences are fundamental for who we are as individuals, and therefore to grow and improve ourselves we must seek out the unfamiliar. Altogether I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Ambulance Service of Manchester, and for the experiences I will be granted as I learn and grow as a healthcare provider.

Michael Cedeno:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Michael Cedeno I am 27 years old and I currently live in Hartford, CT. I’ve worked at Manchester Memorial Hospital for about five years. I started off in the kitchen as their Cook and Event Caterer then worked my way to the emergency department doing Patient Access. During my time working in the ED I’ve seen quite a few interesting things that intrigued me to want to learn more about patient care and all that health providers do to help save and improve the quality of life for their patients. I enjoy helping and caring for people so I took my EMT course last fall and I’m glad to have been given an opportunity to help serve and care for the people of the community that are in need and rely on EMS.

Justin Cole:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Justin Cole. I am 31 years old. I was born, and raised in Illinois and moved to New England in July of 2012. I currently reside in South Windsor, CT. The majority of my life I have had an interest in the medical field especially since I grew up with family members working in hospitals and as nurses. I am an avid outdoorsman and was looking to combine my love for climbing and my health care interests together. In the summer of 2015 I took a Wilderness First Responder class with plans to start a career in outdoor guiding as a single pitch rock climbing instructor. However, after the first responder class my interest in emergency medicine became more important to me. Following the summer, I signed up for an EMT class in the Fall of 2015 in South Windsor and after starting class I immediately fell in love with it and have developed a passion for emergency medicine. After finishing my EMT class, and earning my certifications I have become a volunteer for the Bloomfield Volunteer Ambulance Service. I am very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the ASM family and grow as an EMT. I am also looking forward to joining such an amazing team of health care providers and serve my community.

Scott Harrington:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Scott Harrington I am 29 years old and currently live in Agawam, MA.  I graduated from Western New England College in 2009 with a degree in psychology.  After I graduated I spent six and a half years as a police dispatcher with two different departments in Massachusetts.  I first obtained my EMT certification in 2007 and I finally joined the EMS community in the fall of 2014 when I began to volunteer as an EMT with Suffield EMS.  Soon after I started with Suffield I realized I had found a new career path.  I am looking forward to learn and contribute as much as I can to ASM and the communities we serve. I am also going to be attending paramedic school this fall at Greenfield Community College.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my fiance, kayaking and target shooting.

Sean McNeff:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Sean McNeff and I am a 24 year old from Enfield.  I graduated from Central Connecticut State University (class of 2013) with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.  I worked a couple jobs in retail and insurance, but decided my desire was to work in medical field/emergency services. I recently completed EMT class at Asnuntuck Community College and got certification shortly after. I hope to one day become a paramedic and remain in EMS. I am happy to finally find a career I am excited for, and couldn’t be happier for the opportunity to begin that career at ASM.

Erind Muco:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Erind Muco and I am 22 years old. I was born in Tirana, Albania and moved to the U.S. when I was six years old. I currently live in Wethersfield, CT. I recently graduated from UConn with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and now I hope to attend medical school. At ASM, I am looking to gain invaluable medical experience which will propel me further in my medical career. When given the opportunity, I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures, as well as watching/playing soccer, football, and basketball. I am proud to be a part of such a distinguished company, and I am excited to begin working.

Karisa Welch:   FULL TIME, EMT. Full time, EMT. My name is Karisa Welch. I am 21 years old and from Somers, Connecticut.  I recently graduated from UConn with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a minor in Psychology. During my time at UConn I was dedicated to serving the community through my leadership roles in Public Health House and my honor society. My experience volunteering in the ER at Johnson Memorial first peaked my interest in health care. I explored this field more by shadowing a Physical Therapist and a Physician Assistant. This helped me discover that my ultimate goal is to become a Physician Assistant.  I currently volunteer with Somers Fire Department. I am very excited to get this valuable experience in emergency care as an EMT. I’m looking forward to learning new things and helping people each day!

ASM-Aetna Currently Seeking Candidates for Medical Billing Positions

Main EntranceDue to our continued growth, ASM-Aetna is currently seeking to add medical billing agents and is seeking qualified and interested applicants.

MEDICAL BILLING

Busy medical transportation company seeks experienced, full time individual in its Billing Department.  Applicant must be motivated, accurate, detail oriented and able to work independently.

2 years medical billing/data entry experience required.

In addition to processing medical claims for insured and private pay clients, responsibilities include extensive interaction with health insurance companies, healthcare facilities and clients.  Must be familiar with medical terminology.

Benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, short term disability, 401-k with employer contribution, vacation, sick and personal time.

Please send resume and salary requirements to ASM, PO Box 300, Manchester, CT  06045-0300.

Thank you very much for seeking us out and wanting to be a part of our growing team!

Josh Traber at South Windsor’s CREC Magnet School

CREC International School Traber A CREC International School Traber BSOUTH WINDSOR — On June 2, 2016, at the invitation of the parent of a patient, Josh Traber and his partner Dan Hammett presented to the students of the Capital Region Education Council (CREC) International Magnet School for Global Citizenship in South Windsor.

Josh and Dan spoke to over 100 pre-school children in five classes, giving out EMS coloring books, offering tours of the ambulance and talking about emergency medical services and 9-1-1 in an age appropriate fashion.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Jared Krajewski Completes Precepting Phase

Jared KrajewskiMANCHESTER –  As of May 23, 2016, ASM’s Jared Krajewski 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 Bob O’Neil and Paramedic Don Hart.

Jared started at ASM in August of 2013. He graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program. Jared has volunteered for the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department and worked in the Intensive Care Unit in Manchester Memorial Hospital.

As with all precepting phases at ASM, Jared’s 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 Jared the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.