Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1”: Volume 2

MANCHESTER — Preparation for the renovation of space once occupied by Marcus Communications continues. Currently the construction crew is working on cutting through concrete and digging trenches to reroute the septic drainage system.

The new space is to be occupied primarily by operational and business functions of the Ambulance Service of Manchester as well, to a lesser degree, by those of Metro Wheelchair and some business functions of Aetna Ambulance Service.

The current plan is to have the main entrance be on the south side of the building with a main hallway through the center. The renovated space will likely include additional training and simulation areas, a relocated locker area, new offices, a medical supply staging area, and two new restrooms. The plans remain fluid. Trenches for septic drainage and rough-outs for the new bathrooms can be seen here:

Sequential Line-up at Saint Francis Hospital

Ambulance Service of Manchester - Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center

A rare coincidental, sequential line up at Saint Francis Hospital’s Emergency Department

HARTFORD — Given the current size of the fleets, it is statistically unlikely that three ASM or Aetna ambulances would be seen in sequence anywhere outside of one of the main offices. This picture was taken outside of Saint Francis Hospital’s emergency department in March 2013.

Aetna’s Steve Matters to Shave Head for St. Baldricks

Steve MattersHARTFORD — Aetna’s Steve Matters will be going “under the shears” to raise money or children’s cancer research as part of a St. Baldrick’s fundraiser.

According to the St. Baldrick’s website, “In the 1950s, almost all kids diagnosed with cancer died. Because of research, today about 85% of kids with the most common type of cancer will live. But for many other types, progress has been limited, and for some kids there is still little hope for a cure. St. Baldrick’s is the home of the head-shaving event. It’s an easy and fun way to raise money for a very serious cause—like a walkathon, but without the blisters.”

Steve writes, “I will be getting my beautiful hair completely shaved for this event. To donate a small amount or learn more about St. Baldrick’s you can visit and donate on my secure site at: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/603588.”

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Ryan McConville Completes Precepting Phase

Ryan McConville - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER – As of March 8, 2013, ASM’s Ryan McConville has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Ryan’s preceptors were Supervisor-Paramedics Bob O’Neil and Melissa Osborne. 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, Ryan’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Ryan and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Ryan started at ASM as an EMT Basic, obtained a certification in and

Ryan McConville - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

(L to R): Ryan McConville, ECHN’s Nancy Brunet, Melissa Osborne.

worked as an EMT Intermediate and obtained his paramedic training at Capital Community College.

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 5

Aetna Ambulance - Ambulance Service of ManchesterMANCHESTER 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 question in the survey asks “Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our service?” And, “Please use one word to describe us.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

  • Thorough. The [EMTs] were great. They convinced me to go to the hospital and they were right. Nice people!
  • Excellent service, couldn’t have had any better. My mom was transported. The two medics were excellent. Michael had my mom laughing and [they both] made her trip so comfortable. I couldn’t have asked for any better. (ASM’s E998 and E741).
  • Caring (appeared in six surveys).
  • Very professional (appeared in three surveys).
  • Considerate (appeared in three surveys).
  • Thank you for being with us.
  • Responsive.
  • Excellent.
  • Reassuring.
  • Good care.
  • Helpful, kind and accommodating. Thank you.
  • GREAT JOB!!
  • Experienced.