Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Five – 2018

HARTFORD — On May 14th, 2018, three EMTs, one Paramedic and one Dispatcher 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.


Ashley O’Connell: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Ashley O’Connell and I am 25 years old. I graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I currently live in Plainville, CT, where I am a volunteer firefighter. My future goals are to become a career firefighter and a paramedic. I have 2 rescue dogs and enjoy running, hiking, and snowboarding. I’m very excited to start as an EMT for Aetna and I’m grateful for the opportunity!

 

 


Tori Thomson: FULL TIME, EMT. I am a recent graduate of UConn where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Master in Health Promotion. Throughout college and graduate school my interest lied in the area of food and nutrition so I also recently finished a dietetic internship to become an RD. However, as a former athlete and nurse’s aide I have always had more of a knack for hands on work. It was with this realization that I decided to take the EMT course at CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor. After a job search for both EMT and RD work, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to become a member of the Aetna team! As a lifelong learner, I can’t wait to see what new challenges await me at Aetna and what direction it will point me for my career.


 

Dennis Wynne: FULL TIME, DISPATCHER. My name is Dennis Wynne. I’ve been a Volunteer Firefighter for the town of Plainville for close to 13 years. I have been dispatching for the same Department for 7 years. On my off time I enjoy spending time with my family and taking small vacations when possible. I’m looking forward to working for Aetna and learning new skills.

 

 


Jayson Braman: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. My name is Jayson and I am from Wolcott, CT but recently moved to East Hartford. I attained my paramedic certification from New Britain EMS Academy and have been working for Wolcott Ambulance for the past year as a paramedic with medical control through St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. Prior to that, I had worked three years as an EMT for AMR and Wolcott.  I also spent 6 years volunteering for Wolcott Fire Dept.  I aspire to continue helping people as I further my education in the EMS field.  I plan to acquire my Respiratory Therapist certification and one day become a flight medic.  In my spare time, I enjoy traveling around the world and being outdoors.


James Davis: PART TIME, EMT. Hello my name is James Davis I am a Connecticut native. I became an EMT because I have a passion for helping others. Along with being an EMT, I am also a career Firefighter. My goal is to expand my knowledge as an EMT and inter-grade that knowledge into my everyday life. I enjoy watching sports, working out, spending time with my family and traveling. I am overly zealous to be part of the Aetna Team!

ASM Puts New Paramedic Intercept Vehicle in Service

MANCHESTER — In late April, 2018 Ambulance Service of Manchester placed in service a new Paramedic Intercept vehicle. The 2018 Ford F-250 was outfitted with a custom shelving unit, emergency lights, high-visibility Batternburg pattern livery, and reflective rear chevrons.

The non-transporting EMS vehicle will be used primarily to maintain the continuity of day-to-day operations, respond to mass casualty incidents and support EMS staff in the field.

Schedule of EMS Week 2018 Events and Activities

Monday May 21st

  • 1800: Johnson Memorial Hospital BBQ. CME follows BBQ at CMEC Ammpitheater (the building on the right as you enter the main hospital driveway).
  • 201 Chestnut Hill Road, Stafford Springs.

Tuesday May 22nd

  • 0730-1200: Hartford Hospital: Annual EMS Week Symposium, ERC 221. A multidisciplinary group if physicians deliver engaging , EMS-specific presentations. No charge, all level of providers are encouraged to attend.
  • To register please email David.Bailey@hhchealth.org.
  • Breakfast provided

Wednesday May 23rd

  • 1200-1500: Windham Hospital BBQ
  • 1200-1400: Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cook-out.
  • 1100-1300: Saint Francis Hospital Lunch.
  • 1730-1900 Hartford Hospital (outside of Conklin Building) Annual Cool-out.

Thursday May 24th

  • 1500-1700: Car Seats and First Responders CME at 275 New State Rd, Manchester (must pre-register with Monica.Lucas@ynhh.org).
  • 1700-2000Ambulance Service of Manchester Employee BBQ. 275 New State Rd, Manchester.
  • 1700-1900: Saint Francis Hospital Dinner

Road Crew Raffle

  • Employees will be automatically entered into the process. Seven full days of raffling will occur, with two winners selected at random per day. Additionally, one Grand Prize winner will be selected at random on Saturday May 26th.

ASM Employees

  • $10/day for lunch, dinner, or ice cream at Dairy Queen on Hartford Road Manchester. Sunday May 20th – Saturday May 26th.

Aetna Employees

  • $10/day for breakfast or lunch at The Market Restaurant in Hartford.Sunday May 20th – Saturday May 26th.

If your organization, facility or agency is having an EMS Week event in the greater Hartford area and you do not see it listed here, please email it to a member of our management team, fill out the contact form, post it as a comment, or email it to us at info@asm-aetna.com.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Thomas Winterbottom Completes Precepting Phase

HARTFORD – As of May 15th, 2018, Thomas Winterbottom has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. His preceptor was Paramedic Matthew Campbell. He offered the following sentiment regarding his time at Aetna:

“I started working at Aetna about three years ago. After spending sometime as an EMT, I decided to start the challenge of paramedic school to further my knowledge in the medical field. I graduated from Capital Community College’s paramedic program this past December. I was eager to start precepting and utilize some of the new skills I learned. Special thanks to Matt Campbell for his patience and knowledge provided during precepting. I am excited to practice as a paramedic and continue assisting those in need.”

As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Tom’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing him and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls. On behalf of the Aetna Family, we would like to wish Tom the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

ASM Participates in Mock Crash Event in Somers

Ambulance Service of Manchester Paramedic Matt Traber and EMT Matthew Kleza teamed up with Somers Fire Department and Somers chapter of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) to partake in a Mock D.U.I. crash at the high school on Thursday, May 3rd, 2018. The goal of the event was to educate students, parents, and community members about the risks and consequences associated with unsafe driving practices, including driving under the influence. ASM assisted by demonstrating a few assessment and treatment techniques required following a motor vehicle accident.

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

HARTFORD – As of May 4th, 2018, Sean Howard has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves. His preceptor was Paramedic Matt Carter. Sean began working at with us in October of 2009. He offered the following sentiment regarding his time at Aetna:

“I began my journey into EMS at Aetna nearly 9 years ago, and have been proud to see my work family grow alongside my own. Having recently graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program, I look forward to playing an expanded role in serving one of the finest communities in the country. “

As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Sean’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing him and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls. 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.

ASM Host’s American Red Cross Blood Drive

MANCHESTER- On Tuesday May 1, 2018 Team ASM-Aetna hosted its first American Red Cross Blood Drive at  ASM’s headquarters. Numerous employees, friends, and family members participated in the day-long event. Program Manager and Coordinator Alissa Haight Aguda offered the following letter of appreciation to those involved.

“On behalf of the American Red Cross and the people we serve, I would like to personally thank you and all the employees at the Ambulance Service of Manchester for the support we received at our Tuesday May 1st 2018, blood drive.

We came close to our drive goal which was 25 units donated. At the drive we had 30 people register resulting in the collection of 21 units of blood. Excellent WORK! These units of blood will help save up to 63 lives and ensure a readily available supply of blood for CT hospital patients. You and your donors are true heroes!

Once again, it has been a pleasure working with you and I am extremely grateful to have your support of the Red Cross’ life saving mission.”

Alissa