Aetna and ASM Paramedics to Use Cutting-Edge Video Laryngoscopes

Posted on July 10, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD and MANCHESTER — By the end of July 2012 Aetna Ambulance and the Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM) will put into service a cutting edge, life-saving medical device known as a video laryngoscope made by a company called King Vision.

The use of the King Vision Video Laryngoscopes is part of Aetna and ASM’s long-term commitment to providing cutting edge emergency medical care and our vision of putting gold standard clinical resources and equipment at the fingertips of our skilled EMS providers.

Continue reading →

ASM and Windsor Volunteer Ambulance Celebrate First Anniversary of Partnership

Posted on July 1, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

Windsor EMS and ASM Celebrate 1 Year

WINDSOR — On July 1, 2012 the Ambulance Service of Manchester and Windsor Volunteer Ambulance (WVA) will celebrate the first anniversary of a successful partnership.

In 2011 WVA selected ASM to be the supplemental emergency provider for the Town of Windsor. This arrangement has meant that ASM provides ambulance and paramedic coverage to the town when Windsor EMS’ resources have been exhausted by 911 calls. It also gives WEMS the ability to call on ASM for supplemental resources as they see fit.

Access to shared radio frequencies and a contractual billing arrangement has made most situations seamless to Windsor residents, leaving the only obvious sign of ASM’s presence being the checkered Sprinter ambulances occasionally in town.

“Since partnering with ASM last July it has been a pleasure for us to work with such a professional organization.”

-Dennis C. Guay, Chief Executive Officer Continue reading →

Questions About Billing for Paramedic Services such as Paramedic Intercept

Posted on June 19, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

Why did I get two bills, one from the ambulance service and one from the paramedic service?

Many patients and families express confusion over the concept of a ‘Paramedic Intercept’ and wonder why many health insurance companies, including Medicare, will not pay for such a service.

A Paramedic Intercept is a service provided during a medical emergency, most often in a rural area, where the ambulance operated by the patient’s town is staffed with EMTs. EMTs provide what is called Basic Life Support (BLS) while paramedics provide what is called Advanced Life Support (ALS).

ASM’s Alpha Five: Volume 3: Don Hart

Posted on June 11, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

STAFFORD SPRINGS — Beth Van Alstyne, Director of Critical Care Services for Johnson Memorial Medical Center in Stafford Springs, wrote a complimentary endorsement for ASM’s Don Hart. Don is a seasoned paramedic and a known fixture at JMMC. He has been stationed on ASM’s Alpha 5 (also known as The Johnson Medic) for several years. Read more about The Johnson Medic here…

ASM's Don Hart at Johnson Memorial Medical Center

Here is an excerpt from Beth’s note: “Don has become an integral part of the JMH ED family! Everyone throughout the hospital knows Don and even where “Don’s desk” is located in the ED. He is even a stop on every ED tour! Don is the epitome of selfless hard work and team spirit. He is always willing to help out. He is friendly, courteous and compassionate with all patients and will assist patients and visitors as appropriate.

As a medic, Don is top notch. Continue reading →

ASM’s Beth Sheils is Lead Instructor for Capital Community College Paramedic Program

Posted on June 5, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

ASM's Beth Sheils

HARTFORD – As of January 11, 2012 Ambulance Service of Manchester’s Beth Sheils became Capital Community College’s Paramedic Program lead instructor for the night program. In this role, Beth leads didactic instruction for the 18-month program, guiding 20 paramedic students through extensive education and training in the delivery of emergency medical care.

Beth is a Paramedic Supervisor for ASM. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Mount Holyoke College and a Masters in Public Health from the Boston University School of Public Health, and is herself a graduate of the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. Continue reading →

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Rory Leslie Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on May 30, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

ASM's Rory Leslie with East Hartford Daisy Scouts

MANCHESTER – As of May 23, 2012, ASM’s Rory Leslie 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 Supervisors Vinnie Maston and Beth Sheils. 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, Rory’s final approval came from ECHN after shadowing Rory and his preceptor (by proxy) in the field as they responded to emergency calls. Continue reading →

ASM Wins Governor’s Award for Career EMS Organizations

Posted on May 21, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD– Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM) has won the “Governor’s Award for Career EMS Services” for 2012. The award is conferred by the Connecticut EMS Council as part of EMS Week (May 20-26), an annual recognition of the dedication and sacrifice of Emergency Medical Services professionals.

Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM) Wins 2012 Governor's Award Connecticut

This award was established to recognize and commend an EMS Organization that has enhanced the understanding and support of the EMS System through their public service, community education and contributions to a city, town region or the state as a whole.

Read the Remind News article here…

Continue reading →

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 4

Posted on May 18, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

ASM Aetna Paramedics operate LifePak 15 cardiac-monitors

MANCHESTER — On May 17, 2012, ASM Paramedic Supervisor Robert O’Neil wirelessly transmitted a 12-lead EKG to Hartford Hospital in order to precipitate a field activation of the cardiac catheterization lab.

The transmission, which flows through a purpose-specific modem stored externally on the LifePak 15 cardiac monitor, draws the attention of the ED physician, interventionalist and cardiologist and most often results in the patient being conveyed from the field directly into the care of the cardiac staff in the cath lab.

This particular patient was in cardiogenic shock as partially manifested by bradycardia.

The following is excerpted from an email from Dr. Marcin Dada, Associate Director of the Chest Pain Center, Hartford Hospital: Continue reading →

The Ultimate Lifesaver? How Aetna and ASM Ambulance Stack Up – Vol. 3

Posted on May 12, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

A recent Wall Street Journal article described cutting edge equipment, techniques and skills in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) that are changing patient outcomes, revolutionizing care and sharpening the leading edge of the EMS industry.

Read the Wall Street Journal article here…

So how do Aetna and ASM match up against The Ultimate Lifesaver?

Volume 3: Induced hypothermia

Studies have shown a significant improvement in neurological outcomes for victims of cardiac arrest who receive Continue reading →

ASM’s Alpha Five: Volume 2: Prom Promise in Somers

Posted on May 8, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

Somers Fire Department and ASM Alpha 5

SOMERS — On April 27, 2012 ASM’s Alpha Five participated in Somers High School Prom Promise Mock Crash. The following letter from Somers Fire Department was received on May 7th.

I wanted to take a few minutes of your time to thank you for your service’s help with our Prom Promise Mock Crash Continue reading →

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Ashley Harkins Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on May 4, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

Aetna's Ashley Harkins and Hartford Hospital's Mike Zacchera

HARTFORD – As of April 26, 2012, Aetna’s Ashley Harkins has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Ashley’s preceptor was Paramedic Preston Ryzak. 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 Aetna, Ashley’s final approval came from the Hartford Hospital EMS/Trauma Coordinator who shadowed Ashley and her preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

On behalf of the Aetna Family, we welcome our newest Paramedic, Ashley Harkins and would like to wish her the best of luck. We are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Meet the Newest Members of the Aetna Team

Posted on April 27, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

HARTFORD — On April 26, 2012 three EMTs and two Paramedics 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.

: Aetna’s Steve Jachym

: Aetna’s Emory Meyerjack

Continue reading →

Aetna Promotes Terry Perry to Field Training Officer (FTO)

Posted on April 20, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

Aetna's Terry Perry

HARTFORD — On April 11, 2012 Aetna Ambulance Service promoted Terry Perry from within its EMT ranks to the post of Field Training Officer: FTOs are utilized primarily to train newly hired employees in the performance of their duties as EMTs.

Terry was hired by the Grady family to work for Aetna in September 2006 as an Emergency Medical Technician. He has worked in the EMS field for 16 years including in the Emergency Department at Hartford Hospital, and truly enjoys what he does. He subsequently worked for the hospital in the Continuing/EMS Education Department. Continue reading →

ASM Promotes Three to Field Training Officer (FTO)

Posted on April 13, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

MANCHESTER — On April 10, 2012 the Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM) promoted two from within its EMT ranks to the post of Field Training Officer: Stephanie Boutot and Ray Stovall. FTOs are utilized primarily to train newly hired employees in the performance of their duties as EMTs. (Third FTO removed).

ASM’s Stephanie Boutot

Stephanie Boutot: I am a proud mom of five kids: Andrew, Dylan, Joey, Jeremy, and Zoey. I have been married 20 years to my husband and friend Nelson and was a stay-at-home mom before joining the ASM team almost four years ago (August 15, 2008 and I bring cake or cupcakes every anniversary!) I originally became an EMT to volunteer on my local fire department and found out it could be a paid job. I feel like it was a secret, I wish I had Continue reading →

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Matt Carter Completes Precepting Phase

Posted on April 7, 2012 by ASM-Aetna

: (L to R): Aetna’s Robert Velletri and Matt Carter, Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera

HARTFORD — As of March 28, 2012, Aetna’s Matt Carter has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

His preceptor was Paramedic Robert Velletri. The full precepting phase can Continue reading →

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