Category Archives: Employee Spotlight

Words That Describe Us: Volume 15

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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 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:

  • Professional. They did a great job.
  • Caring x 3.
  • Excellent x 6.
  • Great x 2.
  • EMTs were friendly, pleasant, professional, and handled me with skill and confidence.
  • Great!
  • Great. They were great considering I was forced to go by the police.
  • Very professional.
  • Kudos to C. Haag and A. Fine on their care, their respect and overall performance. (13-87969).
  • Professional and efficient.
  • Wonderful service.
  • Quick, professional. Nice job!
  • Dependable.
  • Reassuring, comforting, professional.
  • Good job.
  • Very prompt.
  • Perfect.
  • Very professional. Was made to feel at ease.
  • Compassionate.
  • Competent and Caring. Once I was in the ambulance under a great deal of stress, the medic who rode with me made me feel comfortable and relaxed.
  • Very professional.
  • Competent.
  • Prompt/Professional. I thought I might not make it that night and I appreciated your medical knowledge and helping me through a scary and difficult time.

Aetna’s Preston Ryzak Visits Cherry Brook Primary School

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Note: Aetna Ambulance does NOT provide emergency services to the Town of Canton. Always dial 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.

CANTON — On October 27, 2013 Aetna’s Preston Ryzak visited Canton’s Cherry Brook Primary School, specifically Mrs. Lippincott’s class, to show the students an ambulance, up close and personal.

School visits serve to increase children’s awareness of Emergency Medical Services, when to call 911, what Paramedics and EMTs do to help people and why serving the community is important.

Aetna Ambulance Visits Glastonbury’s Goddard School

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Goddard School 3Aetna Ambulance does NOT serve the Town of Glastonbury for primary emergency medical services. In an emergency, always dial 9-1-1. 

GLASTONBURY — On October 23, 2013 Aetna’s Trisha Webster and Matthew Carter visited Goddard School on Eastern Boulevard in Glastonbury, CT to perform a show-and-tell for the three and four year-old children who attend Pre-K at the school.

Trisha and Matt talked about calling 9-1-1 and not being afraid of EMS, Police or Fire Personnel when they arrive to help. They had them go through the ambulance with the help of a Caillou doll to demonstrate the experience.  Lots of questions and some stories from the children followed.

Kudos from the Cath Lab: Volume 6

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Aetna Paramedic receives Kudos from the Cath LabFARMINGTON — On October 21, 2013 a Paramedic Unit from Aetna Ambulance (David Noyes and Kelly Shapiro) responded to a sixty-two year old patient with a significant cardiac history, who had been having chest pain for an hour. They did a 12-lead ECG, which revealed a massive inferior infarction. They called in a STEMI Alert to the John Dempsey Hospital ED. Based on their radio patch, Dr. Sasha Gorenbeyn immediately activated the cath lab (16 minutes before patient arrival).

The patient received a heparin bolus in the ED, and then went right up to the cath lab on the EMS stretcher. The patient was found to have a 100% occluded SVG (saphenous vein graft) to the PDA (posterior descending branch). He underwent a successful thrombectomy and stenting restoring perfusion.

He is doing very well thanks to the great job by the combined EMS/Hospital STEMI Team. Kudos also to the staffs of the ICU and cardiac step down for their outstanding re-covery care. 41 Minute Door-to-Balloon time! The patient was discharged home yesterday doing very well. “Thanks again, and extend our compliments to your crew for a job well done.”

*Individually identifiable protected health information has been removed in accordance with Aetna’s HIPAA-related Privacy Policies. 

ASM at Downtown Manchester’s ‘Halloween Happenings’

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Halloween Happenings - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER — On October 26, 2013 Ambulance Service of Manchester Paramedic Rory Leslie and EMT Matt Tuttle set up an “Amb-boo-lance” near Pinewood Furniture as part of Downtown Manchester’s Halloween Happenings.

Matt and Rory gave out treats to the trick-or-treaters making their way to each store and business taking part in the event on Main Street.

It was estimated that around 1000 children took part.

Praise for EMS Service during and around the ING Marathon

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ph_ING_HM_Course_Info_Half_MarathonThe following combines two letters sent to Aetna and ASM under separate cover.

I wanted to thank you and Aetna Ambulance/Ambulance Service of Manchester for the assistance and hard work put in for the ING Hartford Marathon, which was held on October 12, 2013.

As you know, Mike Bova, Matt Martinelli and Chris Bates were instrumental in the planning for, and the operations on, marathon day. The success of the medical plan was, in a large part, because of Aetna/ASM’s involvement from the beginning.

Beth Shluger, the Executive Director of the Hartford Marathon Foundation stated that this was the best prepared race she has ever had. Aetna/ASM deserves a share of that compliment. Since the bombing of the Boston Marathon this Spring, we were intent that we would not be caught unprepared should a similar event happen here. Aetna/ASM’s commitment of resources and staff was greatly appreciated.

Please pass along my thanks to all of the crew members who stood by and responded in East Hartford, South Windsor, and elsewhere along the course and in the command post. They worked hard and were a credit to Aetna/ASM.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with Aetna/ASM on future projects.

Thanks again,

Michael Zacchera, NREMT-P

EMS Educator

Department of EMS Education

Hartford Hospital

Words That Describe Us: Volume 14

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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 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:

  • Professional x 8.
  • Good x 4.
  • Excellent x 3.
  • Considerate x 2.
  • Compassionate x 3.
  • Efficient x 2.
  • They were helpful to me as the wife. Asked if there was someone coming to help me. (13-72584: M. Tuttle, R. Leslie, J. Bush)
  • My team was wonderful in listening to my needs in helping them do their job as effectively as possible. I would like to thank each one for their service. (13-76135: C. Chasse, A. Wysocki).
  • Kind, efficient and knowledgeable.
  • Outstanding.
  • Wonderful.
  • Caring and professional.
  • Medic was very professional.
  • Excellent, kind, came to check on me with another call.
  • Wonderful! Thank you so much.
  • I had passed out and was not fully cognizant of some of the questions that I did not answer definitively – Overall experience was satisfactory.
  • Professional. Humane.
  • Great service.
  • Very efficient. Caring with everything.

Meet the Newest Members of the ASM Team: ASM Hires Four

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MANCHESTER — On October 14, 2013, four EMTs were added to the ASM team. As part of our continued growth ASM and Aetna 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.

Kyle Baker:    Full time, EMT. Hello my name Is Kyle Baker. I am 22 years old and live in Hebron, CT. I graduated in May of 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Politics from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. The second semester of my freshman year of college I took an EMT-Basic class and almost instantly I fell in love.  I began working Saint Anselm College EMS, a student run volunteer EMS unit that serves the campus community, shortly after finishing my class. I also began volunteering with Andover Fire Department in Andover, Connecticut. I worked with Saint Anselm EMS until graduation and I continue to actively volunteer with Andover Fire Department.  EMS has been my passion for the last four years and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to turn it into a career.  In my spare I enjoy listening to music, golfing and enjoying the outdoors. I am incredibly excited to begin my new adventure with the Ambulance Service of Manchester and I look forward to the new experiences I will have and the new people I will meet.

Evan Burgess:    Full Time, EMT. My name is Evan Burgess and I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in Manchester, CT and graduated Manchester High School in 2010. I attended the University of Connecticut for two years and then transferred to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA to study Biblical Studies. Currently I am finishing my senior year of college online via Liberty University. I came home this year to finish school and get an EMT job. This summer I completed my EMT-B certification class at Hartford Hospital. I am very much involved in my church’s activities at Trinity Covenant Church and I enjoy ministering to people there. I love to play the guitar and I am a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. My brother Colin worked for ASM for a couple years before he headed off to medical school, and he inspired me to become an EMT. I hope to gain experience working with patients and helping them and their families during tough situations. I hope to become a missionary someday, and the experience I gain and learn from this career will aid me in my future endeavors. I am very excited to begin working and learning how to care for people in need.

Polina Yakushchenko:   Full Time, EMT. My name is Polina Yakushchenko and I am 23 years old. I was born in the Ukraine and moved to the United States in 2000. I now live in Vernon, CT. I recently graduated with a Bachelor in Health Science from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania.  I have had some patient care experience in college working at the student health center along with the local hospitals. One day I hope to go to grad school and continue my education in the medical field. I love to travel and experience new places and cultures. I am very happy to begin working for ASM and I look forward to serving the community.

High Praise for ASM’s Stacy DeBarge and Jonathan Bush

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Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC. - Stacy DeBarge

ASM’s Stacy DeBarge

“My mom had her first ride with your company yesterday on 10/1/13 from Hospital for Special Care by Stacy and Jon and I must commend them for being so professional. My mom has been through a lot and is a very anxious person and they took that into consideration and they explained everything they were doing to her which eased her anxiety tremendously. I explained to them that she had lots going on in her abdomen area so they were especially gentle with her.

“They were polite, courteous, friendly and patient for the entire duration of

Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC. - Jonathan Bush

ASM’s Jonathan Bush

our time with them. Jon even held a conversation with my mom on the ride to the Doctor’s office. They respected her dignity and kept her covered. They looked very professional in there attire, I was tremendously impressed and would look forward to a ride with either of them if ever needed in the future. I would like to add that they were punctual and got us to our appointment on time and they were patient waiting while the doctor’s office had detained us longer than anticipated.”

-Patient’s Daughter (#13-86061)

Larry Magoon’s Retirement Party

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Larry Magoon 2Friday, October 11, 2013

5:30 P.M.

Maneeley’s Banquet Hall

65 Rye Street

South Windsor, CT 06074

Tickets $35/person (buffet meal and cash bar)

For tickets and to RSVP, contact Mike Makulis at (860) 250-9012 or email at mmakulis@cox.net. If you intend to buy your tickets at the door, please RSVP to Mike so that he can have an accurate head count.  

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Matt Traber Completes Precepting Phase

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Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC -- Matt Traber

(L to R): ASM’s Vinnie Maston and Matt Traber.

MANCHESTER – As of September 25, 2013, ASM’s Matt Traber has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves.

Matt’s preceptors were Paramedic Supervisors Bob O’Neil and Vinnie Maston. 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, Matt’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing Matt and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Matt started at ASM as an EMT-Basic in 2008, has been an EMT in Connecticut since 1996 and also works for the Mohegan Tribal Fire Department. Matt graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic Program. 

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

Words That Describe Us: Volume 13

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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 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:

  • Excellent x 5.
  • Skilled.
  • Quick, well informed staff. Thanks!
  • Conscientious.
  • Caring x 2.
  • Incredible.
  • Very caring and professional.
  • Timely.
  • Well suited.
  • Professional x 10.
  • Efficient.
  • Amazing.
  • Excellent!!
  • Professional humans.
  • Great x 2.
  • You probably saved my life. Thank you for your prompt care.
  • Humane.
  • Professional. The techs were very professional and treated the issue very serious[ly]. Listened to me and asked all the right questions. Explained all the moves they made. Very pleased (13-74038; J. Bissell, R. Bilodeau).
  • Very good/excellent.
  • Superb. The two EMTs that responded, Scott Crittenden and Brian Langan, we’re excellent. As a business owner myself, I feel these gentlemen went above and beyond and [were] so kind as well as professional (13-74442).

Save the Date: Larry Magoon, Formerly of ASM, is Retiring

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Larry Magoon

Date: Friday, October 11, 2013

Time: TBA, evening

Location: Maneeleys Banquet and Catering Facility, South Windsor

For tickets: Contact Mike Makulis at ASM or Dawn Sopelak at Manchester Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.

Cost: $35 per person includes a buffet dinner, cash bar and a gift for Larry.

More information to follow. Please reply to this post if you have pictures of Larry to use at the event and arrangements will be made.

High Praise for ASM’s Mike Levasseur

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Mike Levasseur - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

Mike Levasseur – Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.

“I am an employee at Windham Hospital, and I have worked here for 11 years. Over this past weekend we had an emergent transfer from our Emergency Department to Hartford Hospital’s ED. The patient had a severe head injury, and your team was very quick to respond. This is not where my praise ends. The reason of my note is to thank and bring to attention to one of your medics.

“This medic was as always professional and easy to work with. What I want to point out is that the Medic took time out to speak to the patient’s parents (with consent). It wasn’t just a, “Hey, I’ll meet you in Hartford”. What he did was explain to the parents that the patient was stable and that he (the medic) [could continue to] keep him stable. Not only did he reassure the parents…he also emphasized the need for them to try to stay calm, drive safely, because the roads were less than favorable. This Medic’s name is Mike Levasseur. I would just like to extend my thanks, and observance of his nature to go above and beyond. I am proud to be associated with such upstanding EMS professionals.”

-JM, Windham Hospital staff.

ASM’s Nick Raiola Prominent on QVCC Catalog Cover

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DANIELSON — In September 2013, Quinebaug Valley Community College released its Fall 2013 course catalog with ASM EMT Nick Raiola prominently displayed on the cover. QVCC sought out Nick as a former student now working in the field for which they received training from the college. Nick can also be seen on their homepage as linked above.

Nick Raiola - Ambulance Service of Manchester

QVCC Catalog