The Hartford Circus Fire and Aetna Ambulance: Volume 7

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efe459069aby Sam Porcello

Miss earlier volumes? Click here…

The fact that the business grew and continues to be strong today is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of this family.

Thank you to Aetna Ambulance and the Grady family for all of your support and your patience, providing photos, information and answering all of my questions.   Mrs. Grady and her daughters even came to cheer me on at the Regional competition!  Mr. Titus’ first-hand account of the fire was chilling.

After advancing through the Regional competition at Torrington High School in March, I participated in the State History Day competition at Central Connecticut State University on April 27th.  During the interview portion of the state competition, the judges were intrigued by the photo of the two “doctors” loading a patient into an ambulance, and specifically asked about them.

Renovation and Expansion of ASM’s “10-1″: Volume 11

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MANCHESTER — Additions and renovations to the Ambulance Service of Manchester’s main headquarters, known to employees as “10-1,” continue. As of this writing:

  • The former men’s and women’s bathrooms within the billing office have been demolished as well as the notched hallway walls in order to make way for a new main lobby. The new lobby is taking shape as two glass entry doors have been added and the hallway has been framed.
  • New offices have been framed and drywall has been hung in the rear of the building where the Medicare office once stood and the wall between two of the offices has been removed to double its size.
  • Flooring has been added in the new staging area and locker room.
  • The former main entrance has had the window removed and the cut-out sealed.

The next steps are completing those items listed above as well as installing and completing the drop ceilings, moving the lockers, completing the lobby area and adding in the reception area window.

The addition and renovation are part of ASM’s continued commitment and investment in the towns it serves.

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

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HARTFORD — On December 12, 2013, 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.

 

 

 

Samuel Dybdahl:   PART TIME, EMT.  My name is Samuel Dybdahl and I’m 26 years old. I am just completing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and seek to further my career in Emergency Medicine.  I have been a combat medic and healthcare specialist in the military since 2008 with one deployment to Afghanistan. I enjoy helping others and furthering my knowledge within the medical field; I would like to pursue a paramedic program in the near future. In my spare time I often compete in physical activities including Duathlon/Triathlons, road races and weight lifting.

Ryan Gonska:  FULL TIME, Paramedic. My name is Ryan Gonska and I am 23 years old from Torrington, CT.  I am a volunteer with Harwinton West Side Fire Dept. and Harwinton Ambulance. I started at Harwinton Ambulance as an explorer when I was 15.  I received my EMT in 2008. Shortly after, I got hired as an ER Tech at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital while I was attending classes for the AEMT. Four years later I made the decision to get my Paramedic.  I graduated from Capitol Community College in 2012 and I have been working as a paramedic for the past year. In the near future I hope to get my EMSI and start teaching. I am considering going back to school in the to pursue a degree in respiratory therapy or nursing.  In my free time, I enjoy cooking, golfing, fishing, and hiking. I am very excited to join the Aetna family.

Steve Spaderna:   PART TIME, EMT. My name is Steve Spaderna and I am a new EMT! Prior to attaining my EMT certification I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biology from CCSU.  I worked for about five years in genomic research as part of a team that was looking at human gene expression for potential drug targets. Then deciding I didn’t want to be stuck in a lab all the time, I spent about seven years working as a drug rep for large pharmaceutical companies. During my time as a drug rep I became increasingly interested in patient healthcare. I just didn’t feel fulfilled in my last occupation, so I made the decision to go back to school with the goal of eventually becoming a physician assistant. Over the last couple years I have been getting pre-requisite credits done while interning at a doctor’s office for required clinical hours. Physician Assistant programs are extremely competitive and difficult to get into, but I am hoping to eventually get accepted. Personally, I am kind of a science nerd and enjoy learning about anything and everything. I watch Discovery and The Learning Channel a lot (Untold Stories of the ER!) and I have a passion for science fiction. For an interesting combination, I also happen to be really into weightlifting. I am super excited to be part of the Aetna team and I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a patient advocate!

Kat Stewart:  FULL TIME, EMT. I’m a new EMT I finished the Hartford Hospital EMT program in July. This is something I have wanted to do since high school but I never had the chance. So after I graduated college and worked a few different jobs I finally made my chance happen and absolutely fell in love. I aspire to one day go to paramedic school. At the age of almost 26 I can finally say I’m on the right career path. I’m very excited to be part of the Aetna team and look forward to seeing you on the road.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 16

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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:

  • Concerned.
  • They were very helpful.
  • Professional.
  • Prompt
  • Professional + caring.
  • The best! Professional and caring and worked extremely well as a team. Thank you for all you do! (13-97292; S. Crittenden and B. Langan).
  • The EMTs probably unknowingly saved my life. I called 911 and I didn’t know who would come. They were very professional and caring and made sure my apartment was secure. (13-97706; T. Oliver, M. Sparks).
  • Excellent service.
  • Professional and caring.
  • Very kind and comforting. Felt very safe and knew I would be taken care of. (13-97497; S. Allen, D. Rice).
  • Caring and professional.
  • Professional, caring.
  • Professionally concerned.
  • The best.
  • Great.
  • Great!
  • Very professional.
  • Very good.
  • Outstanding service!
  • Fast and great. The East Hartford Paramedics and the 2 ambulance guys were super. I had great service by all.

Aetna and ASM Invest in New Defibrillators

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medtroniclifepak1000-2MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and the Ambulance Service of Manchester have purchased new LifePak 1000 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for use on every Basic Life Support unit in both fleets. As one of (reportedly the first) commercial ambulance service in Connecticut to equip every BLS unit with this life saving piece of equipment, it was critical to continue the capability with new technology.

Each Paramedic Unit at Aetna and ASM use LifePak 15s capable of wireless transmission of 12-lead EKGs, external pacemaking, cardioversion, CO detection, non-invasive blood pressures and end tidal CO2 monitoring (specification arrangement also known as fully configured). DSC_1580LifePak 15s are used on a daily basis whereas AEDs see use on a rare occasion but have a significant impact for those patients. Typically the CPR and defribillation performed when these AEDs are used is the first skilled services provided to a patient in a life threatening situation.

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

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MANCHESTER — Additions and renovations to the Ambulance Service of Manchester’s main headquarters, known to employees as “10-1,” continue. As of this writing:

  • Construction of the new classroom space is complete, with kitchenette and is awaiting drop down screen and AV equipment.
  • The main restrooms are complete and in-service.
  • The Medicare and accounts payable sections of the billing office are complete and those billing agents have moved into the new space.
  • The ancillary/back hallway has flooring and new door.
  • The old men’s and women’s bathrooms have been demolished as well as the hallway walls to make way for a new main lobby.
  • The old Medicare billing office and collections area are awaiting demo and construction of a new hallway that passes through from the call-taking area.

The next steps are mainly listed above but include the construction of new offices and hallways, moving the lockers into a new area and completion of a new lobby and main entrance.

The addition and renovation are part of ASM’s continued commitment and investment in the towns it serves.

Regional Food Drive In Manchester Considered A Success

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By JESSE LEAVENWORTH

The Hartford Courant

4:57 p.m. EST, November 25, 2013

MANCHESTER — A regional food drive in its fifth year tallied “phenomenal” results, an organizer announced Monday.

The Emergency of Hunger drive, run by emergency response agencies and Rotary Club members, gathered 38,309 food items, $24,143 in cash, checks and gift cards and 596 turkeys, event organizer Dave Skoczulek said.

Donations were gathered at supermarkets in Manchester, South Windsor, Vernon, Windsor and Enfield, the latest community to join the effort. The donations go to food pantries and shelters in each town.

“Because we keep adding towns and changing hours and tinkering with the format, it’s hard to say if it was the biggest year,” Skoczulek said. “But I would say it was the best year. We had the most fun, brought in a huge amount, had the best interactions with the public and saw the biggest desire to give.”

Over the past five years, the drive has tallied 147,000 food items, $96,186 in donations and 4,170 turkeys.

Read the Courant article by clicking here…

‘Emergency of Hunger’ Food Drive to Continue this Weekend

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Gallery includes pictures from last weekend. 

MANCHESTER — The demand on local food assistance programs continues to increase for a number of reasons. This makes efforts like the Emergency of Hunger Food Drive at the Stop and Shop Supermarkets in the area THIS WEEKEND even more important.

  • Manchester:      286 Broad Street. November 16, 17, 23 and 24. 900a-500p.
  • Rockville:          50 Windsorville Road. November 23 and 24. 900a-400p.
  • Vernon:             10 Pitkin Road. November 23 and 24. 900a-400p.

The Manchester Food Drive is sponsored by IMCORP, organized by Ambulance Service of Manchester and powered by volunteers from ASM, Manchester Police, Manchester Fire Rescue EMS, the Rotary Club and MACC Charities staff and more has raised a lot of money, food, and turkeys over the five  years of its existence. It fills the freezers, the pantry and adds money that is so important to help with special needs for babies, diabetics and others with dietary issues, and other important household needs.

We urge you to show up SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23 AND 24 at the Stop and Shop in Manchester and share so that others may eat.

Words That Describe Us: Volume 16

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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:

  • Caring, professional. As a person who grew up with the Grady’s I know they would be proud of [the] service you are providing.
  • Mr. Robert Hamilton was most caring as was Ashley Cichy (13-84822).
  • The woman who took care of my son on the way to the hospital was great (K. Russell). She was funny and tried to ease my son’s nerves, yet very professional and did what she had to do. I was very happy with her service. (13-78443).
  • The two paramedics were courteous and very competent.
  • Caring and concerned for my privacy. Would use your service again.
  • Great and professional.
  • Fabulous.
  • Excellent!!!
  • Satisfactory.
  • Excellent care.
  • Job well done.
  • Friendly and professional.
  • Professional and caring.
  • Caring/competent
  • Professional and compassionate x 2.
  • Wonderful.
  • Saved my life!
  • Your staff were very professional and kind.
  • Professional + competent
  • Caring
  • Professionalism/Skilled.

Apparently we are professional!

The Hartford Circus Fire and Aetna Ambulance: Volume 6

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by Sam Porcello

Miss earlier volumes? Click here…

bb20d332c8One of the things that surprised me the most during my project research was the fact that the Gradys concealed their ownership of Aetna Ambulance, afraid that, 20 years before the Civil Rights Amendment, people would be reluctant to do business with African Americans.  As Mrs. Grady recounted:

“(My family) found it difficult to get loans to finance their business.  My dad was a local artist and would use what money he received from selling his paintings into the ambulance business.  He was also a barber!  They would conceal their ownership in the following ways: 1) By calling their business Aetna [ostensibly named, with permission, after the insurance company that they worked for] instead of Grady Ambulance because they knew that the general public would probably not do business with them because of the color of their skin; 2) When they appeared in photographs together helping patients they were careful not to have their names recorded or their actual relationship to the business recorded.  People would believe that they were only the ‘ambulance attendants’ which was the intention.”

Emergency Of Hunger Food Drive Starts In Four Towns

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By JESSE LEAVENWORTH

The Hartford Courant

3:37 p.m. EST, November 15, 2013

Read the Courant version here…

Food Drive 2013

MANCHESTER — Emergency responders and Rotary Club members launched a regional drive Friday to collect food and other donations for needy people.

This is the fifth year of the Emergency of Hunger Food Drive. Representatives of police, fire and ambulance agencies, Rotary Club members and pantry managers from Manchester, South Windsor and Vernon gathered Friday at Manchester Area Conference of Churches Charities to kick off the drive.

Volunteers in those towns, Enfield and Windsor collect food and monetary donations at area supermarkets. In the past five years, the drive has gathered about 108,000 food and personal care items, 4,100 turkeys and more than $75,000 in cash, checks and gift cards, organizers said.

All collections are to be held at Stop & Shop supermarkets, except one at Geissler’s Supermarket in South Windsor. Dates and times for the collections are:

Manchester — Saturday and Sunday and Nov. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 286 Broad St.

Enfield — Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 54 Hazard Ave.

Rockville — Nov. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 50 Windsorville Road

Vernon — Nov. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 10 Pitkin Road

South Windsor — Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.at the Stop & Shop at 1739 Ellington Road and on the same days and times at Geissler’s Supermarket, 965 Sullivan Ave.

Windsor held its collection earlier this month, organizers said.

All food and donations go to food banks in the towns where they are donated, organizers said.

“In other words, everything stays local so that neighbors are helping neighbors,” organizer David Skoczulek of Ambulance Service of Manchester wrote in a news release.