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


Aetna Paramedic Receives Challenge Coin


Aetna Paramedic Sam Dybdahl received a “Challenge Coin” from the gentleman (a Vietnam Veteran), pictured above, for the tremendous care rendered to his family member. Originally a military tradition, challenge coins are presented to individuals who have demonstrated a significant achievement. Sam has over a decade of experience as Critical Care Flight Paramedic. Sam is also an active member of the Armed Forces who has served overseas.

Team ASM-Aetna Participates in 2018 CT Brain Freeze!

Year one fundraising for Team ASM-Aetna was a great success. Through the efforts of employees, family members, and friends, a total of $1,175 was raised for Brain Tumor Research. All proceeds were donated to the National Brain Tumor Society. Thank you to everyone involved for your generous contributions and dedication to the cause. Please enjoy pictures from the event below!

Team ASM-Aetna preps for the CT Brain Freeze!

Thanks to the support and dedication of ASM and Aetna employees, Team ASM-Aetna ha reached its goal of 15 participants for the CT Brain Freeze this coming Sunday, March 4th! For anyone interested in joining, the deadline for online registration is tomorrow, February 27th. All proceeds go directly to the National Brain Tumor Society.

Click below to join!

  1. Select “Register”
  2. Select “Join as a New Participant”
  3. Team Name – “Team ASM-Aetna”
  4. Select “Join” and follow prompts

http://events.braintumor.org/connecticut-brain-freeze/

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Eight – 2017

HARTFORD — On February 8th, 2017, eight EMTs 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.

Andrew Choi: PART TIME, EMT.  I am 25 years old and currently attending Central Connecticut State University to attain my B.S in biology. I spent my formative years in West Hartford, CT and now reside in Manchester, CT. I received my EMT certification at Bristol Hospital EMS and volunteered for about a year at Newington EMS. I became an EMT to gain patient care experience in my strive to become a P.A. I am thrilled to continue my education in the medical field and very grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the Aetna team.

 


Brianna Senato: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. Hi, my name is Brianna and I am from Maryland but have been in Connecticut for 5 1/2 years now. I first obtained my EMT in the ARMY and worked as an EMT in AMR Waterbury for 4 years. I recently completed and graduated Paramedic School at New Britain EMS Academy. In my down time I enjoy weightlifting and cooking. My future goal as a Paramedic is to be a Fire Medic, Flight Medic or Maryland State Trooper Flight Medic and I am excited for the opportunity and experience at Aetna.

 


Madison Nixon: PART TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Madison Nixon and I am 22 years old. I recently graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from Bryant University and realized I wanted a career change. I am currently on path to apply to PA school and hope to gain patient care hours with Aetna Ambulance! I grew up and currently reside in Wethersfield, CT. I am also a medical scribe through Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center and I work in the Department of Bariatric Surgery. However, I hope to one day work in Obstetrics or Pediatrics. I spend all my spare time at the gym as I am currently training for a NPC competition. I am extremely passionate about fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle. For this reason, I chose to become a healthcare provider!


Chevaughn Smith: PART TIME, EMT. My name is Chevaughn Smith and I am 21 years old. I am originally from Jamaica, and currently reside in Windsor CT. At the moment I am finishing up my Bachelors of Science degree as an Allied Health Sciences major at the University of Connecticut. I became an EMT to gain patient experience to develop proper bedside manner to become a better care provider for my future plans. I hope to one day attend medical school and pursue a career as an electrophysiologist. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the Aetna Team, and look forward for the journey ahead. I am also a die-hard giants fan.


 

Katherine Garger: PART TIME, EMT. My name is Katherine Garger. I am 21 years old and I am currently a senior at UConn majoring in biology. In the future, I hope to become a PA in either the NICU or pediatric oncology. I was born in Chicago, Illinois and lived in Arizona for many years before moving to Connecticut. In my free time, I like to read, hang out with my three dogs and take long walks on the beach.

 

 


Emma Becroft: FULL TIME, PARAMEDIC. Hi my name is Emma and I am from Wallingford, CT. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Biomolecular Sciences from CCSU. I worked in a genomics research lab throughout my time at CCSU. More recently, I went to paramedic school at New Britain EMS Academy. In my downtime I enjoy hiking and kayaking with my two German Shepherds, as well as weightlifting. I look forward to starting my paramedic career at Aetna.

 

 


Paige Vosburgh: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Paige Vosburgh. I am 24 years old and originally from West Hartford, CT. I recently finished my EMT course at New Britain EMS Academy. After spending the last several years a full time Nanny, I’ve decided to take the leap into the world of EMS. In my free time I enjoy snowboarding and spending time with my family on the beaches of Cape Cod. I can’t wait to see where this new path takes me and am thrilled to be a part of the Aetna team!

 

 


Brittany Lemire: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, My name is Brittany Lemire and I am 22 years old. In May I graduated from Elms College with a B.A. in Biology and a minor in in Business Management. I received my EMT certification from CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor. My goal is to gain patient care experience before applying to PA school. I love to watch sports and enjoy traveling. I am excited to be a part of the Aetna team!

Upcoming Charity Events

 

 

 

 

For the month of February, Aetna and ASM will be ordering pins in recognition of American Heart Month. Crew members, dispatchers and office personnel may purchase a pin for a donation of one to five dollars. All proceeds with be donated to the American Heart Association at month end.

On March 4th, Team ASM-Aetna will be partaking in the 2018 Connecticut Brain Freeze. Those interested gain the opportunity to plunge into the ocean to raise awareness/resources for brain tumor-specific programs. Please consider joining the fun! For instructions on how to register, copy the link below and follow the instructions provided.

1. Select “Register”
2. Select “Join as a New Participant”
3. Team Name – “Team ASM-Aetna”
4. Select “Join” and follow prompts

http://events.braintumor.org/connecticut-brain-freeze/

 

 

 

 

Further out…

ASM/Aetna will be hosting an American Red Cross blood drive for employees at our headquarters in Manchester on Tuesday, May 1st 2018.

 

 

 

 

April- Autism Awareness Month

May- ALS Awareness Month

Absolutely Amazing!

Below are a few recent quotes from the comment section of Aetna’s Patient Satisfaction Surveys. Keep up the great work!

 

Absolutely Amazing. I asked a million questions and they were able to answer everything and keep me calm.

Professional, caring, sensitive to my feelings, reassuring and kind.

Very kind and caring, comforting.

They were some of the kindest people around.

ASM and Aetna Prepare for Winter Storm Grayson

Occasionally we will share severe weather information consequential to public health, public safety and EMS response. Below is a warning issued by the National Weather Service. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

..WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST FRIDAY…

…WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH

SATURDAY AFTERNOON…

 

 

 

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Very cold wind chills possible.

Travel will be very difficult to impossible. Tree branches could

fall as well. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches, with

localized amounts up to 15 inches, are expected. Wind chills

could range from 5 below zero to 25 below zero.

* WHERE...Portions of northern Connecticut and central and

western Massachusetts.

* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 1 AM EST Friday.

For the Wind Chill Watch, from Friday morning through Saturday

afternoon.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Be prepared for significant reductions in

visibility at times. Cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero

will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed

skin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather

conditions are occurring. If you must travel, keep an extra

flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an

emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are

calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

A Wind Chill Watch means there is the potential for a combination

of very cold air and the wind to create dangerously low wind

chill values. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for

updates on this situation.


Photo above from The Weather Channel

CT Children’s and State Police Toy Drive in Pictures – 2017

The 2017 Toy Drive was again a great success. Below you will find a collage of pictures from the days spent collecting toys for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The Toy Drive took place December 14th-17th at Toys R Us locations in Manchester, Newington and West Hartford and brings in cash donations and toys for children treated at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center locations through out the year.

Aetna Newsletter, Volume 3

Aetna Ambulance Service is happy to release the third issue of The Grady Report, the Aetna employee newsletter. Released quarterly, The Grady Report features numerous articles outlining company news and events, training opportunities, case studies (periodically), health and wellness tips, and more. Additionally, each issue will contain an Employee Spotlight article, recognizing an EMT or Paramedic that has demonstrated a commitment to patients and co-workers alike via positive attitude, work ethic, and overall inspiring demeanor. Please enjoy!

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Six – 2017

HARTFORD — On November 20th, 2017, six EMTs 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.

Antonina M. Miller: PART TIME, EMT. My name is Nina Miller and I am 25 years old. I received my EMT certification at Code One in New Haven. I have a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and I am currently working on a second Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science at the University of Bridgeport. I am also an NSCA certified Personal Trainer. My goal is to get quality direct patient care experience as a BLS provider. My long term plan is to apply to a PA program. I’m looking forward to becoming a contributing member of the Hartford Aetna team!

 


Matthew Allard: FULL TIME, EMT. Hi, my name is Matt Allard. I am 36 years old and I’m from Middletown, CT, where I live with my two children. I am a UMass Lowell graduate, and I’ve been volunteering at Windsor EMS for about a year and a half.  Emergency medicine has been an extremely rewarding experience for me, and I decided to transition to this career field after my years of experience in the Air Force, corporate technology, sales, marketing, and training. I plan on furthering my career by attending Paramedic school within the next year. In my downtime I enjoy photography, hiking, swimming and the beach. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the Aetna team!


Sean DiFilippo : FULL TIME, EMT. I am 23 years old and graduated from UCONN with a B.S. in Biology. My goal is to gain medical experience before becoming a PA that specializes in one of the following fields: orthopedics, emergency medicine or neurology. I grew up in Killingworth, CT and currently reside in Berlin, CT. I enjoy being outdoors and reading.

 

 

 


Chris Burdick: FULL TIME, EMT. My Name is Chris Burdick I am 24 years old and from East Hampton CT. I am currently a volunteer certified Firefighter /EMT for my home town, as well as a volunteer EMT for the local ambulance Association. I come from a family of first responders ranging from police, fire, and EMS. I am expanding my knowledge in the EMS field and looking into becoming a paramedic in the future. I am excited and eager to learn and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Aetna team. I look forward to serving the communities with everyone.

 


Shivani Patel: PART TIME, EMT. Hi! My name is Shivani Patel. I am 22 years old and recently graduated from UCONN with a BS in Biology and Psychology. I’m from the small town of Jewett City (out by the casinos). I decided to become an EMT to gain patient care experience for PA school and have been working at Wethersfield for about 8 months. I love to eat and binge watch Netflix. I also enjoy traveling, and really want to visit Europe one day!

 

 


Darrell Salley: FULL TIME, EMT: My name is Darrell Salley and I’m 37 years old.  I am looking forward to starting a rewarding new career as an EMT. I attended New Britain EMS Academy and finished in June of this year. I’m currently a volunteer firefighter and I’m looking to take my experiences at work to be a bigger asset to my department and community.

On Veteran’s Day!

The Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC and Aetna Ambulance, Inc. would like to thank all past and present Veterans for their service to the United States of America. A special thank you to our employees that have served and continue to do so today. We are fortunate to have such patriotic individuals representing our team.

Aetna Participates in Wethersfield First Responder Food Drive

Wethersfield- On Sunday, November 5th 2017, Aetna employees attended a Food Drive at Stop and Shop (1380 Berlin Tpke) hosted by Wethersfield PD, FD and EMS. Nick Caisse and Lauren Hartwell teamed up with members of the Wethersfield agencies to collect goods for donation to the local food bank at event end.

No Shave November!

No Shave November is officially here! ASM and Aetna are encouraging employees to put down their razors in an effort to raise awareness for men’s health!

 

 

 

 

 


Official Rules for Team ASM-Aetna

  • Road personnel are required to follow all OSHA requirements and adhere to the grooming policies outlined in the ASM and Aetna employee manuals.
  • One “Beard” Team Captain from ASM and one “Beard” Team Captain from Aetna will be selected based on popular vote at month end.
  • Alternates from each company will selected following results in the same fashion.
  • Anonymous votes will be collected inside dispatch at 10-1 for ASM and Station A for Aetna.
  • Prizes for the four respective winners will be distributed by the management team in early December.
  • ASM and Aetna will be contributing to the Movember Foundation at the end of the month. Employees, family members and friends have the opportunity to contribute as well by following the link to Team ASM-Aetna provided below.

To learn more about the cause and donate to the Movember Foundation please:

Click here!