Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Jayson Braman Completes Precepting Phase

HARTFORD – As of July 11th, 2018, Jayson Braman 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 completed the paramedic program at New Britain EMS Academy and started my career in Wolcott with medical control out of St. Mary’s hospital in Waterbury, CT. Looking for a service area that was a faster pace to gain the most experience, I thought no better place than the capital city. I am excited to begin my career here at Aetna continuing to learn and grow as a paramedic. A special thanks to Matt Campbell as my preceptor for his help through the process.”


As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Jayson’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 Jayson the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Aetna Participates in Community Event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARTFORD- On Monday, July 16th, 2018, Aetna Supervisor’s Bob Mara and Matt Campbell, along with EMT’s Alex Patetta and Shivani Patel were invited to attend an event at Templo Fe Church on Broad Street. The day encouraged kids (ages 3-12) to interact with EMS personnel in order to gain a sense of familiarity with first responders. Hartford Police and Fire Department are set to participate as well later in the week. Aetna staff members provided ambulance tours, posed for pictures and handed out coloring books to those in attendance.

 

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.

Aetna Attends “Touch A Truck Event” in Hartford!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARTFORD — On May 6, 2017 Aetna Ambulance Service attended a Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood themed “Touch a Truck” event held at CPBN Television Station on Asylum Avenue in Hartford. The event, organized by a group of military veterans, encouraged kids to interact with Police, Fire, and EMS personnel in order to gain a sense of familiarity with first responders. Event Coordinator James Reeves’s motivation for the project was “creating, coordinating, and executing a family-friendly event that highlights the importance for children and families to “be a good neighbor” and become more involved in their communities.”  Mr. Reeves also stated “we feel that kids should be unafraid of those in uniform to the point that they can communicate freely and openly, especially in times of urgent need.”

Aetna Field Supervisor Matt Campbell, and EMT’s Alexandra Zhakov and Anthony Mazzola provided ambulance tours and the entertainment for those in attendance, giving out coloring books and posing for pictures.

 

Aetna Assists at “Fire Ops 101 Day”

HARTFORD- On April 10th, 2017 The Uniformed Professional Fire Firefighters Association of Connecticut hosted an event at Hartford FD’s Training Academy. “Fire Ops 101 Day” provides elected officials and other civilians the opportunity to experience the physical and mental challenges that first responders face on a daily basis.

Representative from Aetna Ambulance, several local fire departments, and other agencies acted as handlers walking representatives through real life scenarios.

 

Please note below Aetna Ambulance Field Supervisors Bob Mara and Matt Campbell assisting participants with the care of a simulated trauma patient.

 

Aetna’s Matt Campbell Promoted to Field Supervisor

Matt Campbell AHARTFORD — On December 4, 2015 Aetna’s Matt Campbell was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor.

According to Matt, “I have been with Aetna Ambulance since September 2011 and have enjoyed every day coming to work since.  I have been in EMS since 2007 and have not looked back. I started out my career in Boston at a private service. When I realized that I love this job and wanted to become a Paramedic, I enrolled in Paramedic classes at Comprehensive Medical Teaching Institute (CMTI).

“When I was in school I met my wife while she was attending college in Boston. We now have a family that is growing very fast. My wife and I have a two year old boy and are now expecting twin girls. I have been a Paramedic for over six years now. I became a preceptor for Aetna in early 2012. I am very exited to work with all my colleagues in my new position as Field Supervisor. Aetna is in a true fashion is a family; we stick side-by-side and work day-by-day together. I work with the highest level of professionals In the business every day.  I want to thank all of my Aetna family for all of your support. Let’s wish and hope for further success in our careers together.”

On behalf of the Aetna family we would like to congratulate Matt on his promotion and look forward to great things from him.

Aetna Ambulance Crew Assists Film Crew

HARTFORD — Aetna’s Matt Campbell and Justine Monahan assisted a film crew completing a sequence in Hartford in October of 2015. After speaking with the movie’s director and vetting the film’s concept and basic content Aetna Ambulance elected to help the director capture a few key scenes.

A large portion of the movie was filmed in Africa with the final portions filmed here in Hartford. The final title has not been worked out but the movie’s themes revolve around change, redemption and family as well as darker topics like escaping drugs and alcohol.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Eric Thepsiri Completes Precepting Phase

HARTFORD –  As of August 21, 2015, Aetna’s Eric Thepsiri has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Eric started at Aetna in March of 2015 and graduated from the Hartford Hospital-Goodwin College Paramedic Program. His preceptor was Paramedic Matt Campbell. The full precepting phase can take ten to 12 weeks or more as the paramedic is prepped for the realities of the field. Eric started in EMS at 16.  He is currently continuing his education at UConn with an eye towards medical school.

As with all precepting phases at Aetna, Eric’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 Eric the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

The Story of Teddy the Trauma Bear

Teddy the Trauma Bear AHARTFORD — This bear started it’s cycle in Boston, MA thank so some EMS people from Boston EMS. It’s job is to circulate wherever via ambulance trips. Teddy would like to visit as many areas as possible. If you have received Teddy, it will bring you good luck…Teddy should be passed on to another crew at a hospital or wherever.

Please keep it going and lets enjoy the travels of Teddy the Trauma Bear!

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Samuel Dybdahl Completes Precepting Phase

HARTFORD –  As of March 18, 2015, Aetna’s Samuel Dybdahl has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Sam’s preceptor was Paramedic Matt Campbell. 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, Sam’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing him and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Sam has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, is a nationally registered Paramedic and received training as an Army Critical Care Flight Paramedic from University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX. He  is a combat medic and healthcare specialist in the military since 2008 with one deployment to Afghanistan. Sam says he enjoys helping others and furthering his knowledge within the medical field. In his spare time he often competes in Duathlon/Triathlons, road races and weight lifting.

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

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: Aetna’s Jose Platero Completes Precepting Phase

(L to R): Aetna's Jose Platero, Hartford Hospital's Mike Zacchera

(L to R): Aetna’s Jose Platero, Hartford Hospital’s Mike Zacchera

HARTFORD –As of August 4, 2014, Aetna’s Jose Platero has been cleared by Hartford Hospital medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that Aetna serves.

Jose’s preceptor was Paramedic Matt Campbell. 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, Jose’s final approval came from Hartford Hospital after shadowing Jose and his preceptor in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

Jose started at Aetna as an EMT-Basic in 2011 and graduated from the Bridgeport Hospital Paramedic Program. 

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

Praise Again for Aetna’s Matt Campbell and Kevin Mathiau

Campbell and Mathiau 2HARTFORD — On February 15, 2014 Aetna Ambulance crew members Matt Campbell and Kevin Mathiau responded to a motor vehicle accident in Wethersfield. Within two weeks the patient was randomly selected to receive a Patient Satisfaction Survey. The patient sent back a response on the care she and her family received.

Matt and Kevin received “Strongly Agree” in every response category. When asked to use a word or phrase to describe us, the patient wrote “Timely, professional, informative and caring.”

The following was handwritten in the additional feedback space provided:

“We truly appreciated the kindness that was shown to us and to our children by the EMTs and Paramedics. We were in a side rollover with our two small children and the EMTs and Paramedics helped make a very scary situation very positive. Keep up the excellent work. Everyone was very personable and we felt as if we were being cared for by good friends or family members.”

– Run #14-13714 (Information appears with permission).

Snow made for a tough day for emergency crews

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)– This snow made for a tough day for emergency crews around our state to get to medical situations that could be life or death.

WTNHSome ambulance crews went out with help in the form of a snow plow leading the way. Read the original WTNH article and see the video here…

Kevin pushed the ambulance through 6 to 8 inches of slop on the roads as he heads to a call in Wethersfield. It has been a busy evening for this crew.

“We had a gentleman who had his fingers cut off in a log splitter today, thankfully we haven’t had any snow blower accidents yet today. We had a cardiac arrest this morning,” said Matt Campbell, Aetna Ambulance.

And now they are heading lights and sirens to a slip and fall patient in Wethersfield. The problem isn’t the snow, Kevin is used to driving in it and the plows are clearing the way… it’s the other drivers.

“A lot of people, they don’t want to get stuck in the snow, so they don’t want to move over for you, and a lot of people don’t need to be out,” said Kevin Mathiau, Aetna.

But they are out and they are clogging the roads so for big storms like this Aetna Ambulance brings on more crews and more equipment so they can spread it around and shorten response time.

“We will stage ambulances all over the city, we have 2 or 3 in every part of the city. The crews know already to slow down, take your time,” said Mark Hannegan, Director Aetna Ambulance

Telling an EMT or paramedic to slow down isn’t in their nature, but safety is and as long as they can get the patient into the ambulance quickly they can stabilize them for a long ride ahead. But with un-shoveled walks and un-plowed side streets crews sometimes have to carry the patient out to the main road rather than risk getting the ambulance stuck.

“We had to carry out a patient on a back board and there were 4 people on it, and it was a 200/300 yard carry, and it makes it difficult without any snow clearing,” said Mathiau.

“We pride ourselves on speed, and to get to the hospital efficiently and safely, and in this weather it is very difficult to get there safely so it takes a lot longer,” said