Meet the Newest Members of the Aetna Ambulance Team: Aetna Hires Nine

HARTFORD– On August 9, 2012, six EMTs and three 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.

Laura Adamowich: Part time EMT. My name is Laura Adamowich and I’m 23 years old. I first started my EMT class a little over a year ago, the day after I  moved back to my hometown of Bristol, Connecticut from Virginia, where I had graduated from Liberty University with my Bachelor’s in History. I’ve been volunteering as an EMT since last fall when I received my certification and look forward to starting my career in EMS with Aetna. While working, I will also continue pursuing my Master’s degree part-time online through Northeastern University. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy reading, gardening, music, photography and media, and exploring the rich history that Connecticut has to offer. I’m excited about the future I have ahead of me at Aetna, and look forward to continuing to learn and grow as an EMT!

Daniel Choi: Full time Paramedic. It all started during the last years of College. During this time I was still very unsure of what direction to take in my career life. I was very anxious and dreadful for the future. It was just the beginning of fall semester when I came across a flyer for an EMT program held on campus that following spring semester. At the time I went on pure instinct and curiosity to decide to enroll in this class. I just thought that I always felt good after helping others whether it a friend in need or just giving someone a hand when he/she dropped something of theirs. It turned out to be one of the better decisions I made in college. I was used to Anatomy and Physiology due to my Bio background, however what got me hooked was the unlimited amount of scenarios that can be encountered and the never-ending experience that can be obtained in this field. Though I consider myself still relatively “new” to the EMS world, all I can say is that I keep an open mind to everyone. I will share the knowledge I have received up until now and accept knowledge from my peers and colleagues in the same light. I also take interest in wrenching on automobiles, going to the gym, part-take in a variety of physical sports, have a broad musical library, and participate in anything new and interesting. I am thrilled to work with all the great individuals at a great ambulance company; Aetna.

Jeff D’Albero: Full time Paramedic. My name is Jeffrey D’Albero, I am 25 years old. I live in New London with my fiance Mariaha, and two year old Caleb. I have been involved in fire and EMS since I obtained my EMT when I was 16. I decided to further my education in 2010 when I started the paramedic program at Capitol Community College in Hartford. Upon completion I received my credentials and began working as a paramedic in Bridgeport. I also work as a part time Firefighter for the Town of Waterford. I enjoy SCUBA diving, crossfit, and spending time with friends and family. I am excited to join the Aetna Ambulance team and am looking forward to work.

Travis Dixon: Full time EMT. I am a full-time EMT and am 33 years old.  After a year of college at the University of Connecticut majoring in Business Management I enlisted in the US Marine Corps in Infantry. After 9/11 I began working at CCMC in the Human Resource Dept.  However in 2003 I was deployed for the invasion of Iraq where I traveled to Okinawa, Japan, Bahrain, Crete, Thailand, Kuwait and various other countries all within a year. When I returned I began working at Hartford Hospital but eventually decided to become self-employed. It was a visit to my mother’s house one day that changed my life.  She wasn’t home however my aunt from Florida was staying with her for the summer.  I found my aunt on her bedroom floor, suffering from a stroke.  It was a Paramedic that first responded.  It was that intense event that opened up my eyes to the EMS field. I have a five year old son who LOVES trains and is beginning kindergarten in September.  He is excited to see his Daddy on an Ambulance, helping people.

Michael Joseph: Full time EMT. Hello, my name is Michael William Edgar Joseph. Yes, I have four first names but I usually only use one or two of them. I graduated from UConn with a chemistry degree in 2009 and have been doing a little bit of everything since. I lived in Spain for a couple years working on farms then came home to work a couple jobs in chemistry and tutoring. My ultimate plan is to go to medical school although I want to get more hands on experience working with patients. Honestly I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity than to work as an EMT for Aetna. I’m really looking forward to learning all that I can so please feel free to share your wisdom with me. As for interests outside of healthcare, I like languages, traveling, the great outdoors, my dog and making movies with my friends and family.

Camillo Quezada: Part-time EMT. My name is Camilo Quezada and I’m 23 years old. I’m fluent in Spanish and enjoy gaming in my spare time. EMS is my passion and to further my career I have enrolled in Medic class inHartford. I have a great girlfriend who also started working inHartfordand we’ve decided to relocate to the area soon.  I began researching EMS providers in the area and was immediately impressed by Aetna’s reputation. After meeting with the staff and looking around the campus I knew this was a place I could work for many years and be fulfilled. Looking forward to meeting the team and continuing my education.

Angel Rodrigues: Full time EMT. The main reasons why I began a career in EMS is to help others in need, to give back to my community and polish my skills as an EMT-B. I took the EMT course through Hartford Hospital because I’ve heard they’re tough and go in-depth with the material. My mentality is, if you can do it, so can I. And if so, go earn it. I enjoy playing baseball, football, and basketball. I love to go hiking during my days off and swim in the pool. During my down time, I like to sit outside and read. It’s called practicing medicine, and I know that there is no such thing as the “perfect EMT/medic”, but I do want to be on top of the game.

Taylor Salva: Full time Paramedic. I’m a new Paramedic. I graduated from Capital Community College in October of last year. I’ve lived in the New London/Groton area all my life, until my wife, daughter, step daughter and I recently moved to Griswold. I enjoy boating, fishing and shooting. I’ve worked as an EMT basic, a firefighter, and ER technician for some time now and am excited to start my paramedic career.

Mike Weller: Part time EMT. I’m Michael Weller, 24 years old, and currently work at Cromwell Fire Dept for a little over a year. I am currently enrolled in Hartford Hospital/Goodwin’s Paramedic program and plan to graduate in December ’12.  I also been working as a DJ for the last five years all over Connecticut and other states. I have been slowly transitioning out of the business to focus more of a career in EMS and continue further education to possibly become a CRNA in the future.  I snowboard in the winter and mountain bike in the summer trying to stay as active as possible.  I would describe myself as outgoing and easy to get a lot with and look forward to the new people I will meet at Aetna.  I originally got my EMT and pistol permit to become a police officer and after no replies for multiple jobs after  months I started working inEMS and liked to and decided to pursue further into the medical field.