RE: Acadian, the new Bexar County 911 provider

[Guest guest]

:

I am sorry to hear about the problems that you had with Acadian.

without knowing you at the time, it's tough to do anything but sympathize

with you at this remove.

I do know of other medics and basics who did have personal or professional

problems who were given appropriate support and allowed to continue working.

I hope you are able to rectify the problems you have had, and again resume

employment in the EMS field, if that is your desire.

ck

S. Krin, DO

In a message dated 4/2/2009 18:53:15 Central Standard Time,

trousdale_david@... writes:

However, even though I do not have a problem with Acadian as a company,

there are certain individuals working for Acadian with whom I do have a

problem.

These individuals are not willing to work with employees on professional

situation

**************Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or

less. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000001)

[Guest guest]

,

I worked with Acadian for ap eriod of 7 months after which myemployment with

them was terminated supposedly due to my driving abilities. My Operations

Manager opted NOT to allow me to attend 

additional Allsafe training in Lafayette to rectify the alleged deficiencies.

Additionally, the VPO for Southeast Texas also opted to back the OM up, instead

of allowing me the option of additional Allsafe training. Please tell me how

that is being willing to work with staffers on professional situations? To make

matters worse, because of the decision made to terminate my employment, I have

since been unable to find employment in the EMS field in this area. As for

everything else you have mentiond, such as being medically progressive and

having an agressive teaching staff, I do agree with you on those points.

However, even though I do not have a problem with Acadian as a company, there

are certain individuals working for Acadian with whom I do have a problem. These

individuals are not willing to work with employees on professional situations.  

 

Do you want to talk to the Paramedic in charge or the EMT who knows what's going

on?

________________________________

To: texasems-l

Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2009 2:48:37 PM

Subject: Re: Acadian, the new Bexar County 911 provider

:

I worked off and on with Acadian in several different venues over the space

of about 10 years. I found them to be reasonably progressive medically,

willing to work with their staffers on personal and professional situations,

manage

to provide decent benefits for their full time staffers, have quite an

aggressive teaching program, and quite willing to innovate (they were the first

ones in Louisiana to have auxiliary power units on their ambulances to power

the air conditioning on the boxes even when they couldn't keep the main engine

running.

I'd like to point out that the flag on the side of the Acadian ambulance is

NOT the Louisiana flag...that' s got a blue background and a momma pelican

tending her chicks: _http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ File:Flag_ of_Louisiana.

svg_

(http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ File:Flag_ of_Louisiana. svg)

It's not even a representation of the Acadian flag:

_http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ File:Flag_ of_Acadiana. svg_

(http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ File:Flag_ of_Acadiana. svg)

So, I'm not sure how it represents a slap in the face of any Texan...however

jingoistic. Except maybe a Texan associated with one or more private

ambulance services who lost the Bexar County Contract...I don't recall any

complaints about Acadian Ambulance when they moved in to the Beaumont/Golden

Triangle

area...

ck

S. Krin, DO

In a message dated 4/2/2009 13:15:58 Central Standard Time,

davidemtp (AT) msn (DOT) com writes:

_http://acadian. http://acadian. http://acadianht tp://acadhttp: //acahtt_

(http://acadian. com/pressrelease s/Bexar%20911% 20Contract% 20release. pdf)

Nice to have a Louisiana flag in front of the Alamo.

Thanks Acadian for the slap in the face to Texas residents...

************ **Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or

less. (http://food. aol.com/frugal- feasts?ncid= emlcntusfood0000 0001)

[Guest guest]

,

I worked with Acadian for ap eriod of 7 months after which myemployment with

them was terminated supposedly due to my driving abilities. My Operations

Manager opted NOT to allow me to attend 

additional Allsafe training in Lafayette to rectify the alleged deficiencies.

Additionally, the VPO for Southeast Texas also opted to back the OM up, instead

of allowing me the option of additional Allsafe training. Please tell me how

that is being willing to work with staffers on professional situations? To make

matters worse, because of the decision made to terminate my employment, I have

since been unable to find employment in the EMS field in this area. As for

everything else you have mentiond, such as being medically progressive and

having an agressive teaching staff, I do agree with you on those points.

However, even though I do not have a problem with Acadian as a company, there

are certain individuals working for Acadian with whom I do have a problem. These

individuals are not willing to work with employees on professional situations.  

 

Do you want to talk to the Paramedic in charge or the EMT who knows what's going

on?

________________________________

To: texasems-l

Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2009 2:48:37 PM

Subject: Re: Acadian, the new Bexar County 911 provider

:

I worked off and on with Acadian in several different venues over the space

of about 10 years. I found them to be reasonably progressive medically,

willing to work with their staffers on personal and professional situations,

manage

to provide decent benefits for their full time staffers, have quite an

aggressive teaching program, and quite willing to innovate (they were the first

ones in Louisiana to have auxiliary power units on their ambulances to power

the air conditioning on the boxes even when they couldn't keep the main engine

running.

I'd like to point out that the flag on the side of the Acadian ambulance is

NOT the Louisiana flag...that' s got a blue background and a momma pelican

tending her chicks: _http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ File:Flag_ of_Louisiana.

svg_

(http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ File:Flag_ of_Louisiana. svg)

It's not even a representation of the Acadian flag:

_http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ File:Flag_ of_Acadiana. svg_

(http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ File:Flag_ of_Acadiana. svg)

So, I'm not sure how it represents a slap in the face of any Texan...however

jingoistic. Except maybe a Texan associated with one or more private

ambulance services who lost the Bexar County Contract...I don't recall any

complaints about Acadian Ambulance when they moved in to the Beaumont/Golden

Triangle

area...

ck

S. Krin, DO

In a message dated 4/2/2009 13:15:58 Central Standard Time,

davidemtp (AT) msn (DOT) com writes:

_http://acadian. http://acadian. http://acadianht tp://acadhttp: //acahtt_

(http://acadian. com/pressrelease s/Bexar%20911% 20Contract% 20release. pdf)

Nice to have a Louisiana flag in front of the Alamo.

Thanks Acadian for the slap in the face to Texas residents...

************ **Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or

less. (http://food. aol.com/frugal- feasts?ncid= emlcntusfood0000 0001)

[Guest guest]

Not that I bleed green, , but I do work for Acadian, so there's

your full disclosure.

That said, care to tell me just how a publicity photo in front of a

Texas landmark is a slap in the face to Texas residents? It's not like

they photoshopped and Acadian logo on the Texas flag or the building.

Anyone else's sensibilities offended here besides 's? Maybe it's

just me, but from the volume of bitching on this list about the number

of disreputable private EMS providers screwing over their patients,

Medicare and their employees in Texas, you'd welcome a reputable company.

Longoria wrote:

>

> http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf

> http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf>

>

> Nice to have a Louisiana flag in front of the Alamo.

>

> Thanks Acadian for the slap in the face to Texas residents...

>

> From: texasems-l

> [mailto:texasems-l

> ] On

> Behalf Of kdaigle2

> Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 18:21

> To: texasems-l

> Subject: Acadian, the new Bexar County 911 provider

>

> Following a highly-competitive bid process, Acadian Ambulance Service was

> selected to become the contracted 911 ambulance provider for the

> unincorporated areas of Bexar County, Texas.

>

> The three-year contract, with two one-year extension options, will

> commence

> on May 1, 2009.

>

> " We are very excited about this opportunity to serve Bexar County as the

> Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 911 public safety contractor, " said VP of

> Operations Cirillo. " Our team has already begun

> coordinating an

> extensive transition plan with area and company officials to create a

> smooth

> transition for the community. "

>

> Our company has already received well over 150 applications from Bexar

> County employees and our human resources team will begin screening,

> testing

> and making job offers this week in San to area EMS

> professionals to

> join our team. The hiring process will last about a week followed by

> various

> orientation classes that will be scheduled to accommodate the numerous

> work

> shifts of area employees.

>

> Simultaneously, Acadian leaders will host a series of meetings with area

> first responder groups and key officials to garner their insight and

> leadership to successfully integrate into the public safety team.

>

> More than just providing ambulances, Acadian will also maintain a

> specially-equipped all-terrain response med cart, a CCT ambulance and

> bariatric ambulance in Bexar County. Our fleet size will grow to about 20

> ambulances in Bexar County before the transition occurs on May 1. Six

> additional EMS stations will also be located throughout the county.

>

> Acadian has done other great things in other counties in Texas, too. After

> only ten months in Orange and Jefferson counties in Texas, Acadian was

> chosen as the Best EMS Service by Beaumont Enterprise readers. Acadian is

> one of seven other ambulance services in the area. The company was also

> voted one of three most admired companies for customer service

> excellence by

> the area Chamber of Commerce just a year after it began operations in

> Austin.

>

> The Bexar County 911 contract is not oour company's first 911 contract in

> Texas. We were awarded area EMS contracts in Orange and Jefferson Counties

> in Southeast Texas in 2006.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Not that I bleed green, , but I do work for Acadian, so there's

your full disclosure.

That said, care to tell me just how a publicity photo in front of a

Texas landmark is a slap in the face to Texas residents? It's not like

they photoshopped and Acadian logo on the Texas flag or the building.

Anyone else's sensibilities offended here besides 's? Maybe it's

just me, but from the volume of bitching on this list about the number

of disreputable private EMS providers screwing over their patients,

Medicare and their employees in Texas, you'd welcome a reputable company.

Longoria wrote:

>

> http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf

> http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf>

>

> Nice to have a Louisiana flag in front of the Alamo.

>

> Thanks Acadian for the slap in the face to Texas residents...

>

> From: texasems-l

> [mailto:texasems-l

> ] On

> Behalf Of kdaigle2

> Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 18:21

> To: texasems-l

> Subject: Acadian, the new Bexar County 911 provider

>

> Following a highly-competitive bid process, Acadian Ambulance Service was

> selected to become the contracted 911 ambulance provider for the

> unincorporated areas of Bexar County, Texas.

>

> The three-year contract, with two one-year extension options, will

> commence

> on May 1, 2009.

>

> " We are very excited about this opportunity to serve Bexar County as the

> Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 911 public safety contractor, " said VP of

> Operations Cirillo. " Our team has already begun

> coordinating an

> extensive transition plan with area and company officials to create a

> smooth

> transition for the community. "

>

> Our company has already received well over 150 applications from Bexar

> County employees and our human resources team will begin screening,

> testing

> and making job offers this week in San to area EMS

> professionals to

> join our team. The hiring process will last about a week followed by

> various

> orientation classes that will be scheduled to accommodate the numerous

> work

> shifts of area employees.

>

> Simultaneously, Acadian leaders will host a series of meetings with area

> first responder groups and key officials to garner their insight and

> leadership to successfully integrate into the public safety team.

>

> More than just providing ambulances, Acadian will also maintain a

> specially-equipped all-terrain response med cart, a CCT ambulance and

> bariatric ambulance in Bexar County. Our fleet size will grow to about 20

> ambulances in Bexar County before the transition occurs on May 1. Six

> additional EMS stations will also be located throughout the county.

>

> Acadian has done other great things in other counties in Texas, too. After

> only ten months in Orange and Jefferson counties in Texas, Acadian was

> chosen as the Best EMS Service by Beaumont Enterprise readers. Acadian is

> one of seven other ambulance services in the area. The company was also

> voted one of three most admired companies for customer service

> excellence by

> the area Chamber of Commerce just a year after it began operations in

> Austin.

>

> The Bexar County 911 contract is not oour company's first 911 contract in

> Texas. We were awarded area EMS contracts in Orange and Jefferson Counties

> in Southeast Texas in 2006.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ooooh, BURN!

Good one, Thom.

Thom Seeber wrote:

>

> And besides that, they also hire the handicap.

>

> Just look at Greyson. ;-)

>

> Thom Seeber, CCEMT-P

>

> Re: Acadian, the new Bexar County 911 provider

>

> :

>

> I worked off and on with Acadian in several different venues over the

> space

>

> of about 10 years. I found them to be reasonably progressive medically,

> willing to work with their staffers on personal and professional

> situations, manage

> to provide decent benefits for their full time staffers, have quite an

> aggressive teaching program, and quite willing to innovate (they were the

> first

> ones in Louisiana to have auxiliary power units on their ambulances to

> power

> the air conditioning on the boxes even when they couldn't keep the main

> engine

> running.

>

> I'd like to point out that the flag on the side of the Acadian

> ambulance is

>

> NOT the Louisiana flag...that's got a blue background and a momma pelican

> tending her chicks:

> _http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Louisiana.svg_

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Louisiana.svg_>

> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Louisiana.svg

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Louisiana.svg>)

>

> It's not even a representation of the Acadian flag:

> _http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Acadiana.svg_

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Acadiana.svg_>

> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Acadiana.svg

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Acadiana.svg>)

>

> So, I'm not sure how it represents a slap in the face of any

> Texan...however

> jingoistic. Except maybe a Texan associated with one or more private

> ambulance services who lost the Bexar County Contract...I don't recall

> any

> complaints about Acadian Ambulance when they moved in to the

> Beaumont/Golden Triangle

> area...

>

> ck

> S. Krin, DO

>

>

> In a message dated 4/2/2009 13:15:58 Central Standard Time,

> davidemtp@... writes:

>

> _http://acadian.http://acadian.http://acadianhttp://acadhttp://acahtt_

> http://acadian.http://acadian.http://acadianhttp://acadhttp://acahtt_>

> (http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf

> http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf>)

>

> Nice to have a Louisiana flag in front of the Alamo.

>

> Thanks Acadian for the slap in the face to Texas residents...

>

> **************Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10

> or

> less. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000001

> http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000001>)

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ooooh, BURN!

Good one, Thom.

Thom Seeber wrote:

>

> And besides that, they also hire the handicap.

>

> Just look at Greyson. ;-)

>

> Thom Seeber, CCEMT-P

>

> Re: Acadian, the new Bexar County 911 provider

>

> :

>

> I worked off and on with Acadian in several different venues over the

> space

>

> of about 10 years. I found them to be reasonably progressive medically,

> willing to work with their staffers on personal and professional

> situations, manage

> to provide decent benefits for their full time staffers, have quite an

> aggressive teaching program, and quite willing to innovate (they were the

> first

> ones in Louisiana to have auxiliary power units on their ambulances to

> power

> the air conditioning on the boxes even when they couldn't keep the main

> engine

> running.

>

> I'd like to point out that the flag on the side of the Acadian

> ambulance is

>

> NOT the Louisiana flag...that's got a blue background and a momma pelican

> tending her chicks:

> _http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Louisiana.svg_

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Louisiana.svg_>

> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Louisiana.svg

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Louisiana.svg>)

>

> It's not even a representation of the Acadian flag:

> _http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Acadiana.svg_

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Acadiana.svg_>

> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Acadiana.svg

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Acadiana.svg>)

>

> So, I'm not sure how it represents a slap in the face of any

> Texan...however

> jingoistic. Except maybe a Texan associated with one or more private

> ambulance services who lost the Bexar County Contract...I don't recall

> any

> complaints about Acadian Ambulance when they moved in to the

> Beaumont/Golden Triangle

> area...

>

> ck

> S. Krin, DO

>

>

> In a message dated 4/2/2009 13:15:58 Central Standard Time,

> davidemtp@... writes:

>

> _http://acadian.http://acadian.http://acadianhttp://acadhttp://acahtt_

> http://acadian.http://acadian.http://acadianhttp://acadhttp://acahtt_>

> (http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf

> http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf>)

>

> Nice to have a Louisiana flag in front of the Alamo.

>

> Thanks Acadian for the slap in the face to Texas residents...

>

> **************Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10

> or

> less. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000001

> http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000001>)

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Pardon the long response-

When I started my EMS career in 1995, all I knew about Acadian was they drove

the " green machines " across the state line and had funny looking medic patches.

In 2001 when I relocated to Louisiana from Southest Texas, I decided in order to

succeed, I had to take some risks. So, I found myself employed full time with

Acadian in Lafayette. In the beginning, I was not convinced or impressed by this

service any more than previous employers. Besides the green machines, funny

looking patches, and hard-to-understand cajun accents, they were just another

service and I was ready to move back to Texas.

Now, I will explain why I felt that way: I was employed with AMR when they

purchased the small service I started my " job " with. Then we ALL moved over to

Rural Metro when AMR closed up so many operations in Texas. Two years later, we

ALL left R/M and spread out amongst the smaller privately owned services, most

of which have since filed bankruptcy or the Feds shut down because of fraud.

Then one day during my first year of employment, I looked at our Acadian

internal website where they post employment anniversaries. My jaw hit the floor

when I saw employees that were celebrating 10, 15, 20, 25 and even 30 year

employment anniversaries. I thought, How could this be??? This is EMS??? People

don't stay in this industry that long...with the same company????

Reluctantly, I decided to make Lafayette, La. my home and fell in love with

Louisiana and Acadian. One year later, I applied for a promotion with 9 other

applicants and was offered the position. 10 months later, I was promoted again

in the same position. Then just after my 5 year anniversary, I tearfully

resigned my management position so that my husband could pursue his career in

the Health, Safety, and Environmental industry, and we moved back to Texas.

Five months later, several members of the Vice President team called me and

asked me if I was ready to come " home " , this time, in Austin. I just about fell

out of my chair and had to ask if this was really happening. This year, I will

celebrate my 8th anniversary with a company that has been VERY good to me. Here

is what I have learned about Acadian in the last 8 years:

First of all, we all know each other by name and not employee number. Employees

take a tremendous amount of pride in this company. We want our customers to be

" Wow'd " when they interact with any member of this organization. Those customers

will be the one's to call you back. We try to be the best part of someone's

worse day, no matter what. We also care about how we look to the public.

Professional image is very important and don't think people don't notice, they

do!

We all prosper long term, with the company's success (ESOP) That's why Acadian

methodically studys a service area before jumping right on in. If we as a

company fail financially, we take away from our retirement. I will also add

we're very diverse-we have multiple companies that fall under the Acadian

umbrella. If one area has losses, rest assured another area has record profits.

It also adds mutiple avenues for promotion without ever leaving the company.

Acadian drowns employees with appreciation (Nouvelle Subscribers know this).

Employees make up just about every committee we have to develope protocols,

policies, precedures, product evaluations, ambulance

manufacturing/remounting-(it's your office, we rely on YOU to you make it

comfortable) and even safety.

They reward employees for their involvement with the company (ex: employees that

take a wellness test, are entered for a vacation drawing and gift cards. ESOP

participants are entered into a drawing to win a car at our annual Medic of the

Year luncheon. This event alone brings well over 1500 employee owners together.

Safety awards are given when an area such as South-Central Texas celebrates 1.5

years without a lost time claim-(We also gave a way a cruise and $1000 spending

money for that prestigeous milestone to a lucky South Central Texas employee

just 2 weeks ago). Lets figure the average workers compensation claim costs a

company $40,000. Acadian to this date has 2674 employees. Do the math, safety

matters! We give you tools to safely move your patient's, like slide boards,

stair chairs and power stretchers. We also have an Allsafe driving program that

coaches you to drive safely. To top things off, we have leaders within this

organization that spend a great deal of time involved with congress and

legislature, who stand up and speak for the the EMS industry as a whole, but

more importantly, the patients we care for.

I am far from a salesperson. I have no issues selling this company to any person

considering a career, yes a career, because at Acadian, it's not just a job.

When you truly believe in something, work is easy and fun and you love to do it

every single day. I beleive in Acadian and their purpose to patient care, the

community services, and the dedication and committment to their employees and

customers.

Based on the anniveraries I mentioned earlier, Acadian takes a great deal of

interest in employee satisfaction. That's why people don't leave this company.

THEY ARE SATISFIED AND REMAIN THAT WAY, even after 30 years of service! Everyday

is not a bed of roses, but most will be.

I won't dare say that Acadian is a good fit for everyone, because they just

aren't. Ask anyone who has left this company and most will say it was because of

a personal issue, and not an issue with the company or it's employees. Every

employee has left with dignity and respect and no matter what the situation was,

overall, they would say that Acadian is one of the best employers that have ever

worked for.

I can't understand why you appear disgruntled, though as a professional, I would

have never expected such a negative public response from you or anyone else.

While most Americans are finding themselves in an unemployment line because of

the economy, Acadian is expanding and bringing careers to places like San

/Bexar County. Careers with education and advancement opportunities,

benefits, retirement, vacation, sick time, disability insurance. Lets not forget

about bonuses, " private " employee stock ownership-not public stock, cars, and

vacations for those who participate. We do all of this without asking for

federal bailout money because of mismanagement.

I do hope that in time, you and other reluctant healthcare professionals in this

area are able to see and appreciate Acadian's committment to our customers and

the EMS industry. After 38 years, Acadian's reputation speaks for itself and it

is our dedicated employee-owners that make our success what it has become today.

Just think, I am only one voice, out of 2674 employees with an addional 60-90

more in the next 30 days.

Respectfully,

P.S. About those units-Our choice of units should have no significant impact

with regards to generators. Bexar County is not far from a metropolitan area, so

services to " fix " them, should be relatively close in any direction should the

need arise.

> >

> > http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf

> > http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf>

> >

> > Nice to have a Louisiana flag in front of the Alamo.

> >

> > Thanks Acadian for the slap in the face to Texas residents...

> >

> > From: texasems-l

> > [mailto:texasems-l

> > ] On

> > Behalf Of kdaigle2

> > Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 18:21

> > To: texasems-l

> > Subject: Acadian, the new Bexar County 911 provider

> >

> > Following a highly-competitive bid process, Acadian Ambulance Service was

> > selected to become the contracted 911 ambulance provider for the

> > unincorporated areas of Bexar County, Texas.

> >

> > The three-year contract, with two one-year extension options, will

> > commence

> > on May 1, 2009.

> >

> > " We are very excited about this opportunity to serve Bexar County as the

> > Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 911 public safety contractor, " said VP of

> > Operations Cirillo. " Our team has already begun

> > coordinating an

> > extensive transition plan with area and company officials to create a

> > smooth

> > transition for the community. "

> >

> > Our company has already received well over 150 applications from Bexar

> > County employees and our human resources team will begin screening,

> > testing

> > and making job offers this week in San to area EMS

> > professionals to

> > join our team. The hiring process will last about a week followed by

> > various

> > orientation classes that will be scheduled to accommodate the numerous

> > work

> > shifts of area employees.

> >

> > Simultaneously, Acadian leaders will host a series of meetings with area

> > first responder groups and key officials to garner their insight and

> > leadership to successfully integrate into the public safety team.

> >

> > More than just providing ambulances, Acadian will also maintain a

> > specially-equipped all-terrain response med cart, a CCT ambulance and

> > bariatric ambulance in Bexar County. Our fleet size will grow to about 20

> > ambulances in Bexar County before the transition occurs on May 1. Six

> > additional EMS stations will also be located throughout the county.

> >

> > Acadian has done other great things in other counties in Texas, too. After

> > only ten months in Orange and Jefferson counties in Texas, Acadian was

> > chosen as the Best EMS Service by Beaumont Enterprise readers. Acadian is

> > one of seven other ambulance services in the area. The company was also

> > voted one of three most admired companies for customer service

> > excellence by

> > the area Chamber of Commerce just a year after it began operations in

> > Austin.

> >

> > The Bexar County 911 contract is not oour company's first 911 contract in

> > Texas. We were awarded area EMS contracts in Orange and Jefferson Counties

> > in Southeast Texas in 2006.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the long response. I have been in EMS for over 22 years and have

nothing against Acadian. What I have a problem with is the over abundance

of private EMS companies in large cities which are creating problems for

legitimate companies. SO hurrah for Acadian...hurrah for all companies who

are out there performing legally to do what try to instill into medics..

Good patient care and good customer service not only to those we serve but

to those who wear the EMS uniform.

From: texasems-l [mailto:texasems-l ] On

Behalf Of kdaigle2

Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 19:33

To: texasems-l

Subject: Re: Acadian, the new Bexar County 911 provider

,

Pardon the long response-

When I started my EMS career in 1995, all I knew about Acadian was they

drove the " green machines " across the state line and had funny looking medic

patches. In 2001 when I relocated to Louisiana from Southest Texas, I

decided in order to succeed, I had to take some risks. So, I found myself

employed full time with Acadian in Lafayette. In the beginning, I was not

convinced or impressed by this service any more than previous employers.

Besides the green machines, funny looking patches, and hard-to-understand

cajun accents, they were just another service and I was ready to move back

to Texas.

Now, I will explain why I felt that way: I was employed with AMR when they

purchased the small service I started my " job " with. Then we ALL moved over

to Rural Metro when AMR closed up so many operations in Texas. Two years

later, we ALL left R/M and spread out amongst the smaller privately owned

services, most of which have since filed bankruptcy or the Feds shut down

because of fraud.

Then one day during my first year of employment, I looked at our Acadian

internal website where they post employment anniversaries. My jaw hit the

floor when I saw employees that were celebrating 10, 15, 20, 25 and even 30

year employment anniversaries. I thought, How could this be??? This is

EMS??? People don't stay in this industry that long...with the same

company????

Reluctantly, I decided to make Lafayette, La. my home and fell in love with

Louisiana and Acadian. One year later, I applied for a promotion with 9

other applicants and was offered the position. 10 months later, I was

promoted again in the same position. Then just after my 5 year anniversary,

I tearfully resigned my management position so that my husband could pursue

his career in the Health, Safety, and Environmental industry, and we moved

back to Texas.

Five months later, several members of the Vice President team called me and

asked me if I was ready to come " home " , this time, in Austin. I just about

fell out of my chair and had to ask if this was really happening. This year,

I will celebrate my 8th anniversary with a company that has been VERY good

to me. Here is what I have learned about Acadian in the last 8 years:

First of all, we all know each other by name and not employee number.

Employees take a tremendous amount of pride in this company. We want our

customers to be " Wow'd " when they interact with any member of this

organization. Those customers will be the one's to call you back. We try to

be the best part of someone's worse day, no matter what. We also care about

how we look to the public. Professional image is very important and don't

think people don't notice, they do!

We all prosper long term, with the company's success (ESOP) That's why

Acadian methodically studys a service area before jumping right on in. If we

as a company fail financially, we take away from our retirement. I will also

add we're very diverse-we have multiple companies that fall under the

Acadian umbrella. If one area has losses, rest assured another area has

record profits. It also adds mutiple avenues for promotion without ever

leaving the company.

Acadian drowns employees with appreciation (Nouvelle Subscribers know this).

Employees make up just about every committee we have to develope protocols,

policies, precedures, product evaluations, ambulance

manufacturing/remounting-(it's your office, we rely on YOU to you make it

comfortable) and even safety.

They reward employees for their involvement with the company (ex: employees

that take a wellness test, are entered for a vacation drawing and gift

cards. ESOP participants are entered into a drawing to win a car at our

annual Medic of the Year luncheon. This event alone brings well over 1500

employee owners together. Safety awards are given when an area such as

South-Central Texas celebrates 1.5 years without a lost time claim-(We also

gave a way a cruise and $1000 spending money for that prestigeous milestone

to a lucky South Central Texas employee just 2 weeks ago). Lets figure the

average workers compensation claim costs a company $40,000. Acadian to this

date has 2674 employees. Do the math, safety matters! We give you tools to

safely move your patient's, like slide boards, stair chairs and power

stretchers. We also have an Allsafe driving program that coaches you to

drive safely. To top things off, we have leaders within this organization

that spend a great deal of time involved with congress and legislature, who

stand up and speak for the the EMS industry as a whole, but more

importantly, the patients we care for.

I am far from a salesperson. I have no issues selling this company to any

person considering a career, yes a career, because at Acadian, it's not just

a job. When you truly believe in something, work is easy and fun and you

love to do it every single day. I beleive in Acadian and their purpose to

patient care, the community services, and the dedication and committment to

their employees and customers.

Based on the anniveraries I mentioned earlier, Acadian takes a great deal of

interest in employee satisfaction. That's why people don't leave this

company. THEY ARE SATISFIED AND REMAIN THAT WAY, even after 30 years of

service! Everyday is not a bed of roses, but most will be.

I won't dare say that Acadian is a good fit for everyone, because they just

aren't. Ask anyone who has left this company and most will say it was

because of a personal issue, and not an issue with the company or it's

employees. Every employee has left with dignity and respect and no matter

what the situation was, overall, they would say that Acadian is one of the

best employers that have ever worked for.

I can't understand why you appear disgruntled, though as a professional, I

would have never expected such a negative public response from you or anyone

else. While most Americans are finding themselves in an unemployment line

because of the economy, Acadian is expanding and bringing careers to places

like San /Bexar County. Careers with education and advancement

opportunities, benefits, retirement, vacation, sick time, disability

insurance. Lets not forget about bonuses, " private " employee stock

ownership-not public stock, cars, and vacations for those who participate.

We do all of this without asking for federal bailout money because of

mismanagement.

I do hope that in time, you and other reluctant healthcare professionals in

this area are able to see and appreciate Acadian's committment to our

customers and the EMS industry. After 38 years, Acadian's reputation speaks

for itself and it is our dedicated employee-owners that make our success

what it has become today. Just think, I am only one voice, out of 2674

employees with an addional 60-90 more in the next 30 days.

Respectfully,

P.S. About those units-Our choice of units should have no significant impact

with regards to generators. Bexar County is not far from a metropolitan

area, so services to " fix " them, should be relatively close in any direction

should the need arise.

> >

> > http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf

> > http://acadian.com/pressreleases/Bexar%20911%20Contract%20release.pdf>

> >

> > Nice to have a Louisiana flag in front of the Alamo.

> >

> > Thanks Acadian for the slap in the face to Texas residents...

> >

> > From: texasems-l

> > [mailto:texasems-l

> > ] On

> > Behalf Of kdaigle2

> > Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 18:21

> > To: texasems-l

> > Subject: Acadian, the new Bexar County 911 provider

> >

> > Following a highly-competitive bid process, Acadian Ambulance Service

was

> > selected to become the contracted 911 ambulance provider for the

> > unincorporated areas of Bexar County, Texas.

> >

> > The three-year contract, with two one-year extension options, will

> > commence

> > on May 1, 2009.

> >

> > " We are very excited about this opportunity to serve Bexar County as the

> > Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 911 public safety contractor, " said VP

of

> > Operations Cirillo. " Our team has already begun

> > coordinating an

> > extensive transition plan with area and company officials to create a

> > smooth

> > transition for the community. "

> >

> > Our company has already received well over 150 applications from Bexar

> > County employees and our human resources team will begin screening,

> > testing

> > and making job offers this week in San to area EMS

> > professionals to

> > join our team. The hiring process will last about a week followed by

> > various

> > orientation classes that will be scheduled to accommodate the numerous

> > work

> > shifts of area employees.

> >

> > Simultaneously, Acadian leaders will host a series of meetings with area

> > first responder groups and key officials to garner their insight and

> > leadership to successfully integrate into the public safety team.

> >

> > More than just providing ambulances, Acadian will also maintain a

> > specially-equipped all-terrain response med cart, a CCT ambulance and

> > bariatric ambulance in Bexar County. Our fleet size will grow to about

20

> > ambulances in Bexar County before the transition occurs on May 1. Six

> > additional EMS stations will also be located throughout the county.

> >

> > Acadian has done other great things in other counties in Texas, too.

After

> > only ten months in Orange and Jefferson counties in Texas, Acadian was

> > chosen as the Best EMS Service by Beaumont Enterprise readers. Acadian

is

> > one of seven other ambulance services in the area. The company was also

> > voted one of three most admired companies for customer service

> > excellence by

> > the area Chamber of Commerce just a year after it began operations in

> > Austin.

> >

> > The Bexar County 911 contract is not oour company's first 911 contract

in

> > Texas. We were awarded area EMS contracts in Orange and Jefferson

Counties

> > in Southeast Texas in 2006.

> >

> >