Troy Shaffer's Page

Profile Information

Type of Organization: EMS/Rescue Squad/Hospital EMS - Paid

Job Function: Driver / Engineer

Years in Fire/EMS:: 9

Primary Fire/EMS Department:: Air Medical Program In Northeast United States

Years With Department/Agency: 9

Dept. Web Site:: http://flightsafetynet.com

About Me:: Husband and father. Three beautiful children. Married for 14 years. Conservative political views. Christian/Lutheran background and faith.

EMS pilot in the Northeast part of United States. Work as a contract employee (Helicopter/Health System vendor relationship) for an awesome air medical program. The flight program and health system are 100% committed to continued business growth with no compromise of safety. I fly state of the art, twin engine, single pilot IFR aircraft. I consider myself very lucky to work for a progressive program in a rural area I want to live in.

Day Job:: Emergency Medical Services Helicopter Pilot

Relationship Status:: Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:: http://flightsafetynet.com

Why I Joined Fire/EMS: I started flying EMS after departing the military. Original plan was to fly for the airlines; however, after 9/11/2001, the airline industry and the whole world changed. I ended up staying in helicopters and have been thankful I did ever since. EMS is a great career filled with great people.

Why I Love Fire/EMS: I get to work with professionals committed to helping other people.

Top Issues Facing Responders:: 2008 was the worst year on record for air medical flight accidents. Improving our safety record is priority one.

Troy Shaffer's Blog

How Total Newbies Make You Safer

Posted on December 26, 2009 at 9:30pm 3 Comments 0 Likes

Every fire station, flight program, ambulance service and communications center has one or will get one soon. Anyone want to venture a guess?

If you’re thinking Dalmatian puppy or poster of Paramedic Johnny Gage,* your sentiment is appreciated.

The answer, however, is a new employee.

New…

Continue

Pilot Math Made Easy

Posted on November 27, 2009 at 8:00pm 1 Comment 0 Likes

If you love math and solve complex word problems to relax, this article is NOT for you.

If math is a four letter word you sometimes use in conjunction with other more colorful four letter words, keep reading.

One of the most repeated questions in the air medical industry is how long?

How long until the helicopter gets here?

Everybody wants to know; the landing zone officer, communications center, county… Continue

S.W.O.R.D. Checklist for Helicopter Landing Zones

Posted on November 25, 2009 at 12:46pm 2 Comments 0 Likes

Attached is a checklist I use when flying. I believe it could be useful for air or ground operations. Any comments, suggestions or additions to the checklist based on a firefighter or landing zone coordinator perspective would be greatly appreciated.