The desirability of the 48/96 schedule has been proven by the growing popularity and level of satisfaction. This growing popularity means many new recruits will consider schedule when selecting a department to spend their careers with. Even if we concede that the CPFD does not currently have an issue with retention, as the market shifts and comparable departments transition to the 48/96, we must adapt to offer this schedule if only to maintain a competitive edge.
The 48/96 schedule also creates a larger pool of potential candidates by broadening the geographical boundaries of these applicants. Potential candidates could apply without having to consider relocating their families, who themselves could have established jobs, schools, social lives, etc.
Due to the decreasing desirability of the 24/48 schedule, the CPFD could soon find greater difficulty in attracting candidates that fit the requirements and core values desired in a Cedar Park Firefighter.
The 48/96 schedule provides a positive impact on the environment. Over 40 vehicles are removed from the road every other day, which reduces traffic congestion and air pollution. Based on the 28-mile average commute of Cedar Park firefighter, this schedule would eliminate over 235,000 miles of driving annually.
"There are few studies that measure the impact of work schedules for firefighters in the United States, and few if any, publications comparing quality and perceptions of daytime function before and after new shift implementation. Our study provides evidence that participants improved sleep quality and daytime function after switching to the 48/96 schedule. It also improves professional and personal well-being may improve after the implementation of the new work schedule. It is our expectation that these findings can be used to guide fire departments across the country in policy debates over work schedules."
-Excerpt from the following study
Surrounding local fire departments have seen a decrease in sick leave usage by their firefighters.
In 2021 Cedar Park fire department used 8977 hours of sick leave. Cost to fill that overtime spot at $44 an hour is $394,988. A decrease of sick leave by 10% would save the city almost $40,000 dollars a year.
See page discussion of other cities' decrease in sick leave usage in the "Other Departments" section.
Based on a study published by Dr. Allison Hawkes & St. Anthony Central Hospital, it was found that firefighters showed a decrease in feelings of burnout after switching to a 48/96 schedule.
Data excerpts from the study are noted here:
Feeling they gave more than they were getting back, when working with patients:
Feeling tired working with patients:
There was no change in reports of participants wondering how long they could continue working with patients (7% for both).
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