INCREASED RESTORATIVE SLEEP
In a study published by Dr. Sara Jahnke, researchers followed firefighters of a fire department that employs 60 full-time firefighters, staffing 4 fire stations and averaging approximately 5,000 calls per year. They followed these firefighters during their schedule of 24/48 and then after transitioning to 48/96 schedule.
The findings of this study show that an average of 100.8 hours of increased sleep time was gained annually by the firefighters after transitioning to the 48/96 schedule. This totals nearly TWO WEEKS additional sleep per year! This additional sleep comes from the decreased amount of days the firefighter must wake up early to drive to and from the station.
BENEFITS TO FAMILY AND FIREFIGHTER
A study by Dr. Allison Hawkes shows that the majority of families preferred the 48-96 schedule. They noted that the shift made it much easier to do special projects around the home, participate in leisure time activities, take personal time for themselves, and spend time together as a family.
Every time the firefighter gets off work, they are going home to a 4-day break.
The 24/48 schedule only allows the firefighter 1 night out of every 3 to spend time with family members or attend social events, free of worries about preparing for work the next day. It is frequently said by family members to the firefighters working this shift, "It feels like you are always coming or going to work!"
By comparison, the 48/96 schedule provides 3 evenings out of every 6 days for the firefighter to enjoy spending time with family or friends. This also means the firefighter is completely off 3 out of every 6 weekends (Sat & Sun) as opposed to being off only 1 out of every 3 weekends under the current 24/48 schedule. Creating a benefit of being completely off work 50% of their weekends instead of only 33%.
In Dr. Koen's analysis, she states that "the amount of consecutive hours available to be a fully-present, active family member, is a key aspect to family well being." She goes on to say, "With so many North Americans living in dual earner households, weekends have become prime time for families. There is no doubt that the 48/96 schedule provides better quality weekends for firefighters and their families."
CUTS COMMUTE IN HALF
One of the most obvious benefits to the 48/96 work schedule is the fact that it cuts the firefighter's commute in half. With our current schedule, firefighters drive to work 122 times a year. On a 48/96 schedule, the firefighter only drives to work 61 times a year (5 times per month).
Reducing their commute by 50% cuts the fuel cost in half and saves wear and tear on vehicles. This is an average savings of $432 annually in fuel costs alone. Line Employees would save over 10,000 gallons of gas and almost 234,000 miles driving on the road thus reducing the chances for a serious accident.
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