let us know how it works out. whats the maximum you can work in a row? we can only do 48s, so what happens if someone calls in sick? does it allow for a 72 or does someone that is off have to come in?

brett

 

Britt, I agree, 24 away from the fam is too long, I would HATE having to pull 48s. I avoid time trades just for that reason.

 

i think i would like the 48/96 schedule, but i don't have a wife or kids either. time swapping looks like it would be out the window though. 96 hrs at the firehall is a little too long. we're on 24/48 here.

 

Let me know how you like that shift MSQUARE. The idea of trying that here has been circulating for a little while. I think it sounds great, you still only work 10 days a month you just do it in a different way.

 

We are still bargaining for 24hr shifts, not sure how you guy's configure the 48/96, but this is what we are bargaining for, 24 on, 24 off, 24 on, 5 days off, 48/120? This is the trend in my state right now, any dept that goes to arbitration over it is automatically winning, (17 depts last year alone), The cheifs association is fighting it furiously and they are gettin real mad that we are winning every time.

Tim

 

My main problem with the 48/96 would be like I said before... time away from family. At some point and time (haven't looked at the frequency) your 2 days will fall on a weekend. That is the only time that I get to spend all day with my family. So for 2 whole weeks I would only get to see them in the evening when I am home. I don't think I would like that. Besides, I hate working 48 anyway. I will do it (time trades/overtime) but I sure don't like it.

Britt

 

I went to firehouse.com and made a shift calender for the 48/96 and you would work a Saturday/Sunday every 40 days. There's no doubt that this shift is not going to appeal to everyone. Those who work on a busy company would get tired of working 48's all the time. Having 4 days off in a row would be nice though.

 

Well we have finished the transition period and have started the 48/96. I have my first tour on the 11th and 12th.

I'm actually looking forward to this for a few reasons. First it cuts my commute in half compared to the Modified Detroit schedule we were on (24 on, 24 off, 24 on, 24 off, 24 on, 96 off). This is huge and how this schedule originated. I live and work in the Seattle area and the commute here is a real pain! I believe that the Seattle area has the second worst traffic in the US behind LA. Not only will I save on fuel and maintenance, but my insurance rates are dropping too!

Second, our neighbors, Seatac FD adopted this schedule last year. Their vote for this schedule was very close. One of the biggest concerns was being away for 48 on a regular basis. A year later over 90% of their entire department is in favor of this schedule. They found that they actually get more time with their families because they aren't working as many weekend shifts.

Third, the Woodinville FD went to this schedule almost two years ago. Like Seatac, their vote for the schedule was very close. On their vote to keep or switch back to their old schedule, it was 100% for the 48/96. WFD also participated in a sleep study conducted by the University of Washington. The study found that in all areas (quality, soundness, amount required) improved significantly across the board.

It has been proven that shift work is bad for your sleep and overall health. When I worked in Fire Prevention for a year, it only took two weeks before I realized all those studies were right. I slept better that year then the last 22!

The last thing, the shifts are actually two 24's back to back. We have the ability to take either the first or second day off with a Kelly Day (13 a year), vacation or comp time. We are also trying to schedule required drills on the first day and to leave the second day open. We also have the ability to "sleep in" if we get hammered the first night, Captains descretion! Guess who's a Captain? LOL

I'll keep you all posted as to how it's going.

Be safe,

Marty

 

Well Marty, you bring up some points that I had not thought of. I can see where there would be some benefits to working that schedule. Without working it myself I don't know if I would like it or not. I hate working 24 much less 48 but who knows, it may be much better than what we are working right now.

Keep us updated and I hope it works out good for you and your dept.

Stay Safe!

Britt

 

WOW, you guy's are going to work 48 straight? A lot of guy's I work with are dreading going to 24's because of the volume of calls's we have to service. I wish you guy's the best on this one, I think I'd rather shoot myself.

No disrespect meant,

Tim

 

Tim -

None taken! Like I said earlier, a large majority of the folk's that have switched to this are loving it. Time will tell.

We don't have a real high call volume, there are days that we run straight for 24, but they are rare. Most of the time a busy shift will be 10-14 calls, average day is 6-8. The only bad part is most of those come between 2200-0400!

Marty

 

Marty, just curious how your new shift schedule is working out?

Stay safe my brothers,

Tim

 

So far it's been great. I've only worked one 48 so far, it went smooth. The best part was the start of the second day, no oncoming shift! It was so quite in the morning it was strange.

I don't know how things are elsewhere, but our B-Shift is messed up! We refer to them as B-tards. One of the great things with this schedule is we never relieve them at shift change. They relieve us and we relieve C-Shift. SWEET!

I'm in the middle of my second 48 rotation.......good night.

Be safe.

 

What a night last night, I have seen a lot of things before, however, I have never seen anyone attempt to drown themselves in a prison cell toilet, He was giving it one heck of a try though, A+ for effort. Luckily he was unsuccessful.

You just never know what people are gonna do.

Tim

 

Have to say I've never seen that one before