Effect of Shift Schedules on Firefighter Sleep Outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To descriptively compare sleep outcomes between fire agencies utilizing different shift configurations. METHODS: Firefighters employed by three departments utilizing a 24/48, 48/96, four-Platoon system (4P) and a control group of day-shift first responders completed the Emergency Service Sleep Diary and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to compare sleep quantity and quality outcomes. RESULTS: After controlling for differences in nighttime emergency call volume, the 24/48 resulted in less on-duty sleep time than the 48/96, whereas the 4P was similar to 24/48. The 24/48 displayed greater total PSQI scores than all other shift configurations. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep quantity and quality were worse among firefighters working a 24/48 shift compared to some shifts. Many firefighters across shifts did not obtain the recommended amount of sleep on- and off-duty.