Fatigue Management

Fatigue Management
Some EMS agencies have reviewed scheduling policies and made adjustments to work routines they believe will reduce fatigue and improve safety. Boston EMS Deputy Superintendent Kevin Shea says his agency runs three eight-hour shifts worked by 95% of his employees. The others work four 10-hour days. No employee works more than a 16-hour shift. "We're a pretty busy service," says Shea. "We feel that past the 16-hour point there is potential for lapses in judgment and potential for errors in driving."