Dispatch/Communication Shift Schedules

[tommyboytfd]

Our centre is looking into changing our present shift schedule from 2 days,2 nights, 2 off, 2 days, 2 nights, 6 off to a shift that maybe gives more time off between work. Need to average about 42 hrs on a 10 hr day and 14 hrs night ( ie 4 platoons ). We are having a committee look into our hours of work, and need as many examples as we can find.

[CaptOldTimer]

Are you or anyone in charge there a member of APCO?? Contact them or the state director and seek input from them.

Good Luck.

[tommyboytfd]

Thanks, I'll try that route..

[MrJim911]

http://www.911dispatch.com/shiftwork...ng_config.html

[rfchazmat1]

We have recently gone from 12 hour shifts to 24 hour shifts. We work 24 hrs off 72 hrs, you get a short break during the day and 6 hrs down time in evening or night. We work with 5 dispatchers on a shift and the dispatchers that are sleeping are in next room and can be brought in quickly if needed. It is a lot less stressful than any other shift I have worked and in a job that is as stressful as ours any thing helps. Another big benefit is that we are on the same schedule as the paramedics, so you work with the same ones all the time. Much better teamwork. If you need anymore info on this let me know.

[ramseycl]

We just switched to three 12hr shifts a week. We have a three way trade system set up, so every third week you work a 4th 12hr shift. That way it averages out to 40hrs a week. It is nice to have four days off most weeks. Everyone seems to like it.
If you have any questions on how it works let me know.

[Remember585]

Where I work, we do an unique kind of schedule.

All are 12 hour shifts.

Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon Nights. Off 4 days
Sat, Sun days. Off 2 days
Wed, Thr, Fri days. Off 3 days
Tue, Wed. Thr nights. Off 7 days.

Work well, gives us a week off every 4th week, which cuts down on time off requests.

[MFD14C13]

I work a schedule of 2 11 hour days(0700-1800) then 2 13 hour nights (1800-0700). This works out to 4 on, 4 off, But I technically have 24 hours off between the day and night shifts.

FF/Dispatcher Dave Parker
Lakes Region Mutual Aid