Plano Firefighters Advocate for 48/96 Schedule Amidst Safety and Wellness Concerns

Firefighter Schedule Change Request

• 🚒 The Plano Fire Association is proposing a shift from the current 24/48 schedule (one day on, two days off) to a 48/96 schedule (two days on, four days off).
• 💡 This change is driven by a desire to improve firefighter health and wellness, allowing for more consecutive restorative sleep.
• ⏳ The association has been researching this schedule for five years and seeks a one-year pilot program to assess its effectiveness.

City's Concerns and Counterarguments

• 📈 City management is concerned about the potential risks associated with a 48-hour shift, especially given the rise in call volumes from 23,000 in 2014 to 33,000 currently.
• ⚠️ There are worries about sleep-deprived officers handling fires or medical emergencies, particularly during multiple calls that interrupt sleep.
• 🗣️ Association President Brad McCutchen dismisses safety concerns, stating that alignment among the chief, assistant chiefs, medical director, and association makes the argument for an unsafe initiative