24/48 or 48/96: A critical analysis of the impacts of shift pattern change on firefighters in North Texas

Shift patterns variations are inherent to shift work occupations, especially firefighting. Different shift patterns provide various advantages and disadvantages. This study provides crucial evaluation of an emerging trend of fire departments in North Texas seeking to change from the 24/48 shift pattern to the 48/96 shift pattern. Firefighters from an area department that underwent the change were surveyed to analyze their individual perceptions of the impact that the change has had on factors in their lives. While specific factors such as years of service, commute time, number of ambulance assignments, and family factors were not statistically significant, there was a statistically significant indication of overall perceived improvement across sleep quality, home and work quality of life, and stress. This study contributes greatly to the body of literature and field of study surrounding the fire service in terms of organizational management and health and well-being of firefighters.