ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Emergency operators in a Maryland county are switching to a 24-hour shift schedule in hopes the change will ease fatigue.
Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Trisha Wolford told the Capital Gazette that operators would work a 24 hour shift then have 72 hours off, starting Thursday.
She said operators were looking for new shifts because rapid switches from day to overnight make it difficult to maintain sleep schedules.
Operators will have an hour break during the day and five hours at night. Department staff shortages may cause workers to stay past the 24-hour shift.
Wolford says department heads will ensure worker safety. She also says new employees are being trained and overtime cost won't be paid by taxpayers.
