Re: duty time/length of shift

["Tom Butler" <TButler@tulsatech.org>]

I think I would agree with your Program Director that 7 days of 12 on - 12 off would push the envelope a bit too much.  I am not sure of any "studies" in relationship to this schedule from a Flight Nurse or Flight Paramedic standpoint.  You really need to look at what folks are doing during their off time and is there adequate rest or are they doing a lot of strenuous activities.  There are so many variables that come into number of duty days you work in a row.  How busy are you, acuity of patients, crew responsiblities while not flying, etc.  There is no exact formula and all folks react differently to stressors of flight and ground activities.  Aerospace Physiologists have probably done some research on this area.  Speaking to one of them here in Tulsa said that he knew of research for Pilots but not for "back end crews."  You might consider consulting a Aerospace Physiologist in your area to see if they know of any research in this area.  It would matter if you are flying fixed or rotor wing aircraft.  From a personnal experience in rotor wing aircraft we never worked over three 12 hour periods in a row.  It usually was a 2 - 12 hour days on and 2 - off followed by 3 - 12 hours on and 3 - off.  That was in the military in a peace time venue.  Remember that Flying Safe is the bottom line.  That includes patient safety.  You can directly e-mail me and I will be glad to further assist you if you so feel lead to do so.  Fly Safe!

Tom Butler
Director of Training
AeroCare Medical Transport Inc
tbutler@tulsatech.org


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