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In this week’s Inside EMS podcast quick clip, host Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle the pros and cons of 24-hour shifts, and whether they should be eliminated.
The discussion stems from a story about a Ky. ambulance that struck three boys riding their bikes in a median. One boy died.
“I thought, well, man I hope another EMT didn’t doze off at the wheel and hit these kids,” Grayson said.
Cebollero notes that 24-hour-shifts are a staple, but also points out that there are challenges when it comes to delivering patient care when EMTs have been awake for so long, especially when there’s a high call volume.
“I don’t really know if they have a place in our career field,” Cebollero said.
Grayson agreed, saying the issue goes beyond concerns related to driving.
“There’s a definite link,” he said, “between fatigue, lack of sleep, and increased medical errors.”
Listen to the full episode: Inside EMS Podcast: Can community paramedicine save major EMS agencies?
