October 19, 2025

SHIFT-48: Schedule and Health Improvements for Firefighters Transitioning to 48/96

MCMichael J. ConnerBond University RBRussell A. BurnhamChina Mobile (China)AJAlex JeskoGeorgetown University

Key Points

Transitioning to a 48/96 shift schedule improves peak power in firefighters along with resting blood pressure and heart rate.
Firefighters showed significant improvements in sleep quality and alcohol use following the schedule change, enhancing overall wellness.
Analysis using linear mixed-effects models confirmed benefits across three time points for health metrics and performance.
This approach suggests that extended recovery periods may foster better cardiovascular health and readiness in firefighting departments.

Abstract

Abstract Objective Examine the effects of transitioning from a 24/48 to a 48/96 shift schedule on health and performance in firefighters assigned to a single, suburban station. Methods A longitudinal analysis was conducted over three time points in 11 male firefighters. Measures included VO 2peak , peak power, blood pressure, resting heart rate, lipid profiles, and psychological assessments. Linear mixed-effects models analyzed changes across timepoints. Results Transitioning to the 48/96 schedule was associated with improvements in peak power (+27.1 W, p = 0.042), resting blood pressure (SBP −5.5 mmHg, p = 0.05, DBP −5.8 mmHg, p = 0.04), heart rate (−13.2 bpm. p = 0.03), sleep quality (ISI −2.6, p = 0.03), and alcohol use (AUDIT −1.8, p = 0.02); VO 2peak did not reveal a significant time effect ( p > 0.05). Conclusions Extended inter-shift recovery in a 48/96 schedule may promote cardiovascular recovery and readiness without negative health effects in similar departments.

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