We are conditioned to work lots of overtime and second jobs, but recent studies done by Dan Patterson show how dangerous this can be. At what point does our health and patient care suffer from lack of sleep? How does your agency address this issue?
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Show notes
Check out this article on Dan Patterson
Bob Sullivan at EMS Patient Perspective
Even More Links on This
www.emsarn.org has Dan Patterson’s projects.
http://www.emsleadership.com/?p=30 is an early EMS Leadership episode that Dan was on.
Here are EMSBlog.com posts about sleep
http://roguemedic.com/2011/10/sleep-quality-and-fatigue-among-prehospital-providers/
http://tooldtowork.com/2011/12/and-ems-too/
http://emspatientperspective.com/2011/10/22/drunken-ambulance-drivers/
A few years ago, while driving across the Midwest, I came across a radio interview with a physician who ran a sleep disorder clinic. He stated that studies showed that your ability to work effectively on night shifts was a genetic pre-disposition. If you didn’t have it “in your blood,” there was nothing you could do to change it – In other words, there is no getting used to nights if you are a “day guy.”
I’m fortunate to work 40 hour work weeks ( two 12′s and two 8′s) with 3-4 days off at a stretch. Our medical director forbids anyone working more than 16 hours in a row and mandates at least 8 hours between shifts. Our schedule consists of an option of straight 10′s or the 12′s and 8′s I work.
One important aspect of all this, IMO, is the importance of nutrition. We eat WAY too many processed carbs. I think this is especially a problem with EMS. It may be a significant factor on why many of us seem so tired all the time.
Anyway, another really good discussion. Not only have I enjoyed your topics, I’m beginning to “read between the lines” and interpolate a lot about the different systems you work in. Having worked in the same place for 30 plus years, I find it fascinating on hearing about how other folks do the job.
Thanks for the time you guys put in doing this show.
Thanks for he feedback Jack. I will have to look for the info on the processed carbs thought and I have actually encountered people who have that day/night thing. Where people who work day shifts seem to not be able to work nights and if they do, it throws them off. Try to make it on the next show and call in with your thoughts on the discussion at large.