24-hour firefighter rotation
What Is a 24/48 Schedule?
A 24/48 schedule runs three crews in a 24-hour on, 48-hour off rotation.
How the 24/48 rotation works
Each crew works one full 24-hour shift, then takes 48 hours off. Three crews rotate through the same pattern, one day apart, so a crew is always on duty and the other two are off.
The 24/48 schedule is the standard in US fire departments because it keeps staffing simple: everyone knows they are on duty every third day. The downside is the long 24-hour shift, which is tiring and means crews work nights as part of every tour.
| Crew | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | D | O | O |
| B | O | D | O |
| C | O | O | D |
24/48 schedule: pros and cons
Pros
- ·48 hours off after every shift
- ·On duty once every three days
- ·Simple and widely understood
- ·Standard across US fire departments
Cons
- ·A 24-hour shift is a long tour
- ·Every shift includes overnight hours
- ·Needs three crews
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Frequently asked questions
What is a 24/48 schedule?
A 24/48 schedule is a firefighter rotation where each crew works a 24-hour shift, then has 48 hours off. Three crews rotate so the station is always staffed.
How many crews does a 24/48 schedule need?
Three crews. Each crew is on duty once every three days, covering 24 hours at a time.
How many hours does a 24/48 schedule give you off?
After every 24-hour shift you get 48 hours off. Over a three-day cycle you work 24 hours and rest 48.
Is a 24/48 schedule hard on firefighters?
The 24-hour shifts are long, but the two full days off between them help crews recover. It is the most common schedule in US fire departments.
Which departments use a 24/48 schedule?
Fire departments and EMS agencies, especially smaller departments that run three crews around the clock.