VIDEO: The Roswell Fire Department (RFD) is shifting to a new schedule designed to promote firefighter health and efficiency. Through a pilot program, firefighters will now work a 48/96-hour work cycle and will have a later start time.
The department made the move based on health risks associated with prolonged sleep deprivation, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mental health disorders like PTSD and anxiety. The new schedule aims to improve rest time by offering firefighters more time to recover. The revised schedule also includes a later shift start time of 11 a.m. Fire officials say the new schedule eliminates the need for early wake-ups on consecutive days, since firefighters will already be at their station, and enhances overall sleep quality.