The issue of firefighters and fatigue has been raised once again. And with the economic times we are in, and overtime being "alive and well" in many areas, the issue of "how many hours should a firefighter work" is a hot one at this FD in Kentucky. Back in October the Winchester FD responded to 5 fires in four days. Firefighter Paramedic Raymond Patrick thought one of those fires would be the end of 48 hours on duty, but as he prepared to head home at the end of his shift, his boss ordered him to start all over again. But Patrick says he told his superiors he wouldn’t last 72 hours straight. The 8-year veteran of the WFD and newly elected union president says because Winchester is understaffed, many firefighters have had to work back to back 24-hour shifts even though the standard schedule is 24-hours on, 48-hours off.So he refused to work the 3rd 24 hours shift in a row. Patrick’s refusal led to a hearing before the Winchester City Commission.
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SEE RELATED: IAFC Sleep Deprivation Study & Information:
