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Fla. FD shifts to 24/72 schedule for paramedics and EMTs

Lake County officials said the change will cut the average workweek to 42 hours and boost health, morale and staffing

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A Lake County Fire Rescue ambulance.

Lake County Fire Rescue/Facebook

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County Fire Rescue has become the first agency in central Florida to move its paramedics and EMTs to a 24-hour on, 72-hour off schedule, according to WFTV.

Approved during contract talks with IAFF Local 3990, the new roster trims the average workweek to 42 hours, WFTV reported. County officials and union leaders say the change will improve crews’ health, raise job satisfaction and strengthen recruitment and retention.

Lake County’s firefighters’ union drove the change, emphasizing benefits for both crews and the community.

| SPECIAL REPORT: What Firefighters Want in 2025

Would a shift schedule change improve morale and recruitment in your department? What schedule do you favor? Let us know:



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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.