Full-time Firefighters work an average 42 hours per week and depending on their role and station posting they will work one of the following shift patterns: Shift Duty System – 2 days (9am – 6pm), 2 nights (6pm – 9am) followed by 4 periods of 24 hours off.
How many hours do firefighters actually work?
24 Hours On and 48 Hours Off
Typically, this results in a firefighter working more than 50 hours per week. An average of ten of these 24-hour shifts is usually worked each month. An additional day off every month is arranged in order to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Do firefighters get 4 days off?
Hours. Our wholetime firefighters work a 42-hour week across 4 days, comprising of 2-day shifts and 2-night shifts followed by 4 days off.
Do firefighters really work 24-hour shifts?
So, how many hours do firefighters actually work? Almost all fire departments operate a 24-hour rotation. This means firefighters are almost always working 24 hours at a time. Depending on the department they may schedule their crews in various ways including the traditional 24 hours on, 48 hours off.
Can firefighters sleep on shift?
On a 24-hour shift, a firefighter may get to “sleep” at some point during the night. … Not only are they roused out of sleep, but the firefighters must then quickly don bunker gear, race to the apparatus, and receive instructions–all in a matter of minutes.
Why do firefighters have long shifts?
Federal law allows firefighters to work up to 53 hours per week without requiring overtime pay. As a result, the 24-hour schedule provides fire departments with more hours of coverage per employee compared to the more traditional work week.
Do firefighters make good money?
Firefighting can be a tough job, and in many areas, they are compensated well for the work they do. In some of these areas, as we saw, firefighters can indeed earn over 100k per year. However, depending on the cost of living, that amount of money may not go as far as you would think.
What is a Kelly schedule?
Kelly Shift Schedule. DESCRIPTION: It consists of a 9-day cycle where each team works one 24-hour shift, followed by 24 hours off duty, works another 24-hour shift, followed by 24 hours off duty, then works a final 24-hour shift, followed by 4 consecutive days off duty.
Is it worth being a firefighter?
Conclusion. Firefighting is an incredibly rewarding job that’s truly worth it if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. Though you will have to give up some much-valued time with your friends and family and put yourself at risk in dangerous situations, being a firefighter has plenty of benefits.
What are the cons of being a firefighter?
Here are five cons that may accompany a firefighter’s job:
- Constant training. Firefighters undergo extensive and constant training throughout their careers. …
- Long shifts. …
- Dangerous job. …
- Mentally demanding. …
- Physically demanding.
What do firefighters do all day?
Throughout the day, Firefighters will respond to many different calls for service. Those calls may include structural fires, technical rescues, medical emergencies and hazardous material spills. … Some of the other daily activities may include pre-fire planning, hydrant maintenance and child safety seat installations.
What do firefighters do when there is no fire?
When not fighting fires, firefighters spend all day responding to medical emergencies and other types of calls, checking equipment, vehicle maintenance, housework/cleaning, writing reports, training and education, physical fitness, public safety demos, and station tours.
What is it like dating a firefighter?
Dating a firefighter is mostly the same as dating anyone else. However, the work schedule, high stress, and potential for injuries and exposures can add some different types of challenges to a relationship. So, to be happy dating a firefighter means understanding those constraints and accepting them.
How much do rookie firefighters make?
The starting wage for a rookie firefighter is typically below the median. Firefighters in the lowest 10 percent of all earners reported wages of up to $12.95 per hour or $26,940 per year, while the lower 25 percentile earned up to $17.24 per hour or $35,850 per year.
What do firefighters wear to sleep?
They wear a t-shirt. Often the ones made up for the house and shorts. So they hop out of bed and into their turnout gear. Same as the guys.