Scotland County EMS implements 24-72 work schedule to improve staffing and work-life balance

The Scotland County government meeting held on May 1, 2025, focused on the ongoing challenges and changes within the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department. The meeting highlighted the increasing call volume and the impact it has had on staff well-being and operational efficiency.

The discussion began with an overview of the EMS call volume, which has risen significantly from 6,000 calls in 2016 to nearly 8,000 calls in the current fiscal year. This surge has led to increased fatigue among EMS personnel, who have been operating under a 24-hour on, 48-hour off work schedule. The current model has been criticized for not allowing adequate downtime for staff, with many medics reporting insufficient sleep due to the demands of their shifts.

To address these issues, the EMS department added a fourth ambulance in 2021 to help manage the rising call volume. However, recruitment and retention of qualified paramedics have remained problematic, largely due to the demanding work schedule. The department recognized that the traditional 24/48 model was not appealing to new recruits, prompting a reevaluation of staffing strategies.

In response to these challenges, the EMS department proposed a transition to a new 24/72 work schedule, which would provide staff with more time off and improve work-life balance. This proposal was supported by a staff poll, with 70% of full-time employees favoring the change. The transition is planned to occur over a three-year cycle to ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained throughout the process.

The meeting concluded with a presentation of the current organizational structure of Scotland EMS, providing clarity on how the department is structured to meet the demands of the community. The discussions underscored the department's commitment to improving working conditions for EMS personnel while ensuring that the community's emergency response needs are met effectively.