Better-rested, better-trained and better health – it’s a positive synergy that’s flared up in the Barrie Fire and Emergency Services, as the department switched to a 24-hour shift for fire fighters.

On Feb. 23, 2008, the fire department switched from the traditional four day shifts, followed by four days off, and followed by four night shifts.

“It’s really taken hold in the past two to three years in the province,” said deputy chief Rick Monkman, noting the 24-hour shift, although it sounds exhausting, makes for better fire fighters. It’s a trend that started in the United States several years ago, and the compressed workweek is now in place in Mississauga, Kingston, Woodstock, London and Toronto.

“It has been a huge morale boost. It’s partially the rest they’re getting. They’re coming to work (fresh). That is much better for the community, because we’re providing a service through individuals in top-notch condition,” said Monkman.

“When we had the Five Points fire, we were still on the four-days/four nights model,” he recalled.

On the first of their night shifts (which run from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.), the platoon had an uneventful night; the second night, they fought a challenging house fire. The third night was the Five Points event – which had them out fighting the blaze on a cold December night. “They were out on the scene from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. when they got relieved. They had to come back in at 6 p.m.,” said Monkman.

“Their adrenaline was going. They wouldn’t settle (and get a good day’s sleep), because we’re adrenaline junkies and want to help people. That night, they had three more fires, vehicle fires. When that happens, we have guys more prone to injuries and more prone to illness, because they can’t fight infection.”

The numbers bear out the positive changes – reduced sick time and fewer injuries in the first six months.

“Our WSIB claims are down 60 per cent,” the deputy chief said, noting the most common injuries are back strains, slips and trips over hoses. Overtime is down 67 per cent.

“Our sick time has dropped 44.3 per cent,” he added. “We’ve got more firefighters on duty. By having less sick time, we’re providing more fire fighters on duty, which provides better services to our citizens.”

Barrie Professional Fire Fighters Association president Len Mitchell agreed the change has been more than positive – in terms of morale, health and training.

“Because we’re not coming to work two days or two nights in a row, we’re more rested,” he said.

And that translates into a lot of positives.

“I feel more healthy. There’s less fatigue. There have been less people hurt. It’s safer when you work and you’re not tired. We’re getting more training (completed). After four nights in a row, we were zombies.”

And because fire fighters are less likely to be watching the clock, they’re more apt to focus on their training, and do more of it, especially of the self-directed or station-directed reading or DVDs.

“Training has increased 15 per cent and they’re concentrating on a subject until they get it done,” said Monkman.

They’re focusing on confined spaces and trench rescue and hazardous materials, as well as the more traditional pump and aerial operations and vehicle extractions.

The city purchased new specialized trench equipment – which is used primarily at construction sites.

“Right now, there’s no where else in the county that does trench rescue. Our trench rescue assistance would come from Richmond Hill, Vaughan or Mississauga,” he added.

The fire department is also increasing training in hazardous material training, especially as the transport truck traffic through the city grows and includes more chemicals.

“It’s really a bonus for the health of our fire fighters, both physically and mentally. It compounds,” he said.

Mitchell also couldn’t see any drawbacks to the new shifts; he had worked the old calendar for years and adapted – although he could recall not getting much sleep some days, when his children were young.

“One morning, my two-year-old opened my eyes with his fingers. ‘Are you there, Dad?’” he recalled.

Sleeping during the day – especially as the shifts change from nights to four days off to four day shifts – can be difficult. Rest can be further compromised by family life.

The shift change has been a positive for everyone, agreed Mitchell and Monkman – the fire fighters, their families and those they serve.

“Quite honestly, I can’t see a downside,” said Mitchell. “There’s a noticeable improvement in morale. If you get a decent night’s sleep, you’re bound to be happier at work.”

And for deputy chief Monkman, the bottom line is service. Better-rested means better prepared.

“It really is a bonus for the health of our fire fighters – both physically and mentally,” he said.

“It’s a win-win-win – for the fire department, for the city and for the whole community.”