Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Fire Fighters and EMS ... - NAEMT

<strong>Effects</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sleep</strong> <strong>Deprivation</strong> on Fire Fighters and EMS Responders
Preface
The U.S. fire service is full <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> the most passionate individuals any industry could ever have. Our passion,
drive and determination are in many cases the drivers that cause us to take many <strong>of</strong> the courageous actions that have
become legendary in our business. When others run to exit, we run to the entrance. What most would consider lost,
we work to find. While others sleep, we <strong>of</strong>ten can’t, don’t or won’t. Unfortunately, even the most impassioned,
determined and courageous have human needs that don’t cease during these expressions. Unfortunately for the fire
service, our drive and desire, combined with a culture that says keep working until the job is done, can create
situations where we don’t take care <strong>of</strong> ourselves under the pretext <strong>of</strong> helping others. This tendency can extend to the
amount <strong>of</strong> sleep that we get.
This study <strong>of</strong> the effects <strong>of</strong> sleep deprivation is important in a number <strong>of</strong> regards. Perhaps the most important fact is the
realization that lack <strong>of</strong> adequate sleep for members <strong>of</strong> the fire service has the same effect on them as it does on other
human beings. Humans don’t perform at peak levels without adequate sleep. Like many other health and wellness
issues, the amount <strong>of</strong> sleep one needs is highly variable and depends on several factors. Generally, a significant safety
hazard is present when a person is sleep deprived.
One interesting <strong>of</strong>fshoot <strong>of</strong> passion is emotion. Often, members <strong>of</strong> the fire service have immediate emotional reactions
to subjects and issues, followed by the search for evidence to support that emotion. It is likely that this will be the case
with a study <strong>of</strong> this type. Discussions about sleep adequacy can easily slip into discussions about shift schedules and
work hours. Some will suggest that there is a correlation between shift schedules and sleep deprivation. The reality is
there is correlation between the amount <strong>of</strong> sleep one gets and their overall level <strong>of</strong> performance. For those who are
deprived, it really doesn’t matter why they are deprived. One could just as easily be deprived from <strong>of</strong>f duty activities
as they could from on duty activities. Many <strong>of</strong> those who have already made their decision on this issue will likely skip
this preface and go directly to the data that supports their assertions; however, if you are reading this, consider the fact
that perhaps sleep deprivation is an issue that stands on its own.
Finally, it is refreshing to see a review <strong>of</strong> an issue that impacts the health and safety <strong>of</strong> the U.S. fire service addressed
in such a comprehensive manner. The study provides another objective tool for strategic analysis <strong>of</strong> the fire service and
our activities, particularly for the fire chief. It will be important for fire chiefs to look at this study from two perspectives.
First, what can be done to minimize duty-related sleep deprivation? Of course, these discussions must be handled
delicately because they do impact the working and operating conditions <strong>of</strong> the organization. Second, and perhaps most
important, is how to determine when a member <strong>of</strong> the organization is sleep deprived. How do you handle it? Who
will have which role in the evaluation process? These are just a few <strong>of</strong> the questions that this study can help a fire chief
answer.
Chief I. David Daniels Chief James B. Harmes, CFO
IAFC Board <strong>of</strong> Directors, Safety, Health & Survival Section IAFC President 2006-2007
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