When a “Staffing Shortage” is the New Reality

Serious about burnout prevention?

Fire/rescue departments, including my own, are experiencing staffing shortages.

Many are mainly Covid-19 related though other factors, such as the provision of EMS, play an underlying role.

With Covid-19 now being considered both endemic and rapidly evolving, it can beg the question of when a “shortage” is really a new and long term reality.

At some point, a reappraisal considering all options is warranted.

In the armed forces, chronic personnel shortages are often dealt with by recombining units, discontinuing some while folding the remnants into existing ones to achieve an effective response force.

Such moves can end the crisis mentality associated with constantly trying to fill gaps through mandatory overtime.

After all, even the best jugglers need a rest after a while.

The two critical factors in fire/rescue operations are response times and task completion; you have to arrive on the scene and key jobs have to be performed, as well.

Though not necessarily our strong suit, creativity and flexibility are required to address the critical factors when optimal staffing is a mirage.

Fire/rescue managers can reassign available staff to units based on an algorithm which accurately reflects an attempt to best use personnel while dampening risk.

Permanent redeployment of apparatus and their assigned personnel could also help to meet what is a longer term requirement.

While fire/rescue operations are task driven, the traditional approach, with a few exceptions, is to organize tasks based on companies, i.e., engines, trucks, etc.

A flexible approach under the circumstances would consider staffing to accomplish key tasks disregarding a strict “company” approach. One example would be a 6-person engine company able to accomplish initial ventilation and rescue while also placing a hoseline in service.

If every fire station needs at least an EMS unit and an engine company, the location (and number) of all other units should be in play.

The hours when some units are staffed can be analyzed and the peak-demand concept should be closely evaluated.

In combination with the “normal” and ongoing factors creating staffing issues, Covid-19 has created a relentless pressure on fire/rescue departments making burnout a serious concern.

The negative mental health effects of Covid-19 are both universal and far-reaching adding to the already significant burden on firefighters and paramedics.

It’s time to consider a restaff for the long haul because responder health depends on it.

Cheers and stay well.