BLS Changes

We all understand that BLS trucks take a tremendous load off the system. I have looked at several ways to make them more appealing for people to chose them for over time.

Starting this week all BLS trucks are “sprint” cars on an 8-hour schedule. For those unfamiliar with the term sprint it simply means that once a predetermined number of runs are met prior to the shifts normal ES, the crew is paid for the full shift and are allowed to go home.

Our BLS units will be 8-hour shifts with a 6-run sprint.
The shift times are:
· Monday, Wednesday Friday- 07:30-15:30, 10:00-18:00, 12:00-20:00
· Tuesday, Thursday- 07:30-15:30, 09:00-17:00, 10:00-18:00
· Monday-Friday- 18:00-02:00
· Saturday- 10:00-18:00
· Monday-Friday- 05:30-15:30 This unit is a 10-hour that is used for training and can sprint with 8 calls

A few of the questions that have been asked:

Q. What if I am pulled from my AlS truck to sprint?
A. Once you assigned to the BLS truck you are sprinting. The example I am giving is;
You have already worked 2 hours on your ALS, you are moved to he BLS and know out 6 calls in 6 hours. You will have a total of 10 hours. (even tho you have only worked 8 total) You may be required to stay until the end of your shift, or be allowed to take PTO for the remaining 4 hours to make your 14 hour shift. If your are put back on ALS and asked to say till your normal ES time, you will have earned 16 hours for a 14 hour day.

Q. Do out of town calls count for more than one call?
A. We will have a mileage radius grid in dispatch to determine if a call meets the requirements of counting for two.

We will continue to monitor this program, and make changes as necessary.