24/48 schedule
On the 24/48 schedule, also written 24 on 48 off, each of three platoons works a 24-hour shift and then has 48 hours off. It is one of the most common fire department schedules in the US, at 56 hours a week.
| Crew | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crew A | 24 | ||
| Crew B | 24 | ||
| Crew C | 24 |
Cycle of 3 days, 3 crews, 56 hours a week on average. D = day shift, N = night shift, 24 = 24-hour shift.
How the 24/48 schedule works
- Platoon A works day 1, B day 2, C day 3, then A again.
- Every third day is a shift, so work days move through the week.
- Shift change is usually at 7:00 or 8:00 AM; set yours above.
- Some departments add a Kelly day, an extra day off every few weeks, to bring the hours down.
Pros
- Two full days off after every shift.
- About ten shifts a month.
- Easy to count: every third day.
Cons
- 56 hours a week, more than most schedules.
- Only two days off at a time unless your department adds Kelly days.
- 24-hour shifts can mean missing sleep.
Similar schedules
-
Kelly
3 platoons, 24-hour shifts, three shifts in five days then four days off.
56 hours a week on average
Other schedules: DuPont, Panama, Pitman (2-2-3), 4 on 4 off, 12x36, 4/10 (four tens), 9/80
Frequently asked questions
- What is a 24/48 schedule?
- A schedule for three platoons where each works 24 hours and then has 48 hours off. It is common in fire departments and EMS.
- How many hours a week is a 24/48 schedule?
- 56 hours a week on average: one 24-hour shift every three days.
- What is a Kelly day?
- An extra day off added to a 24/48 schedule every few weeks to bring the average hours down. How often depends on the department, so add it in your calendar by hand.
Get your roster from a photo, PDF or screenshot instead
Not on a fixed rotation, or does your schedule come as a picture of the board or a PDF each month? Calendar Vision reads it and puts every shift in your calendar.