Staffing shortages cause Spokane paramedics to work constant overtime скачать в хорошем качестве

Staffing shortages cause Spokane paramedics to work constant overtime

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Staffing shortages are causing local paramedics to work extra shifts every week. Despite a plan to relocate staff within the department, the Spokane Fire Department says it wants to maintain its current level of service for now. One paramedic with SFD says in 2022, he worked more than 900 hours of overtime, and the shortage continues to impact his work-life balance every day. "Those who still work need to collectively pick up and need to work extra shifts," said Dillion Russell, Spokane Fire Paramedic. Russell has been a paramedic since 2016. "Our work week is currently just over 46 hours a week," Russell said. He's been very busy picking up extra hours, constantly getting texts and calls, causing him to miss birthdays and holidays. "I got family and kids, so we want to be home when we want to be home. There are days it's convenient to work, days it's not. There's birthdays to account for and there's holidays," Russell said. Russell said 16 paramedics are assigned to shift every day, and he's used to getting overtime for the team. "It doesn't matter what you are doing, when 911 comes in and you go. I don't think you have the luxury to take a break or sit this one out," Russell said. Russell hopes to see more paramedics soon. The Spokane Fire Department says as of now, there's no change to relocating units or budget cuts yet. "Right now, what we are doing, our response time is good. Our patient care is good. Until we have solid plans, we are going to stick with what we have," Russell said. ►Subscribe:    / 4newsnow   ►Website: http://www.kxly.com ►Twitter:   / kxly4news   ►Facebook:   / kxly4news