The Editor:
Quiet changes are occurring across the Vancouver region that put the public and our communities at risk.
Patient care will be affected, and the employees providing this service are a higher risk for increased mental health and personnel injury.
No other employees in high-risk professions or trades providing services to the public are allowed to work 24-hour shifts.
Pilots, locomotive engineers, doctors, nurses, police officers, truck drivers, etc., are restricted by federal and provincial regulations from these dangerous working conditions.
Academics have published studies on sleep deprivation and the tragic results associated with lack of sleep.
Our provincial legislative members, local mayors and councils have failed to act to protect the public.
Firefighters state they need a better work/life balance and yet document increases in physical and mental health injuries occur with 24-hour shifts.
Research shows that patient care suffers as impairment increases.
While working seven to eight 24-hour shifts a month is optimal for firefighters, public safety is compromised.
Taxpayers deserve better.
- Geoff Taylor, Port Coquitlam
