EMS leaders propose 24/72 schedule and 23 new positions to stem turnover

Berkeley County’s emergency medical services presented a staffing and scheduling proposal aimed at reducing turnover and making hourly pay more competitive with neighboring jurisdictions.

The presenter representing EMS explained that many peer agencies use a 24/72 or 12‑hour schedule that reduces average paid hours per pay period from about 112 to 84. Under the county’s current 24-on/48-off model, staff said hourly rates are effectively lower because personnel must work more hours to earn the same annual salary. The EMS representative said this has driven employees to leave for neighboring counties and private employers offering different schedules.

"We are requesting that we move all of our 24 hour units from 24 on to 48 off to a 2472 schedule," the Agency official said, describing the proposed shift and the retention rationale.

EMS staff told council the change would improve retention and reduce burnout but would require budget and staffing adjustments. Staff estimated paramedic onboarding costs in the range of $14,500–$16,000 per paramedic and said the recommended staffing plan would add roughly 23 positions to implement the schedule changes while maintaining coverage. Council members asked for financial comparisons that include turnover costs, overtime impacts and phased implementation options; staff committed to providing quantified cost/benefit analysis and timelines.

The council did not vote on staffing at the workshop; staff noted implementation would require budget adjustments and time to recruit and train new hires.