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Garland fire chief outlines EMS workload and explores schedule changes to reduce fatigue and overtime
Summary
Fire Chief Mark Lee said the department answers about 30,000 calls a year and transports 18,000–19,000 people; he said evidence suggests 24-on/48-off shifts may not allow full recovery and staff are exploring adding a partial platoon and other staffing options while balancing costs.
Fire Chief Mark Lee told District 3 residents the Garland Fire Department remains the city's EMS provider and that the department is examining staffing and scheduling to reduce fatigue and unsustainable overtime. "The current calls per year that the Garland Fire Department answers are about 30,000 calls. We transport, around 18 or 19,000 people to the hospital every year," Lee said, and described research showing recovery from cortisol and other stress markers may require longer rest than the traditional 48 hours off.
Lee said the department is considering adding a quarter platoon ("0.25"), recruiting larger firefighter classes and reducing overtime through training and scheduling changes — steps that carry additional cost. He emphasized city leaders must balance firefighter well-being with fiscal responsibility and said staff are collaborating with the city manager and finance staff on feasible options.
