Volume : 12, Issue : 10, October – 2025

Title:

THE IMPACT OF 24-HOUR SHIFTS VERSUS 12-HOUR SHIFTS ON COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY IN EMS: A COMPARATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Authors :

Waleed Saleh Abdullah Almeqrn, Abdullah Saber Ayadh Almutairi, Sultan Nahed Al-Sihani, Tirad Awaydh A Almutairi, Khald Shalal S Alsuwailem, Helal Bin Saad Bin Helal Alotaibi, Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed Albaqami, Suliman Abdulaziz Al Saif, Abdullah Tami Alfalah, Suliman Ibrahim Alothman

Abstract :

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel are frequently required to work extended shifts, with 24-hour and 12-hour models being prevalent. This systematic literature review synthesizes evidence comparing the impact of these shift lengths on cognitive performance and safety outcomes. The findings indicate that 24-hour shifts are associated with significant degradation in critical cognitive functions, including reaction time, working memory, complex decision-making, and situational awareness, particularly after 16-18 hours of continuous duty. These impairments correlate with increased clinical risks, such as higher medication error rates, more frequent protocol deviations, and a greater incidence of ambulance crashes. Furthermore, 24-hour shifts contribute to acute and chronic health consequences for providers, including sleep debt, elevated stress, and a higher risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. A notable discrepancy exists between subjective fatigue perception and objectively measured performance, underscoring the limitations of self-assessment. While mitigating strategies like strategic napping, optimized scheduling, and technological aids can reduce risks, the evidence supports a transition to 12-hour shifts where feasible to enhance both provider well-being and patient safety. This review highlights the need for evidence-based scheduling policies and further research into long-term health impacts and cost-effectiveness.
Keywords: Emergency Medical Services, Shift Length, Cognitive Performance, Patient Safety, Fatigue Management

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Waleed Saleh Abdullah Almeqrn et al., The Impact Of 24-Hour Shifts Versus 12-Hour Shifts On Cognitive Performance And Safety In Ems: A Comparative Literature Review, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2025; 12(10).

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