Expert Supports Pilots Sleeping On Duty

A white paper prepared by internationally-recognized sleep expert Dr. Mark Rosekind supports the long-standing position of the National EMS Pilots Association (NEMSPA) that emergency medical service pilots should be allowed to sleep on duty. Rosekind’s studies found that issues such as circadian disruption, cumulative sleep debt and shift schedules are some of the root causes of fatigue, and can best be mitigated by allowing pilots to sleep in a bed during night shifts as needed. NEMSPA still encourages pilots to report to work well rested, but has also been a vocal advocate for dedicated crew sleep quarters; an issue that continues to be the source of occasional debate in the EMS industry. For related news