Examining the influence of shift work and related sleep loss on emergency performance, decision making and stress responses

Many emergency personnel engage in shift work, which exposes them to sleep loss and working during the biological night (i.e., circadian misalignment). Although these work-related stressors are common for emergency personnel, the impact of shift work and sleep loss on decisions and emergency performance is poorly understood, and few studies have investigated the effect of these factors on team decision making in emergency settings, where impaired outcomes may have tragic consequences for the health and safety of the individual workers as well as the people they protect. Using an ecologically relevant simulated emergency work environment, this project aims to examine how shift work influences work performance and team decision making and identify potential stress-related mechanisms that may underpin impairments in these outcomes. By understanding the role poor sleep and circadian misalignment due to shift work play on work performance, this project will inform industry practices and training approaches designed to optimise workplace safety and emergency performance. Outcomes from this project will benefit both emergency personnel and the people who depend on these services.