3/2 Schedule
3 days on • 2 days off
Example cycle
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Illustrative 5-day cycle
Shift length and day/night assignments depend on your organization’s rotation.
EMS & Fire Shift Patterns, Explained
Compare common rotations and see how each cycle works.
24/48 Schedule
24 hours on • 48 hours off
Example cycle
123
Repeats every 3 days
A repeating rotation that can be coordinated across multiple crews.
48/96 Schedule
48 hours on • 96 hours off
Example cycle
123456
Repeats every 6 days
Longer breaks between tours, with longer continuous duty periods.
2-2-3 / Panama
12-hour shifts • 14-day cycle
Example cycle
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Workdays alternate across two weeks.
Day and night assignments vary by organization.
24/72 Schedule
24 hours on • 72 hours off
Example cycle
1234
Repeats every 4 days
One 24-hour tour followed by three days off.
Kelly / Modified Kelly
24-hour tours • Example 9-day cycle
Example cycle
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Example: on / off / on / off / on / 4 off
Kelly patterns and added days off vary by department.
24/96 Schedule
24 hours on • 96 hours off
Example cycle
12345
Repeats every 5 days
One 24-hour tour followed by four days off; averages about 34 hours a week.
4 On / 4 Off
12-hour shifts • 8-day cycle
Example cycle
12345678
Four shifts on, four days off
Workdays rotate through the week; day and night assignments vary.
DuPont Schedule
12-hour shifts • 28-day cycle
Example cycle
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Includes a 7-day break each cycle
Day/night blocks and rotation order vary by organization.
4/10 Schedule
Four 10-hour days a week
Example cycle
1234567
Repeats weekly
Common for admin and support staff; which days are worked varies.
5/8 Schedule
Five 8-hour days a week
Example cycle
1234567
Repeats weekly
A standard 40-hour week; start times and days off vary.
California Swing
24-hour tours • 9-day cycle
Example cycle
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Example: on / off / on / off / on / 4 off
Averages about 56 hours a week; exact rotation varies by department.
Get printable Kelly, 24/48 and 48/96 rotation templates
Your rotation. Your rules. We can build it.
From standard schedules to your most complex custom rotations, VAIRKKO lets you create any repeating shift pattern—built around how your team actually works.