.:Operation Stay Alert:.

Enrollment Closed

We would like to thank all the fire department employees that participated in our study.

The Operation Stay Alert Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of the Web-Based Survey of Firefighters?: Firefighters work some of the most demanding schedules known. On our web-based survey, we will collect information about the different schedules that firefighters work, how much sleep they get while on duty and while at home, and how fatigued they feel. Understanding more about the various firefighter schedules will allow us to develop appropriate and specific fatigue countermeasures.
Our survey also includes a sleep disorders screening survey which will identify those individuals that are at high risk of having a sleep disorder. Because sleep disorders may increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and motor vehicle crashes, our goal is to identify those at high risk so that may be evaluated and treated thereby improving the health and safety of firefighters.
The public expects firefighters to perform flawlessly, but unrecognized fatigue and sleep disorders significantly degrade their ability to think clearly, and affects their alertness, reaction time, and performance. In addition, sleep deprivation increases the risk of intestinal and heart disease, and substantially increases the risk of a motor vehicle accident.Our goal is to evaluate the impact of work hours on the health, safety, and quality of life of firefighters.
Who is funding this survey?: The research is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
How will this survey be conducted?: The survey can be completed on our website, firefightersleep.org
What data will be collected during the study?: The survey has questions about your work hours, health, accidents, injuries, job satisfaction, and quality of life.
How will the data be kept confidential?: We realize that confidentiality is very important and have taken steps to ensure the privacy of all the data collected. We use subject code numbers in place of your name in our database so that the information you enter remains confidential. Additionally, the data we collect is protected from subpoena by federal statute.
Do I have to participate in the study?: No. Participation in the survey is totally voluntary. Participation in the education may be mandatory depending on your fire department.
Will the Fire Department or my labor organization be informed if I choose not to participate?: We will not share information about your decision to participate or not participate.
Will any data collected about me in the survey be shared with the Fire Department or the union?: No identifiable data collected through this survey will be shared with the department, union, or any other non-study personnel.
If I choose to participate now, will I be able to drop out later if I change my mind?: Yes. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time.
What do I have to do if I want to participate?: Visit firefightersleep.org
How much time will participation in the study take?: Each firefighter who volunteers to participate will receive an email reminder to take an initial survey as well as an end-of-year survey 12 months after filling out the first survey. Each survey will take about 30 minutes to complete.
Are there any costs to me for participating in this research?: There are no costs for participating in this research.
Will I get paid to participate?: Those who complete the survey will be eligible to win up to $2,500 in a random cash prize drawing.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?: You may contact any member of The Harvard Work Hours, Health and Safety Group:

Conor O'Brien
Senior Project Manager
cobrien@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
Division of Sleep Medicine,
Brigham and Women's Hospital
(617) 525-2617

Steven W. Lockley, PhD
Co-Principal Investigator
steven_lockley@hms.harvard.edu