I can totally empathise. We have similar issues where I work (NZ). It sucks, but this is so typical of ambulance service providers. They seem to forget (don't care) about the impact of their decisions on staff. It's as if joining ambulance necessarily involves commitment above and beyond the call - dedication to your job 100% of the time. I sometimes wonder when they will insist on tattoo's...but anyway I digress. Does your union not have minimum notice requirements for changes of shift pattern negotiated into your employment agreement? If they don't - they should. It is one of the only ways we have managed to give people at least a little bit of planning ability in their external lives. That, and moving most people to a four on four off pattern (watch system) and permanent station rosters with far less people on relief. Not sure I would like a single permanent partner. I think you could become too comfortable with each others little habits/complacent. Variety is (within reason) the spice of life!