NSW to send paramedics not police to some mental health emergencies after multiple deaths
Summary
New South Wales (NSW) is changing how it handles some mental health emergencies by sending specialist nurses and paramedics instead of police. This new plan includes a mental health team available 12 hours a day, funded with $270 million over ten years, to provide better care for people in crisis.Key Facts
- NSW will send specialist nurses and paramedics to some mental health emergencies instead of police officers.
- A team of mental health experts will assess emergency mental health calls 24/7 to improve support.
- The reform includes eight new mental health teams working 12 hours a day, but this coverage is not statewide yet.
- The government is investing $270 million over ten years for these reforms.
- Police will still respond when safety risks are high, such as if a person is armed.
- The reform follows calls for change after several deaths, including that of Jesse Deacon, who was fatally shot by police during a mental health crisis.
- Advocates say police need more training in mental health, but mental health professionals are better suited to handle these crises.
- Experts urge more funding for community mental health services to prevent repeated crises.
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