In Victoria, paramedics are to lead responses to mental health crises — ABC News Australia

In the Australian state of Victoria, paramedics are expected to become the first responders to calls related to mental health crises whenever possible. Under the new protocols, police and protective services staff will play a supporting role.

A medical response model

The state government announced a transition to a response model for incidents related to mental health crises that places medical care at its centre. Authorities said this should provide patients with faster and more effective assistance, while allowing police to focus on fighting crime.

Victoria's Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said that a person experiencing a mental health crisis deserves a response that prioritises their health and wellbeing while maintaining safety for them and the community. According to the government, the protocols were agreed by Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and the Department of Health.

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The union's position

At the same time, the Victorian Ambulance Union said it learned about the government's plan from the media. Its secretary, Danny Hill, told ABC News Australia that neither the union nor workers had been consulted.

Hill noted that the described changes could improve outcomes for patients, but expressed concern about paramedics' safety. According to him, the union supports a medical response model, but in most such cases ambulance services and police need to work together, as workers may face aggression and violence during complex call-outs.