“Able to stop things from escalating” – Stakeholders’ perspectives of police, ambulance and mental health co-response to 911-mental health calls

Abstract

This qualitative study explored New Zealand police, paramedic and mental health staff’s experiences of co-response (when these three agencies work together to respond to suicide/mental health-related crises) and how this compared to usual practice. Themes were identified from 24 in-depth interviews using thematic analysis. ‘Dread, fear and failure’ encapsulated the reactions toward usual practice, characterized by fears of inadequate support, coercive measures, risk and poor outcomes. The ‘gamechanger’ co-response model provided police and paramedics with supportive and accessible mental health expertise. Participants felt safer and better able to provide person-and family-centered input. Continuation and extension of co-response models are recommended.