Why Mental Health 911 Calls Need More Attention from Emergency Services

Why Mental Health 911 Calls Need More Attention from Emergency Services

Mental health is a pressing issue that affects millions of people around the world. In the United States, it’s estimated that one in five adults experience mental illness each year. Emergency services play a crucial role in responding to mental health crises, but unfortunately, many emergency response systems are ill-equipped to handle mental health 911 calls effectively. In this blog, we’ll explore why mental health 911 calls need more attention from emergency services and what can be done about it.

The Current State of Mental Health 911 Calls

When someone calls 911 for a mental health emergency, they can expect an emergency responder to show up within a few minutes. While this response time is typically very fast, emergency services have struggled to provide effective solutions for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

First responders are often not adequately trained in mental health, and they may not have the proper tools or resources to address the needs of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Some response protocols also lead to further traumatizing people in crisis. For example, handcuffing or using forceful tactics can hinder communication and exacerbate the situation for those in crisis.

The current response to mental health 911 calls often involves transporting individuals to the emergency room for evaluation or placing them in jail for their own safety. These solutions are often temporary and frequently do not address the underlying causes of the mental health crisis.

The Consequences of a Poor Response to Mental Health 911 Calls

The consequences of a poor response to mental health 911 calls can be dire. For individuals experiencing mental health crises, the lack of proper response can lead to further trauma and potentially even death. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), people with mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter than those without.

The consequences of a poor response go beyond the individual in crisis. Emergency response services are often not equipped to handle the volume of mental health 911 calls they receive. This puts pressure on the resources of emergency services and can lead to longer response times for other types of emergencies.

Solutions for Improving the Response to Mental Health 911 Calls

There are several solutions for improving the response to mental health 911 calls. First, emergency services should increase training for their responders in mental health. Responders should be equipped with the necessary tools to address the needs of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and should act with compassion and sensitivity.

Secondly, emergency services should consider creating a separate response team for mental health 911 calls. This team should consist of mental health professionals who are trained in handling crisis situations. This would ensure a more effective response that addresses the underlying causes of the mental health crisis.

Finally, emergency services should consider partnering with mental health organizations to provide long-term solutions for individuals experiencing mental health crises. These organizations can offer counseling services and other support to help the individual get back on their feet and avoid future crises.

Conclusion

Mental health 911 calls need more attention from emergency services. The current response to these calls often falls short and can lead to dire consequences for individuals in crisis. By increasing training and resources for responders and creating dedicated mental health response teams, emergency services can provide a more effective response to mental health 911 calls. By partnering with mental health organizations, they can also offer long-term solutions for individuals experiencing mental health crises. It’s time for emergency services to step up and give the attention that is deserved to mental health 911 calls.