A mental health first responder program will be expanded in Queensland, following successful trials.
The Mental Health Co-responder Program pairs a specialist Ambulance Paramedic with a Senior Mental Health Clinician to respond to triple-zero callers experiencing a mental health crisis.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath says the program will expand from its trials in the Metro South and Gold Coast, to the Metro North and Sunshine Coast.
“The results speak for themselves, with the QAS able to facilitate access to appropriate follow up and referrals for more than 1,000 patients during the pilot period in the Metro South, West Moreton and Gold Coast regions," she says.
“This means better healthcare outcomes for Queenslanders and a reduction in Emergency Department presentations, which has flow on effects for the entire health system.”