The Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) is calling on NSW Ambulance to abandon what it says are “ill-conceived plans” to implement a new trial of dedicated mental health ambulances with a Special Operations Paramedic and specialist mental health nurse from 12 May.
APA (NSW) has been advocating against the implementation, since it was first announced by NSW Ambulance in January, on the basis that it will spread already limited special operations resources even further.
With only a handful of these specialist-trained Paramedics across the State, the Association says their utilisation in the program is “alarming”.
“APA (NSW) strongly supports the expansion of the current model of dedicated mental health ambulance responders, which has been operating in Western Sydney since 2013. This is a highly successful model which has demonstrated positive outcomes for people suffering acute and chronic mental health emergencies,” said APA (NSW) Assistant Secretary, Gary Wilson.
“This is about our patients getting the right care, at the right time. It’s about Paramedics knowing we are providing the best possible care to our patients. It is about making sure the right resources are available to respond to situations like Bondi.
“If the Chief Executive’s (of NSW Ambulance) only answer to staffing these specialised mental health cars is to utilise special operations Paramedics who are already stretched thin, you would question whether he is fit to lead?
“Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the Bondi tragedy, including those who lost loved ones and all the first responders who attended that day,” he said.
In APA (NSW)’s submissions to the NSW Government Inquiry into Equity, accessibility, and appropriate delivery of outpatient and community mental health care in New South Wales, APA (NSW) members advocated for reforms to the mental healthcare system in NSW to address the mental healthcare crisis.
