NSW to send paramedics not police to some mental health emergencies after multiple deaths
New South Wales is implementing a health-led response to mental health emergencies, replacing police with specialist nurses for certain calls. The $270 million initiative aims to improve triage and clinical outcomes, following criticism of police-led responses.
Why it matters
This policy shift represents a major change in how public safety and mental health services intersect at the state level.
A health-led response to mental health emergencies will change the way triple zero calls are triaged and provide clinical advice to first responders in NSW. Photograph: Flavio Brancaleone/AAP A health-led response to mental health emergencies will change the way triple zero calls are triaged and provide clinical advice to first responders in NSW. Photograph: Flavio Brancaleone/AAP New South Wales NSW to send paramedics not police to some mental health emergencies after multiple deaths Mental health experts to triage triple zero calls, but not all of the changes will be implemented 24/7 or statewide
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