Victoria to send paramedics first to mental health crises, union says it wasn't
Victoria's government announced paramedics will respond first to mental health call-outs. But the Ambulance Union learned about it through the media.
Victoria will shift mental health crisis responses to a health-led model. Paramedics will become first responders instead of police.
The government says the move will improve patient outcomes and free police to focus on crime. The Victorian Ambulance Union says it found out from news reports, not from government talks.
Union secretary Danny Hill told ABC Melbourne that neither he nor paramedics were asked before the announcement. Hill supports a health-led approach but warns that paramedics often face violence and aggression on mental health calls.
They need police support for safety. "For the vast majority of cases, it does need to be a co-response," he said.
The government said Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and the Department of Health had signed off on the plans. Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said the goal was to ensure faster care while keeping people safe.
Why it mattersThe shift changes how mental health emergencies are handled. Worker safety concerns and lack of union input could delay the rollout.
AustraliaVictorians experiencing mental health crises will see paramedics arrive first instead of police, potentially changing response times and the type of care received.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 49 min ago
Open this story in InSnip →
