Simulation Training For Police And Ambulance Services: Improving Care For People With Mental Health Needs

Deinstitutionalisation and pressures on mental health services globally have caused a shift of care from inpatient services into community-based settings.1 To ensure safe delivery of high-quality care, it is important for different agencies and organisations working with people in a mental health crisis to adopt a more joined-up approach.Police and Ambulance Services are often the frontline professionals helping those experiencing a mental health crisis, a theme evident in healthcare systems globally. Despite this growing trend within these professions, there is a lack of effective and appropriate training around mental health. Calls have been made internationally for police force training on mental health conditions, suicide prevention and interagency working, developed in partnership with experts.2 Similarly for ambulance services in the UK and first responders internationally, further training has been recommended on mental capacity and applying mental health legislation, among other challenges relating to supporting people in mental health crises.3Importantly, from a patient’s perspective, the knowledge, confidence, and ability of the Police and Ambulance Services to recognise and support those experiencing a mental health crisis is likely to have a significant impact on their experience and care received.The benefits of interprofessional simulation as an educational intervention have been well described, including improvements in team working and collaborative …