Mental Health Related Callouts to the Ambulance Service in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Descriptive Analysis
Date
Authors
Harding, Gabrielle
Fortune, Sarah
Ramalho,, Rodrigo
Swain, Andrew
Brett, Aroha
Dicker, Bridget
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pasifika Medical Association Group
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to determine the association between demographic and clinical characteristics of mental health–related callouts to the ambulance services in Aotearoa New Zealand, focussing on differences among Māori, Pacific peoples and non-Māori non-Pacific peoples (NMNPP). Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study analysed routinely collected data from electronic patient report forms between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. Mental health–related callouts were identified using clinician-coded impressions from the Aotearoa New Zealand Paramedic Care Collection. Results: Of 26,847 callouts, a higher proportion involved individuals under the age of 24 among Māori (31.9%) and Pacific people (29.3%) compared to NMNPP (19.1%) (p<0.001). Callout proportion was higher in the most deprived areas, particularly among Māori (47.7%) and Pacific peoples (49.9%) versus NMNPP (24.5%) (p<0.001). Of total individual callouts, 15.8% presented more than once, with a higher proportion among Māori. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an association between ethnicity, deprivation and mental health–related ambulance callouts, with Māori and Pacific populations in deprived areas experiencing proportionately higher callouts. Findings highlight the need for culturally responsive interventions and equitable access to care. Ambulance data can inform policy and monitor mental health trends.Description
Keywords
11 Medical and Health Sciences, General & Internal Medicine, 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences, 42 Health sciences
Source
New Zealand Medical Journal, ISSN: 1175-8716 (Online), Pasifika Medical Association Group, 139(1630), 50-62. doi: 10.26635/6965.7145
Rights statement
Open/ Free Access. The New Zealand Medical Journal is fully available to individual subscribers and does not incur a subscription fee. This applies to both New Zealand and international subscribers.