Mental Health Related Callouts to the Ambulance Service in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Descriptive Analysis

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.