News

Mildura Base Hospital and police working together on suicide response

Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:50:00

A combined effort between Mildura Base Hospital, police and paramedics aims to deliver a more effective response to people in the community at risk of self-harm.

The hospital’s Mental Health Services team worked with emergency services personnel in two workshops aimed to build the skills of frontline police to deal with people with mental health issues.
“Police are very often the first-response to someone with mental health issues, particularly where there is a risk of self-harm,” said MBH’s acting director of Mental Health Services Belinda Pavilach.
“Last year we ran a Mental Health First Aid program with local police members, and we have followed that up now with what is known Working with the Person Who is Suicidal (PreSAP) Program,” she said.
The group comprised nine police officers, two child protection workers and one ambulance officer. Victoria Police Sergeants Paul Hollingworth and Rebecca Olsen co-ordinated the training from the police perspective and MBH Crisis Assessment Treatment Team member Tony Newton and Senior Educator Chris Hermans provided the training.
“They were a group that, of course, already had a high level of experience in engaging with people at risk of suicide,” Mr Hermans said.
“But the post-program survey showed everyone felt an overall improvement of their skills and knowledge from completing the course.
“The biggest area of improvement was how they could assist people in developing a safety plan – that is a series of steps that a person can follow during a suicidal crisis.”
Ms Pavilach said PreSAP training was being planned on a regular basis for more Police and Paramedics after the success of the initial program.