Even in the richest countries in the world, it’s difficult for people who suffer mental health problems to get proper care and treatment – especially in emergencies.
Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, has launched an emergency response team solely for people in severe mental health or behavioural distress – situations which were traditionally handled by the police.
The vehicle is staffed by two specialised psychiatric nurses and a paramedic from 3pm to 1am every day.
In its first year of operation, the ambulance responded to 1,580 callouts.
Treating mental health problems in the same way as physical health problems reduces stigmatisation of psychiatric illnesses, and helps people to reach out if they are suffering.
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