74070 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health

74070 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health: Is the Minister aware of Psychologist Dr Renan Lopes de Lyra's recent PhD research into paramedics attending suicide callouts, and that some of those interviewed felt they were unprepared to deal with suicide callouts, and wanted more training, as there was an absence of suicide-related protocols for managing patients; if so, what, if anything, will he do to address this?

Hon Matt Doocey: I am advised that paramedics receive education relating to mental health conditions during university study, and those employed by ambulance services receive ongoing education related to mental health conditions as part of their in-service professional development. I am further advised that paramedics are trained in clinical practice guidelines, which provide guidance on mental health conditions, including: • An overview of the management of different mental health conditions. • Attempted and/or threatened suicide; including assessing the patient for injuries, patient competency, and scene safety. • A section on non-suicidal self-harm. • Guidance on cardiac arrest in special situations, including hanging, poisoning, and traumatic injuries that may have been caused by suicide. • Guidance on managing poisoning (including from suspected suicide) such as carbon monoxide. • A section on psychological wellness for ambulance personnel, which includes advice/guidance following traumatic incidents. In addtion, for cases that are especially complex, paramedics have access to 24/7 clinical advice and support from the clinical desk within the Ambulance Communications Centre.