EMS/911 Specialist National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Washington, District of Columbia
Description: Over the last several years responding to calls for patients in mental health crisis has been highlighted across the country. Since 2018, federal agencies involved in crisis response have been planning for the roll out of 988 a new three digit number for the suicide lifeline. In the summer of 2022, a new 988 number is going live across the country. What does that mean for EMS? Have things changed in your 911 center? Are there new resources for crisis response in your community? Do those providing crisis services understand EMS in your community? Now is the time to collaborate to improve behavioral health in your community. EMS has a critical role to play not just in response but also prevention.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the role of the 988 hotline and how it will impact 911 and EMS operations
Conduct a needs assessment and resource scan of the mental health resources available in the community in which they practice
List the key stakeholders EMS needs to engage with to improve care during mental health crises
