23.Issue 12 december 25 - INDO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

Volume : 12, Issue : 12, December- 2025

Title:

EMS RESPONSE TO MENTAL HEALTH CRISES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CO-RESPONDER MODELS INTEGRATING POLICE AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS

Authors :

Khalid Saud Almutairi, Mohammad Hamad Almutairi, Mohammad Abdulaziz Aljamal, Senaitan Murayziq Hilal Almutairi, Turki Bijad Al-Otaibi, Faisal Munawer Ayed Alharbi, Sultan Mutlaq Sultan Almutairi, Abdulaziz Khalaf Mohsen Almutairi, Meshal Mahal Alharbi, Basim Awadhallah Bakheet Almutairi

Abstract :

The rising volume of mental health crises necessitating emergency responses has highlighted significant limitations in traditional police-only and EMS-only models. These shortcomings often lead to inappropriate emergency department transports, criminal justice involvement, and traumatic outcomes. Co-responder models, which integrate law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS), and behavioral health specialists (BHS), offer a promising interdisciplinary approach to enhance crisis care. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on co-responder models involving EMS personnel, examining their structural configurations, outcomes, and implementation factors. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across seven electronic databases and grey literature. Eligible studies described co-responder models integrating EMS with police and/or BHS, reporting on outcomes like emergency department (ED) diversion, arrests, and stakeholder perspectives. A narrative synthesis with thematic analysis was employed due to methodological and clinical heterogeneity. Twenty-four studies (28 publications) were included, revealing three primary model types: Police + BHS dyads, EMS + BHS (mobile integrated health) teams, and Police + EMS + BHS triadic teams. Quantitative evidence consistently demonstrated that co-responder models significantly lower arrest rates (up to 72%) and ED transports (30-70% diversion rates), alongside high stakeholder satisfaction. Qualitative findings underscored the importance of interprofessional trust, role clarity, cross-training, and access to crisis stabilization centers. Key barriers include grant-dependent funding, logistical challenges, and the potential for increased police involvement. Co-responder models effectively divert individuals in crisis, offering a humane response and constituting a vital component of a broader crisis care continuum. For full transformation, sustainable funding, integration with 988 services, and further research on long-term outcomes are essential.
Keywords: Emergency Medical Services; Co-Responder Model; Mental Health Crisis; Behavioral Health; Crisis Intervention

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Khalid Saud Almutairi et al., Ems Response To Mental Health Crises: A Systematic Review Of Co-Responder Models Integrating Police And Behavioral Health Specialists, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2025; 12(12).

Number of Downloads : 10

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