Ottawa Police and Paramedics Respond to a Mental Health Crisis

The individual's identity will remain confidential to ensure privacy.

Ottawa Police officers and paramedics responded to a call in September of last year where a young woman was having a mental health crisis.

A mental health crisis refers to any situation where an individual's behaviour poses a danger to themselves or others, or significantly impairs their ability to care for themselves or function within the community.

“The ambulance and police had been sent to my apartment,” she said. “I was really scared and confused, but they were quite understanding.”

At OPS, these types of calls are taken seriously. Sometimes, a response with paramedics is required to assess the person’s situation, make sure they are safe and be ready to transport them to the hospital if necessary.

“The police officer and [paramedics] were incredibly kind and helped me get the help I needed.”

Officers arrive equipped with resources to offer to the person in crisis, and in some cases, the Ottawa Police Mental Health Crisis Unit (MHU) will be dispatched.

The mental health professionals of the Mobile Crisis Team and the specially trained officers of the Mental Health Crisis Unit routinely conduct visits in the community together to assist those in crisis.

“The entire experience, although terrifying, helped me get better,” she described.

Cst. Almoflehi and Cst. Smith of the West front line division responded to this call with Jordan Mitchell and Francois Jacques of the Ottawa Paramedic Service.

“I never got to express my thanks,” the woman said when she contacted the Ottawa Police to extend appreciation to the first responders who greatly impacted her life. "I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for them.”