University-Led Study Exposes Surge in Non-Urgent Mental Health Ambulance Callouts Across New Zealand

A groundbreaking study led by researchers from the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology has revealed thousands of non-urgent mental health ambulance callouts in New Zealand, underscoring significant unmet health needs in the community. Published today in the New Zealand Medical Journal, the analysis of over 26,000 callouts from mid-2022 to mid-2023 paints a picture of over-reliance on emergency services for issues that could be addressed through community-based support. This research highlights the critical role universities play in addressing public health challenges through data-driven insights.

The findings come at a time when New Zealand's mental health system is under strain, with youth distress levels soaring and ambulance providers like Hato Hone St John reporting record demand. For higher education institutions, these statistics raise urgent questions about student wellbeing, as young people aged under 24 represent a disproportionate share of callouts.

Key Statistics from the Comprehensive Analysis

During the study period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, ambulance services recorded 468,930 total callouts, of which 26,847 (5.7%) were mental health-related. These included cases of attempted suicide, self-harm, and anxiety. Notably, 89.8% were classified as low acuity (status 3 or 4), indicating non-urgent situations manageable outside hospital settings. Only 67.2% of patients were transported, leaving 32.8% referred to community care.

• Total mental health callouts: 26,847
• Low acuity: 89.8%
• Repeat callouts (within year): 15.8%
• Females: 64.3%

Lead author Gabrielle Harding, a lecturer in paramedicine at AUT and practicing paramedic with Hato Hone St John, emphasized, "People ring 111 when they are at a crisis point or in distress, suggesting other services aren't available."

Disparities by Ethnicity and Age: A Call for Equity

The study revealed stark ethnic disparities, with Māori comprising 22.1% of callouts and Pacific peoples 4.6%, far exceeding their population proportions. Younger individuals under 24 were overrepresented among Māori (31.9%) and Pacific peoples (29.3%), compared to 19.1% for non-Māori non-Pacific peoples (NMNPP). This aligns with broader trends where Māori and Pacific communities face higher rates of undiagnosed conditions and poorer outcomes due to systemic barriers.

Nearly one-third (30.8%) of callouts originated from the most deprived areas (NZDep quintiles 9-10), with 47.7% for Māori and 49.9% for Pacific peoples versus 24.5% NMNPP. Researchers link this to socio-economic stressors like unemployment and racism, calling for culturally responsive interventions.

In higher education, where Māori and Pacific student enrollment is growing, universities like the University of Auckland are prioritizing equity through targeted wellbeing programs. For insights into faculty experiences, check Rate My Professor.

Repeat Callouts Signal Deep Unmet Needs

One in six individuals (15.8%) had multiple callouts within the year, with Māori showing higher repeat rates. This pattern points to gaps in follow-up care, as noted in the 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey, where 10.5% of adults reported unmet needs for professional mental health help. Harding described it as evidence of insufficient continuous, culturally safe support.

For university students navigating academic pressures, these repeats underscore the need for on-campus crisis prevention. Institutions are expanding peer support, but ambulance data serves as a wake-up call for proactive measures.

Photo by Jacob R Vamseedhar G on Unsplash

Youth Mental Health Crisis: Relevance to University Students

Young people aged 15-24 face skyrocketing distress, with over half experiencing anxiety or depression—nearly double pre-pandemic levels. The study's youth overrepresentation mirrors NZ Health Survey data showing 23.6% of 15-24-year-olds with high/very high distress in 2021/22, rising further.

University students, a key demographic, report intense pressures from studies, finances, and isolation. Surveys indicate 44-93% experience moderate-severe distress. While not directly ambulance-tracked, campus counseling demand has surged 25% in recent years, linking to broader crisis callouts.

New Zealand universities offer free services, but wait times persist. Explore higher ed career advice including wellbeing tips for students and faculty.

Strain on Ambulance Services Amid Rising Demand

Hato Hone St John reported record 2025 demand, with mental health callouts up 1.8% to 12,273 in one period alone. Overall emergency responses hit new highs, exacerbating paramedic burnout from suicide/self-harm scenes.

• 2025: Busiest year on record for St John
• Mental health uptick amid 16.5% five-year call volume rise
• Police retreating from callouts adds pressure

AUT's paramedicine programs train future responders, emphasizing mental health integration.

University Research Driving Insights and Solutions

New Zealand universities are at the forefront. The UoA-AUT study uses Aotearoa New Zealand Paramedic Care Collection data for equity analysis. University of Otago's 2022 co-response evaluation showed joint police-ambulance-mental health teams reduce hospital admissions by 30% and coercion.

Otago researchers found faster resolutions and community support, now expanding nationwide. Such studies inform policy, with Health NZ investing $61.6m in crisis cafes.

Consider higher ed jobs in paramedicine or public health research.

Government and Community Responses to the Challenge

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey highlighted co-response rollout for repeat callers, backed by $10m Innovation Fund and 557 new workers. Wellington City Mission's 24/7 Crisis Cafe diverted 750+ since launch, proving peer-led models work.

Health NZ reports rising Access and Choice uptake (1m+ sessions), but experts urge upstream fixes like housing support.

Photo by Jack Prommel on Unsplash

Pathways Forward: Recommendations and Optimism

The study urges policy prioritizing Māori/Pacific support, socio-economic interventions, and ambulance-community links. Universities can expand training, research, and student services.

• Strengthen culturally safe community care
• Address deprivation/racism
• Scale co-response models
• Leverage ambulance data for trends

With university-led innovation, New Zealand can shift from crisis response to prevention. Aspiring professionals, view university jobs, higher ed jobs, and career advice for mental health roles.