A growing crisis on the front lines
Emergency care providers are a safety net for Wisconsin’s most at-risk patients. While emergency workers are well trained for medical events, a different kind of crises is showing up more often: pediatric mental and behavioral health (MBH).

A 2023 study found that 1 in 5 children with behavioral health emergencies arrive at the emergency department (ED) by ambulance. Overall, ED visits by children for behavioral health care keep rising. Pediatric MBH calls are some of the most complex. Many emergency professionals often lack the special training needed to help these young patients.

Working to present new training designed for emergency care
To address the needs of emergency professionals, Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services for Children (WI EMSC) is leading a new project, Preparing Wisconsin Emergency Professionals for Pediatric Mental Health Emergencies, to create training tools for EMS and ED workers statewide.

Jennifer Zaspel, MD, DFAACAP, medical director, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Wisconsin mentioned, “I think the biggest barrier that we see actually happens before the ED. And that is care before things rise to the level of a crises. Whether it’s getting them in for medication management for psychotherapy, or even just to see their pediatrician to talk about what’s happening, access to care can be a real challenge.”

By giving emergency care workers these skills, we will improve how all MBH crises are handled.


What we’re doing next
Whether you work in an ED or EMS agency, the ability to handle a behavioral health emergency is critical. All emergency care providers should work to improve their skills before they are called to respond to a MBH crisis. Join us for upcoming training sessions!

What you can do now

Written by:
Carissa Brunner, MPH, CLC
Program Leader – Emergency Medical Services for Children