A special call-out to my fellow paramedics, emergency medical technicians, first responders, extended care paramedics, and intensive care paramedics, who, alongside our police, are the front line in responding to this mental health crisis and are often picking up the pieces—often when it's too late. First responders are overwhelmed by demand and under-resourcing and the inability to provide a sustainable pathway to help people on their road to recovery, a battle that is seeing call volumes skyrocket and pressure on our community and hospital services constantly at capacity. 