Suicide-related ambulance calls rose by more than 50% during Covid, Australian study finds

After the Covid pandemic began the need to call an ambulance for suicide-related issues increased, Australian researchers say. Photograph: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

Suicide-related ambulance presentations in Australia increased by more than 50% in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, new research suggests.

Analysis of ambulance data between March 2020 and March 2021 found a significant and sustained increase in attendances for suicide attempts, suicidal ideation and self-harm compared to before the pandemic.