The BMHS was purposely built to support front line officers in situations where they are responding to mental health crisis calls and focuses on immediate risk of harm.
Use of the BMHS ensures uniform and consistent reporting of mental health issues being experienced by those who come in contact with police.
The BMHS component of the HealthIM system provides a risk evaluation, on a scale of 1 -10, in three areas that determine whether to apprehend an individual; 1) Self Care, 2) Self-Harm and 3) Harm to Others. (Ref. Section 17, Mental Health Act (MHA) of Ontario)
Through the use of the HealthIM system, BMHS forms are completed by all uniform members who have contact with persons experiencing mental health issues and/or for whom mental health concerns form a component or the reason for police interaction.
The following policy parameters have been adopted where BMHS forms are to be submitted using the HealthIM system:
- All police involved MHA apprehensions including apprehensions under the authority of any MHA form.
- All police contact with a person in crisis or experiencing mental health breakdown that does not involve an apprehension
- All police contact with individuals for whom mental health or a mental health condition is, or may be, a contributing factor to the situation.
BMHS are exported electronically to our health partners.
Our partners include Manitoulin Health Centre – Mindemoya/Little Current sites, Health Sciences North – Little Current Site, Mnidoo Mnising Crisis Response, Mnaamodzawin Health Centre and M’Chigeeng Health Services.
For more information contact our Office at 705-377-7135.
