"Change In Mental Status"

Recently I called my local doc-in-a-box for an appointment for tests my doctor ordered, but the robo answering system said the human office staff were too busy to take my call.  Among other irrelevant instructions the answering system advised me that if I had a "change in mental status" I was to "call the police."  While my call was not regarding a change in mental status this did give me pause to wonder what does a change in mental status encompass?  Perhaps a stroke, drug overdose, or epilepsy would cause mental changes, and an emotional breakdown would certainly; but are the police really the best first responders for an emergency medical condition of any sort?  I do not think so, having seen too many YouTube videos of hapless citizens in the throes of a medical emergency being man-handled by police, tossed to the ground face first, and some have even lost their lives in that way.  Even for the majority who survive the intervention, it is hard to see how that would improve anyone's mental state in any way.  The whole scenarios terrifies me.  If I am ever in need of any sort of medical attention please call an ambulance for me.  Thank you.

Change In Mental Status

animation by Annmarie Throckmorton, copyright 2025