Specialised secure transport for Section 135/136 mental health care

Partnering with the NHS and private hospital groups for safer, patient-centred, mental health support across the UK

Secure Ambulance

Section 135/136 Interventions: 

where compassionate care meets legal compliance

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When someone is experiencing a mental health illness, their journey to care can make all the difference. 

Our specialised mental health ambulances and experienced staff play a central role in the safe conveyance of individuals who are detained under sections 135 or 136 of the Mental Health Act with care, dignity, and a patient-centered approach.

Our approach focuses on:

  • Positive communication and de-escalation, minimising anxiety for patients and ensuing a patient-centered care approach
  • Ensuring safety for patients, mental health professionals, and the community
  • Working with police and other stake holders to ensure seamless handovers during section 135 and 136 detentions
  • Supporting a compassionate start to the recovery process

Our trained staff are available 24/7 to offer compassionate, engaged care to every patient. This frees your nursing staff to focus on core responsibilities. It also ensures each patient receives the support they need throughout their healthcare journey.

Three pillars of mental health transport

Section 135/136 interventions need a compassionate and patient-centred response. That’s why we’ve developed a 360 approach that combines:

Experienced Staff

We see patients as individuals, not just cases, so we provide emotional support and understanding to every patient in our care.

Specialised Vehicles

Our staff engage patients in activities they enjoy, such as arts and crafts, board games, or music, to promote a calm and engaged environment.

Integrated processes

We’re trained to handle challenging behaviours with patience and skill, reducing the need for restrictive interventions.

Together, these pillars ensure we deliver more than just transport – we provide the care that connects pathways to recovery

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A patient-centred approach to Section 135/136 interventions

1. Compassionate, professionally trained staff

Detaining individuals under Section 135/136 of the Mental Health Act has unique challenges. That’s why our staff receive extensive training in:

  • De-escalation techniques and proportionate response
  • Awareness of surroundings and proportionate support the patient
  • Expertise in understanding of mental health conditions and crisis situations
  • Thorough knowledge of Sections 135/136 and their legal requirements
  • Commitment to trauma-informed, person-centred care

Get peace of mind knowing every Section 135/136 intervention is supported by mental health crisis professionals.

Specialist secure transport for Section 135 and Section 136 mental health care
A Secure 24 crew member on shift

2. Purpose-designed vehicles

We prioritise the safety for both the individuals in our care and those around them. To meet diverse needs, we offer a range of specialised secure vehicles:

Standard secure ambulances for most risk levels
Wheelchair-Accessible secure ambulances for complex needs
Cell secure ambulances for high-risk transports

Key Features Across Our Fleet:

  • Cells / safe spaces for secure transportation
  • Reinforced interior panels for improved safety
  • Secure locking systems to prevent unauthorised access
  • Video recording cameras for continuous monitoring
  • Live tracking equipment for real-time location updates
  • Discrete vehicles to support patient anonymity
  • Where necessary, we can wear civilian clothes (whilst still wearing PPE) to avoid heightening patient anxiety. 

3. Seamless Processes

We work closely with mental health services, police, and hospitals. This teamwork makes interventions more efficient and keeps care consistent before, during and after handover. 

  • Pre-intervention planning: We believe in being prepared. We work with AMHPs and police to create custom plans for each case. This teamwork helps us provide better care.
  • Rapid response: We help patients get care faster. By taking over from the police, we cut down on waiting times. This means quicker help for those who need it most. 
  • On-site coordination: Our teams focus on clear communication. We work closely with mental health experts and police to ensure control, compassion, and safety in every situation.
  • Adaptable support: Our help doesn’t start and end with patient transportation. Our teams are always happy to assist with assessments, and if needed, we’ll stay after the handover to support your staff. We aim to ensure the best care for each patient from start to finish.
  • Effective handovers: We share all key details with care providers, ensuring smooth continuity of care for patients. We take our time to make sure nothing important is missed.
  • Robust feedback system: We always aim to get better. We listen to feedback and use it to improve our service. This helps us provide the best care possible.
Secure 24 ambulance services

Trusted by healthcare professionals

  • “No. 1 provider for transporting sectioned patients”

    Secure 24 is our number one provider for transporting our sectioned patients. 

    The crews treat our patients with care and compassion by the crews, and they are meticulous in ensuring all paperwork is accurate and complete. The vehicles have all the equipment to make journeys comfortable, practical and even ‘enjoyable’ with films etc.

    Bookings are made swiftly and crews keep us updated on ETAs. 
    Sara Reeve
    Logistics Coordinator
East Surrey Hospital Trust

  • “Positive experiences in extremely challenging circumstances”

    The staff members clearly receive excellent training and are always empathic and organised. They always listen carefully to the advice and guidance of the professionals involved in the Mental Health Act assessments they have participated in.
    So, we have only had positive experiences in some extremely challenging circumstances.
I highly recommend Secure24.
    Stuart Burt
    Approved Mental Health Pro
East Surrey AMHP Team 

  • Invaluable support
           

    The crew’s exceptional communication, kindness, and patience shone through in a challenging situation. Their negotiation skills were fantastic, always prioritizing verbal de-escalation. When circumstances escalated, their response was spot-on – proportionate and necessary. 

    As an AMHP, I always feel confident with Secure 24 on the scene. We truly work as a team, and I value their expertise in the conveyance process. Their support is invaluable.
    Diaga Trubeckaja
    Approved Mental Health Pro West Sussex AMHP Team 

How does it work? Section 135

Section 135/136 interventions need a compassionate and patient-centred response. That’s why we’ve developed a 360 approach that combines:

Section 135: A Planned Approach

Our team meet the police and AMHPs at the person’s home. Once police safely gain entry and ensure the scene is secure, we take over, allowing the police to quickly return to their duties. 


Next, our staff, experienced in mental health care, use a compassionate and proportionate response to guide the patient to our discreet ambulances. Here, they provide care and support throughout the patient’s journey and handover to a designated place of safety, ensuring dignity and respect at every step.

Section 136: Police Power to Detain Someone in a Public Space

When police encounter someone in mental distress in a public place, we’re ready to assist. 

Our team quickly responds to the scene, and take over care from the officers as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Using our mental health expertise, we approach each person with understanding, encouraging and escorting them to discreet ambulances from where they are taken to a place of safety. We aim to smoothly transition individuals from distressing situations to supportive environments, ensuring dignity throughout.

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FAQs

Yes, we offer 24/7 availability for both planned and reactive mental health patient transfers.

Our staff undergo extensive training in de-escalation techniques, mental health conditions, and person-centred care. They are also knowledgeable about various sections and diagnoses relevant to mental health transport.

Yes, our wheelchair-accessible secure ambulances are specifically designed to accommodate patients with both physical disabilities and mental health needs. 

The Secure Ambulance service offers a crucial link for patients with complex needs and mental health conditions who need safe, reliable transportation to and from healthcare appointments. Our trained operatives, proficient in managing diverse medical conditions, ensure patients receive the apt attention and care they require while en route.

A mental health ambulance focuses on providing compassionate and safe transportation for individuals with mental health concerns. It is specially designed to transport individuals with mental illnesses, learning disabilities, individual requirements and challenging behaviours to and from medical appointments. With this in mind, it is equipped to ensure the safety of individuals and providers on board. 

Yes. Of course. All our staff are trained to work with vulnerable young people and follow CAMHS protocols when working with children and adolescents. 

Don’t let transport bottlenecks compromise patient care and hospital performance.

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