CALIFORNIA, Md. — Knowing which number to call during a crisis can save valuable time. Many Maryland residents are familiar with 911 for emergencies, but the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers another option for people facing mental health, emotional or substance use crises.
Understanding the difference between Maryland 911 vs 988 can help families, friends and neighbors respond more effectively when someone needs immediate help. While each service has an important role, they are designed for different situations.
What Is 911?
Call 911 when there is an immediate threat to life, health or public safety. Emergency dispatchers can send police, firefighters or emergency medical services based on the situation.
Examples of when 911 is generally appropriate include:
- Someone is unconscious or not breathing.
- A person has severe injuries after a crash or fall.
- There is a fire or hazardous emergency.
- Someone is experiencing symptoms of a possible heart attack or stroke.
- A violent crime is happening or there is an immediate danger to people nearby.
- A person is threatening serious harm and has the immediate ability to carry it out.
If you are unsure whether a situation is life-threatening, it is usually safer to call 911. Dispatchers are trained to ask questions and determine the appropriate response.
What Is 988?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects people experiencing mental health, emotional or substance use crises with trained crisis counselors. Congress designated the 988 number in 2020 to build on the former National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the federal agency that oversees the service, describes it as a direct connection to support for anyone in crisis, available 24/7 by call, text or chat…