Baltimore is making a significant change to the way it handles emergency calls by establishing a fourth branch of first responders.
Currently, the city relies on three traditional emergency services — fire, police, and EMS — but a new division is being created to address a different set of community needs.
This new branch will focus on responding to calls involving people who need mental health support, as well as helping residents connect with various city services.
The addition represents a major overhaul of Baltimore’s emergency response system, recognizing that not all calls for help require a traditional law enforcement or medical response.
