Emergency Services

"These Things We Do That Others May Live"

RED CAP History

One of the Civil Air Patrol's missions is Emergency Services. There are three E.S. missions

Search And Rescue Operations (SAR)

The Air Force authorizes "search and rescue" missions. CAP personnel actually fly four out of every five air search hours directed by the Air Force. CAP ground search team work with state and local officials responsible for locating missing persons and aircraft.

SAR missions use specially trained people so the mission is done quickly and successfully. Heading these missions are CAP "mission coordinators" qualified by their Wing Commander. There are usually several trained units in each wing on call. Qualified cadets participate in emergency services as radio operators, ground team members, and administrative personnel.

Civil Defense

CAP's Civil Defense activities are similar to it's SAR missions, except that mission coordinators work directly with state Civil Defense officials. There is greater emphasis on radiological monitoring and damage assessment.

Disaster Relief (DR)

State and local emergency agencies often ask the Civil Air Patrol for help after natural disasters. Seniors and Cadets operate communications equipment, help locate victims and clear debris. Pilots may evacuate the injured, transport medical supplies, and fly officials to and from affected areas.

CAP's Help with Other Agencies

The Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other agencies frequently ask CAP to transport medical technicians, life -saving medicines, and vital human transplant organs. They often rely on CAP to provide airlift and communications for their disaster relief operations. CAP also helps the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary by performing "sundown patrols" looking for boaters in need of assistance.