The Civil Air Patrol provides a variety of operations that are important to the modern world in which we live. Civil Air Patrol's emergency services includes air and ground search and rescue, disaster relief, civil defense, as well as cooperation with and assistance to other emergency services agencies. The primary mission is to save lives and relieve human suffering.

Map of OH282 Emergency Services Missions

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Search and Rescue (SAR) - Coordination of Civil Air Patrol SAR missions is performed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC). By FAA regulation, all registered civilian aircraft must have an ELT onboard. An ELT is a radio transmitter, which is activated by the shock of an impact such as an aircraft crash. Many searches that CAP members are activated on (95%) end up as a non-distress calls. Many times an ELT is bumped on a hard landing or during maintenance of the aircraft. Also, when pilots fail to close flight plans, the FAA declares that aircraft overdue, and the search is activated. Trained aircrew members can also provide an "eye in the sky" to assist ground teams, as well as direction finding at altitude to improve ELT reception. Although there is a high false alarm rate, members train and perform their duties knowing that they might very well come upon an actual accident on any given mission.

Civil Air Patrol members are trained to accomplish Emergency Services missions with speed and efficiency and without compromising the safety of the members themselves. A search and rescue mission is always a serious and critical task that requires good organization and safety. Operational missions require several specialty qualifications that CAP personnel can choose to train for including Administration, Safety, Communications, Air Operations, and Ground Operations. Cadet members are invited and encouraged to participate in most missions, where appropriate and permitted by regulation.

Disaster Relief (DR) - Civil Air Patrol has agreements with several disaster relief agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army. CAP disaster relief missions may include courier and light cargo transport, manual labor for debris removal, air and ground transport for cargo and key personnel, and mercy missions such as blood, organ, and patient transport.

Homeland Security - The Civil Air Patrol provides an invaluable resource to the nation's Homeland Security initiative. Many CAP aircraft have been equipped with digital imaging technology as well as aerial video capabilities that allow those on the ground to view and evaluate an image instantly. In the event of a terrorist attack on our nation, Civil Air Patrol members can provide authorities with timely, accurate information regarding the exact location and severity of impact to any affected area.

Communications - The Civil Air Patrol owns and operates one of the largest national networks designed for emergency radio communication. Operated by volunteer members of the organization, this system is often called upon to relay mission critical messages in and out of disaster areas. All aircraft and vehicles owned by the Civil Air Patrol are equipped with the appropriate radios to access this system.

Counterdrug Operations - The Civil Air Patrol actively promotes a drug-free America. Through education about the effects of dangerous drugs, members work to reduce the demand for narcotics in our communities. CAP also provides transportation for law enforcement as they identify areas that may be potentially used for producing narcotics. CAP members are never involved in suspect confrontation or any law enforcement activities.