Emergency Services

Growing from its World War II experience, the Civil Air Patrol has continued to strive to save lives and alleviate human suffering through a myriad of emergency service missions.

Search and Rescue (SAR): Perhaps best known for its search and rescue efforts, CAP now flies more than 85 percent of all inland SAR missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Langley AFB, Va. Overseas, CAP supports the
Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. just how effective are the CAP missions? More than 100 people are saved every year by CAP members!

Disaster Relief: Often overlooked but vitally important is the role CAP plays in disaster relief operations. CAP provides air and ground transportation, and an extensive communications network. They fly disaster relief officials to remote locations, and
support local, state and national disaster relief organizations with man power and leadership.

In fact, CAP has formal agreements with many humanitarian relief agencies such as the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, and Coast Guard.

Humanitarian Services: Closely related to disaster relief is CAP's support of humanitarian missions. Usually in support of the Red Cross, CAP aircrews transport time-sensitive medical materials including blood and human tissue in situations where other means of transportation are not possible.