Services provided in times of emergency

A. Emergency call-outs

When CAS assistance is required at a disaster in response to an emergency call-out, the CAS will be deployed on the scene to assist the regular forces to evacuate or rescue the victims. The response time for the CAS to the scene is about 1 to 1.5 hrs.

B. Mountain Search and Rescue Duties

When CAS is required to search and rescue people in distress in the mountains, the CAS Mountain Search and Rescue Company (MSaRC) will be deployed for responding to any mountain emergency call-out operations within 1 hour*. The MSaRC will respond immediately on Sundays and public holidays as a team is normally on standby at CAS Headquarters.”

(Note: The response time may be varied due to factors such as transportation and weather.)

C. Flood Rescue

Once flood warning is issued, the CAS Flood Rescue Teams will standby at relevant fire stations and assist the Fire Services Department in flood rescue operations. The CAS Central Command Centre will also be activated. The lead time for CAS Flood Rescue Teams responding to flood rescue call-outs is about 1 hr to 1.5 hrs.

D. Typhoon Manning

When typhoon signal No. 8 or above is hoisted, the CAS Central Command Centre and the Regional/Forces operational bases will automatically be manned. If emergency service is required, CAS deployment can be arranged as soon as possible.

E. Countryside Fire Protection Duties

During the dry season between October and April of the following year, the CAS is committed to deploy members to standby at various fire stations in rural areas on Sundays and public holidays when the red/amber fire danger warning signal is issued. Members on standby will respond immediately to assist the Fire Services and the Agriculture , Fisheries and Conservation Department in putting off any fires broke out in country parks.