Civil Aid Service

Badge of the Civil Aid Service

Civil Aid Service (CAS) is a Hong Kong government department that provides emergency relief services during natural disasters and other emergencies. It is a uniformed, disciplined service under the Security Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong.

History

The Civil Aid Service was established in 1952 in response to the need for a volunteer organization to assist in civil defense and disaster relief. Over the years, the CAS has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community, providing a wide range of services including search and rescue, crowd control, and first aid.

Organization

The CAS is headed by the Commissioner of the Civil Aid Service, who is appointed by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. The service is divided into several units, each specializing in different areas of emergency response. These units include the Operations Unit, Training Unit, and Administration Unit.

Operations Unit

The Operations Unit is responsible for the deployment of CAS members during emergencies. This unit coordinates search and rescue operations, provides first aid, and assists in disaster relief efforts.

Training Unit

The Training Unit is responsible for the recruitment and training of CAS members. This unit ensures that all members are adequately prepared to handle a variety of emergency situations.

Administration Unit

The Administration Unit handles the administrative functions of the CAS, including personnel management, finance, and logistics.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary roles and responsibilities of the Civil Aid Service include:

• Search and rescue operations
• First aid and medical assistance
• Disaster relief and recovery
• Crowd control and public safety
• Community education and training in emergency preparedness

Membership

Membership in the CAS is open to all Hong Kong residents who meet the eligibility criteria. Members are volunteers who undergo rigorous training to prepare them for their roles in emergency response. The CAS also has a youth section known as the CAS Cadet Corps, which provides training and development opportunities for young people.

Notable Operations

The Civil Aid Service has been involved in numerous notable operations, including:

• The response to Typhoon Wanda in 1962
• The search and rescue efforts following the Hong Kong landslides in 1972
• The relief operations during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003

See Also

• Hong Kong Fire Services Department
• Hong Kong Police Force
• Hong Kong Auxiliary Medical Service
• Government Flying Service