Rescue involves finding and removing people from danger in a safe and efficient manner. There are several sub-categories under the rescue heading.

Urban Search & Rescue,

This is the traditional type of Civil Defence rescue activity. It grew from the experience of World War 2 in the UK and in Ireland. It originally concentrated on bomb-damaged buildings, but has broadened to all forms of building collapse.

Transportation Rescue,

Incidents involving Aircraft, Trains or other means of transportation could be of a scale that would lead to Civil Defence involvement. Skills and equipment related to these types of operation are in constant development and are currently under review with a view to broadening the scope of Civil Defence capabilities.

Open Country Search & Rescue,

One of the most common causes of Civil Defence callouts is to assist the Gardai in searches for missing people. Navigation and search management skills are vital this area.

Heights Rescue,

Heights rescue incorporates many of the elements of open country search and rescue, but it also adds technical skills related to rescuing people from heights. Abseiling, ascending, rope rescue etc. all play a part.

Water Rescue.

Water rescue can take the form of actually operating on the water in powerboats or kayaks, or shoreline searching.

Everybody involved in Rescue first trains in Basic Rescue Skills and then works toward developing more advanced skills in the various sub-categories. All rescue personnel are required to have at least a Lifesaving First Aid certificate.