The Emergency Services Detail is responsible for coordinating and participating in mountain search and rescue, underwater search and rescue, and swift water and flood rescue operations for the Sheriff's Department. Rescue 5

They also staff the Air Rescue 5 Helicopter crew (see the Aero Bureau site for more information on Air-5) and accompany the Special Weapons Teams on all operations. As SWT Paramedics, they are able to render aid to deputies, victims and suspects under hostile conditions. In addition to their SWT training, all ESD Deputies are certified paramedics and rescue divers.

ESD maintains two Reserve companies assigned to its command: A Medical Company, which consists of doctors and medical specialists available to work with the Air-5 crew on busy weekends and major holidays; And a Marine Dive Company, which consists of boat operators, marine technicians and underwater operations specialists who can assist with marine operations.

The Department's "Air Rescue 5" program is comprised of three Sikorsky H-3 Sea King helicopters which is complimented with the Department’s rescue and paramedic operations and associated base of operations, located currently in Long Beach, California. General information on the Sheriff’s Department can be obtained on the web at www.lasd.org.

Last year, Air Rescue 5 pilots flew more than 600 live-saving missions over seven Southern California counties with a gross aggregate land area in excess of 45,000 square miles, almost 30% of the State of California’s total land area. More than 17 million residents (more than 51% of the State’s population) reside in these counties. The Air 5 rescue program provides some of the most advanced technical rescue capabilities available in the nation. With a flight crew of two deputy pilots, a sergeant crew chief and two Emergency Service Detail deputy paramedics, the team is deployed on search and rescue and over-water operations, and can rapidly deploy Tactical Response Forces during major incidents. ASTAR

The services Aero Bureau provides in the new millennium ranges from patrol support to Homeland Security to search and rescue operations. The acquisition of the American Eurocopter AS350B2 "ASTAR" helicopters for patrol operations and the Sikorsky H-3 helicopters for mountain rescue has greatly enhanced Aero Bureau's ability to address any situation requiring air support within the Sheriff's jurisdiction and beyond. Additionally, the Bureau's fleet of fixed wing aircraft provide vital covert surveillance support to undercover detectives and rapid transport of personnel to any location with a 1500 mile radius.

The patrol helicopters support all law enforcement ground units involved in police activity. With the use of advanced technology systems that include Forward Looking Infrared (F.L.I.R.), Multi-band digital radio systems, Global Positioning Mapping System, and Down-Link video feed, air crews provide real time pro-active support to law enforcement personnel and Command Operation Centers. Air crews also provide transportation for specialized units such as S.E.B., K-9, Arson Explosives Detail Unit, or any other support unit that requires rapid and immediate deployment to a location.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau provides vital support to all law enforcement missions as a true force-multiplier and is recognized world wide as a leader in tactical aviation law enforcement services.