The main task of the unit is to aid all (military) aircraft in distress, search for overdue or crashed aircraft, and rescue aircrew and passengers. The secondary task is giving assistance to the civil German Helicopter Emergency Medical Services if a request is made from an RCC. Another important task is to assist during natural disasters and military exercises.
The crew of the H145 LUH SAR, consisting of two pilots and a medic, are on duty eight consecutive days for 24 hours a day at their detachment, and can be in the air (during daytime) within 15 minutes after being alerted. At night, the crew must be in the air within 60 minutes, but in practice the reaction time in both situations is much shorter than required.