Civil Support Team

A Civil Support Team (CST) is a specialized unit of emergency responders—often part of the National Guard—that provides technical assistance to civil authorities during incidents involving weapons of mass destruction or hazardous materials. They assess risks, identify dangerous substances, and offer expert advice on response strategies. CST members are trained in areas like decontamination, medical support, and hazardous material detection. Their goal is to help protect the public, first responders, and the environment by delivering specialized skills and resources during emergencies involving chemical, biological, or radiological threats.