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Any incident in which ASRC particpates must be under the command of a "responsible authority", generally a state, county or local law enforcement agency. After receiving notification of a wilderness emergency, the responsible authority may contact a state emergency management agency (see Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for example) if SAR resources are needed. This agency often has broad authority to coordinate disaster management activities throughout the state, and maintains emergency plans for natural and technological disaster response. Once a state emergency management is briefed on the incident, it contacts the Appalachian Search and Rescue Conference (ASRC). Alternatively, local law enforcement agencies may contact the ASRC directly.

ASRC represents a coalition of 11 SAR organizations, each covering part of the mid-Atlantic region and Ohio. Through its member organizations, ASRC can mobilize over 400 trained volunteers in a response territory that stretches from Pennsylvania to the northern border of North Carolina and west to Ohio and West Virginia. Based on the geography and type of incident, ASRC will dispatch some or all of its groups to the scene.

Once on scene, members of the ASRC groups coordinate with law enforcement, EMS, and local volunteers to carry out the search effort. ASRC members generally work together in teams of 4-6 searchers, combing through wilderness areas in search of victims or evidence of their wherabouts. Once located, victims may require medical assistance and/or evacuation depending on the type of incident that has occurred. ASRC conducts both manual "carryouts" as well as assisting with aerial helicopter-based rescues.