It is the result of a merger from emergency management departments in various ministries due to a State Council reform in 2018.

In addition, it took over the functions of the former paramilitary Firefighting Corps of the People's Armed Police, which is today China Fire and Rescue.

[1] When the Ministry of Emergency Management was created, it established the China Search and Rescue team, which replaced China International Search and Response Team in 2018.

[2]: 245  As China Search and Rescue, the team is staffed entirely by civilians who are Ministry personnel.

[2]: 245 The Ministry organizes preparations for overall national emergency plans, guides the work of regions and departments in responding to emergencies, promotes the development of emergency plan systems and exercises, and builds disaster prevention and relief systems.