There is an implicit assumption in the discussion so far that we are talking about victims who got into trouble while recreating. What about folks who need rescuing while working or pursuing some non-recreational end? This isn't hypothetical.

About thirty years ago, a ranger went out on a Sunday afternoon to "check the nature trail" a perfectly good way to conclude a slow winter Sunday afternoon. He hasn't been seen since. How and why he disappeared still isn't resolved, although there are two theories. He may have run into some bad guys consummating a drug deal and been offed by them. He may have skipped to Mexico. He was a controversial employee who had just been reinstated after winning a court battle.

The primary search went on for two weeks, followed by training in the use of Drager breathing devices and the search of several extensive mine workings in the area, and a lot of following up of leads in the months and years thereafter. Eventually his estate was settled and his widow received her proper benefits. BTW, that is one of the practical benefits of a SAR, even if it is nothing more than a body - death is a settled issue and the estate can be probated with no length delays, to say whatever psychological benefits may come to family and friends.